This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell XPS M1710 notebook. The XPS M1710 is a very high end notebook with a big screen and fast components. It is also very heavy. Linux support is top notch.
This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which modules you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required modules have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.
| Name | Dell XPS M1710 |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T7400 2.16Ghz |
| Screen | 17” WUXGA |
| RAM | 1GB |
| HDD | 120GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce Go 7900 GS |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet + Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless |
| Other | 6 x USB2.0 + 1 x Firewire |
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-hda-intel module |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the ipw3945 module |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | |
The Nvidia GeForce Go 7900 GS included with the XPS M1710 is an extremely fast chip who's full potential can only be seen with Nvidia's proprietary module. This is because the open source 'nv' module does not support the 3D function of this chip. We have an installation guide which you can view for the nvidia proprietary module here.
Linux installation on the Dell XPS M1710 went though without any issues at all. However you will need to use the proprietary nvidia module to get the most out of this notebook.
!Questions
Is anybody out there who got the S/PDIF out running? (via dell's composite adapter-cable)
Is anybody got the internal card reader working ?
If you are looking to purchase a Dell laptop you can visit
Dell's laptops page.

Alternatively, to purchase a laptop with Linux pre-installed you can visit
Dell's Ubuntu website.

Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the discussion section below.
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Discussion
I get an intermittent screen flicker on my M1710 with nVidia Geforce Go 7950 GTX using nvidia's own restricted 180.29 driver. No help so far on nvVidia forums. It's really annoying. Anyone else with this/suggestions?
If anyone wants to use their XPS LEDs to indicate CPU load and / or temperature, I've just uploaded an Ubuntu package to do this to:
http://dellxpsled.svn.sourceforge.net/
Let me know if you have any joy or find any issues!
Cheers,
Warren
Wireless problems fixed.
Hey, I got my wireless problems fixed with Ubuntu 8.10! I reinstalled Ubuntu (of course) then when I went to the hardware drivers, I saw where the drivers were in use. I tried to enable the wireless and it started the install. There was a little check box that I missed that asked me to download the firmware, I clicked on the check box and clicked on next. It redownloaded the firmware and enabled the device (previously it would not enable because I failed to download the firmware). It now works, I was able to enable the video drivers and everything is working fine now.
Wireless problems.
I have ran Ubuntu 7.10, 8.04 Vista Business and XP Pro on this machine. I am having a problem with the wireless in 8.04, but I loved it when it ran in 7.10. Unfortunately, some of the critical software I run needs to run on windows software, so I have to go back and forth. However for the next few months, it is dry and I don't need windows. If I am able to fix it I will let you know.
I wiped my Windows XP on my M1710 and installed Ubuntu. It's not all smooth sailing but I think I've ironed most of the problems.
So far so good, even the media keys at the front all working perfectly which is a pleasant surprised.
Currently having problem with suspend/hibernate. I can't get the laptop running after being suspended or hibernated.
I have Ubuntu 8.04 on my M1710, the multimedia keys work fine, however having issues with enabling the wireless using the FN+F2 key combination, all others I've tested (volume, brightness, eject, battery) seem to operate. I'm fairly certain all items worked under 7.10
Have Ubuntu 8.04 running on my M1710. Only thing that is not working is the multimediakeys on the front. I am working on that problem at the moment.
The computer runs better in Ubuntu than Vista.