Dell Vostro 1700
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Sat 02 of Feb, 2008 [05:30 UTC]
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.
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Vostro 1700 laptop.Editing This Page
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| Name | Dell Vostro 1700 | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 2GHz | |
| Screen | 17" WXGA+ Widescreen | |
| RAM | 2GB | |
| HDD | 250GB | |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW | |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Geforce 8400M | |
| Network | Ethernet, Intel 3945 802.11abg, Bluetooth | |
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 | |
| Webcam | Yes | Use the uvc-linux driver |
Notes
The NVIDIA Geforce 8400M being used by the the Vostro 1700 needs the proprietary NVIDIA driver to function properly. A few Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu 7.10) provide this driver but for other you will need to install manually.A few models of the Vostro 1700 use the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100. It is likely that this controller works just fine but if anybody can provide confirmation that would be great.
A few models also come with the Dell Wireless 1390 controller which basically is a 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 sound support you will probably 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. Most distributions require this step.
A Linux distribution with at least kernel 2.6.22 is recommended for best hardware support.
Summary
There are few steps which are required to get the Dell Vostro 1700 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.
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