Dell Precision M90
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Wed 15 of Aug, 2007 [06:16 UTC]by Bill Giannikos
This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which drivers you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required drivers have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.
Authors
Bill Giannikos (bill2 at giannikos.com.au)Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Precision M90 laptop. A large screen notebook with high end components, the Precision M90 is one big and heavy computer.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesSpecifications
| Name | Dell Precision M90 | |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T2500 2Ghz | |
| Screen | 17" UXGA | |
| RAM | 2GB | |
| HDD | 80GB | |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW | |
| Graphics | Nvidia Quadro NVS FX1500M | |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet + Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless + Bluetooth | |
| Other | 6 x USB2.0 + 1 x Firewire | |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-hda-intel driver |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the ipw3945 driver |
| Bluetooth | Not Tested | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Express Card Slot | Not Tested | |
Notes
The Nvidia Quadro NVS FX1500M included with the M90 can function with either the open source nv or the proprietary nvidia driver.For installation instructions for the proprietary nvidia driver you can view our Configuring a nVidia graphics chip guide.
There are some models of the Precision M90 that have the Dell Wireless 1390 network card. Compatibility isn't know at this time but it likely will need ndiswrapper to function.
Related Resources
Preparing your laptop for LinuxConfiguring a nVidia graphics chip
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Configuring the ndiswrapper driver for wireless controllers without native Linux drivers
Increasing battery life
Summary
The Dell Precision M90 is certainly one big and heavy notebook but it does have excellent Linux support.Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.
Comments
Wireless varies