This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Latitude X1 laptop. This is a small laptop with long battery life but with some decent specifications as well. Linux support for the X1 is excellent.
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 X1 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium-M 733 ULV 1.1Ghz |
| Screen | 12.1” |
| RAM | 512MB |
| HDD | 60GB |
| Optical Drive | External DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet + Intel 2200 802.11g Wireless |
| Other | 2 x USB2.0 |
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use snd-intel8x0 module |
| Ethernet | Yes | Use tg3 module |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the ipw2200 module |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes |
As default the native screen resolution of the Latitude X1 is 1280×768, however due to the way the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 functions this resolution would not be usable right away. To get it working you will need to install the 915resolution program and type in:
915resolution 3c 1280 768
This will then allow you to use the native 1280×768 resolution. However this setting will be forgotten after each boot so you will need a way to automatically run this command at every boot. Fortunately most Linux distributions come with the 915resolution program and include a simple way of achieving this. You can view our Configuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 & 950 guide for more information.
The Dell Latitude X1 is an excellent laptop for people who need a small notebook with good Linux compatibility. While it is not totally hassle free to get working with Linux, with a little work everything should function well.
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