This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Latitude D420 laptop. Like its predecessor, the Dell Latitude D410, the D420 is a small laptop with good internals. Linux isn't too hard to setup on the laptop.
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.
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| Name | Dell Latitude D420 |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo U2500 1.2Ghz |
| Screen | 12.1” WXGA |
| RAM | 512MB |
| HDD | 60GB |
| Optical Drive | External DVD-ROM/CD-RW |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet + Intel 3945 802.11g Wireless |
| Other | 3 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 | |
| SD Card Slot | Yes | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested |
The native 1280×800 display resolution on the Dell Latitude D420 is an issue with Linux when the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 is used. You can find more information about this issue and a guide on fixing it here.
Latitude D420 may also come with the Dell 1390 or 1490 wireless network controller. Neither of these cards has been tested at this time.
As long as you have the version of the Dell Latitude D420 with the Intel 3945 wireless controller then this laptop works very well with Linux.
Discussion
what about the d420 bluetooth??