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.

Page Contents Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Summary

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Vostro 1400 laptop.

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Specifications

Name	Dell Vostro 1400
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo T5270 1.4GHz
Screen	14.1" WXGA Widescreen
RAM	2GB
HDD	120GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	NVIDIA Geforce 8400M
Network	Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11abg

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
HDD	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes
Ethernet	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Use the iwl3945 driver
Modem	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
Card Reader	Not Tested
ExpressCard Slot	Not Tested

Notes

The NVIDIA Geforce 8400M needs the proprietary NVIDIA driver to function properly. Some Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu 7.10) provide this driver but for other you will need to install manually.

Some models of the Vostro 1400 come with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100. It is expected that this controller works just fine but if anybody can provide confirmation that would be great.

Some models also come with the Dell 1390 wireless controller which is basically a rebadged Broadcom controller. This will likely need ndiswrapper to function. If you about to order this laptop try and get it with the Intel controller as its drivers are much better.

For proper sound support you will need to update to the latest version of the development ALSA drivers (at least version 1.0.16rc2). Once these updated drivers make it into the kernel this step wont be necessary.

A recently released Linux distribution, one with at least kernel 2.6.22, is recommended for best hardware support.

Summary

There are a few steps required to get the Dell Vostro 1400 working under Linux. Some Linux knowledge will be required for the ALSA and NVIDIA driver installation.


Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.