This is a compatibility guide to running Linux with the Dell Vostro 1200 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 Vostro 1200 (Compal JFT00/Intelbrás I62 plus many others) |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Screen | 12.1” WXGA Widescreen |
| RAM | 1GB to 4GB |
| HDD | Up to 160GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 |
| Network | Ethernet, Intel 3945ABG 802.11abg or Intel 4965AGN 802.11abgn, Bluetooth |
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | works out of the box | |
| Screen | works out of the box | |
| HDD | works out of the box | (250GB Intelbrás model) |
| Optical Drive | works out of the box | |
| Graphics | works out of the box | |
| Sound | works out of the box | low volume overall |
| Ethernet | works out of the box | gigabit connection not tested |
| Wireless | works out of the box | iwl3945 version tested |
| Bluetooth | Not Tested | mine doesn't have it |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | works out of the box | |
| Card Reader | works out of the box | even mounts MS correctly |
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested | |
| Fingerprint Reader | works partially with workaround | http://knowledge76.com/index.php/Fingerprint_Reader_Installation |
| Camera | works out of the box |
All the tests were ran in an Intelbrás I62, that is the same computer as Dell Vostro 1200 (and their generic, Compal JFT00), in Ubuntu 8.10.
Overall it works completely well without any hassle in x86.
I could make it boot x64 install CD.
Discussion
Experiencing the same overheating problem with Ubuntu 9.10 and the latest Compal BIOS (A106, released march/09).
The difference to me is that even without sleeping I have that issue…
Even if my computer is not branded by anyone, can I use a BIOS from Dell? Does that BIOS work any better?
Thanks!
My friends, I totally had freaked out about this fan problem. I updated BIOS to 1.05 and will try 1.06A. The same problem ocurrs on Mac OSx86 (aka Hackintosh).
On Ubuntu 9.04, it sleeps ok! When power button is pressed, display, wifi and sound wakes up normally, but battery status becomes unknown and fan doesn´t change speed according to CPU load, remaining always almost unaudible. And that causes a suddenly shutdown due to overheating.
Anyone has solved that?
Thanks,
Jorge Costa (Brazil)
I had installed Ubuntu 9.04 on my Vostro 1200. It runs quite well unless the Bluetooth cannot be activated.
The fan still cannot wake up from suspend. Maybe it is the problem of hard disk (Toshiba). http://swinky-linuxblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/ubuntu-904-on-toshiba-satellite-l305.html
Dell Vostro 1200 can run Ubuntu 8.10, but it has a little problem when it runs on Ubuntu 9.04. The fan can not wake up from suspending. The result will be its temperature is very high, and it will shut down.
Now, I am trying to update bios, hope this problem will be solved.
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=th&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R214259&SystemID=VOS_N_1200&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=18029&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=4&catid=1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=1&fileid=303311
Dear sir,