This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Latitude D430 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.
There are several wireless controllers available for the Latitude D430, the Intel 4965, Intel 3945, Dell Wireless 1390 and Dell Wireless 1490. The Dell wireless controllers are based on the Broadcom chipset which are not well supported under Linux. The Intel based ones work much better.
Mandriva installs on the system with very few problems. The wifi is supported and is able to run after activation under the “Configure Your Computer” tab. The O2Mirco Smartcard Reader is a different story. Linuxnet [http://www.linuxnet.com] makes a compatiable driver through their Movement for the Use of Smartcards in a Linux Environment (MUSCLE). GNA! [http://gna.org/projects/o2scr] also makes a compatiable driver.
As of Novemeber 7, 2009 there are a few bugs in the Mandriva distro that cause a few problems. The problems seem to be centered around the web browsers Firefox and Epiphany. Firefox will display a message indicating npviewer.bin has crashed. Epiphany will freeze and the user will have to Force Quit the application. An easy fix is to migrate to the SeaMonkey browser which is based on the Mozilla Firefox open-source code.
Updated Distro to KDE instead. Firefox problems no longer an issue. Did not attempt Ephipany.
Discussion
Jolicloud OS 1.2 and Linux Mint 12 “Lisa” on DELL Latitude D430, wireless card Dell 1490 (Broadcom) not working. Thoughts?
Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron
wireless does not work with the Dell 1390 controller
Machine configuration and look is good. long time usage of this machine is bad just because of heatup. otherwise machine good