This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell XPS M140 laptop. Dell have provided a middle of the range laptop with the XPS M140. The good news is that Linux compatibility for the M140 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 XPS M140 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium-M 730 1.73GHz |
| Screen | 14.1” WXGA |
| RAM | 512MB |
| HDD | 60GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD+-RW |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 |
| Network | 10/100 Ethernet, Intel 2200 802.11g Wireless |
| Other | 4 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire |
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-hda-intel module |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the ipw2200 module |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| Firewire | Not Tested | |
| Card Reader | Not Tested | |
| ExpressCard Slot | Not Tested |
The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 included with the XPS M140 requires the 915resolution tool to function properly. An installation and usage guide for the 915resolution tool is available here.
Installation of Linux on the Dell XPS M140 was very straight forward without any issues at all. The hardware in this notebook work very well with Linux.
Discussion
I've installed ubuntu 8.04 and 8.10 on this machine without any problems. I did have to install gkrellm and i8kutils to get the fan to operate.
Only other issue that is a nuisance is the screen brightness will modulate from slightly dim back to bright and back again slowly when it is running on battery (Ubuntu 8.10) (this seems to be a bug that is being worked on).
Also, if you change the brightness using either the function through gnome or the quick key on the keyboard will lock the keyboard and mouse (also a bug being worked on).
Everything else works like a charm. Super fun to customize the gnome GUI and such.
Cheers,
Stray