Dell XPS M1210
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Wed 15 of Aug, 2007 [06:15 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 XPS M1210 laptop. This is a small sized laptop but with some higher end components. It is a little heavy though.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesLinux Compatibility
| Device | Type | Compatibility | Comments |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T5600 1.83Ghz | Yes | |
| Screen | 12.1" WXGA | Yes | |
| HDD | 120GB | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW | Yes | |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 TurboCache | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-hda-intel driver | |
| Ethernet | 10/100 | Yes | |
| Wireless | Intel 3945 802.11g | Yes | Use the ipw3945 driver |
| Bluetooth | Yes | ||
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | ||
| USB | 4 x USB2.0 | Yes | |
| Firewire | 1 x Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Express Card Slot | Not Tested | ||
| Webcam | Experimental, see below | ||
| SD Card Slot | Yes |
Notes
The Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 TurboCache which is included with the XPS M1210 can function with both the nv driver included with Xorg and the Nvidia's proprietary driver. For OpenGL support you will need to use the proprietary driver. You can find installation instructions for the nvidia card here.Some cheaper models of the Dell XPS M1210 include the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950. This has not yet been tested but it has been reported to work with the 915resolution tool.
You can use the Linux UVC driver to get the webcam working with the M1210. However these drivers are experimental and quality isn't great at the moment. I could only get a black and white picture from the camera.
Distribution Specific Notes
Mandriva
Mandriva 2007.1 has a problem with the keyboard. If you press a button on the keyboard on occasion it reads it multiple time. For example, if you press 'd' on the keyboard sometimes you get 'dddd'. Updating the kernel to 2.6.21.3-tmb-desktop-1mdvsmp, which is available in the contrib repository, fixes this issue.Related Resources
Preparing your laptop for LinuxConfiguring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950
Configuring a nVidia graphics chip
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life
Summary
The Dell XPS M1210 is an excellent choice for people requiring a small and powerful laptop with excellent Linux support. Installation of Linux on this laptop was a breeze.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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