Dell XPS M1710
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Wed 15 of Aug, 2007 [06:14 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 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.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesSpecifications
| 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 | |
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 |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Express Card Slot | Not Tested | |
Notes
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 driver. This is because the open source 'nv' driver does not support the 3D function of this chip. We have an installation guide which you can view for the nvidia proprietary driver here.Related Resources
Preparing your laptop for LinuxConfiguring a nVidia graphics chip
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life
Summary
Linux installation on the Dell XPS M1710 went though without any issues at all. However you will need to use the proprietary nvidia driver 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 ?
Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.

Comments
The computer runs better in Ubuntu than Vista.