Best (modern) Dell laptop for Linux?

I'm considering a Dell laptop but I want to be able to use it in Linux (probably Ubuntu/Kubuntu) without too much trouble.

I've been to Dell's (Dell Canada) website to 'customize' a laptop and see what components are available.

I am guessing these are the laptop choices (in my price range):
Inspiron (Inspiron 1420)
Vostro (Vostro 1400)
XPS (XPS M1330)

I am open to the 15.4" (standard) screen sizes and options but for now, I'm leaning towards the thin, smaller screens of laptops (13.3" and 14.1" screens). I prefer the portability and don't think it's that much of a step down. I want to be able to watch DVD movies and was told the smaller screen won't be that bad. The only negative is that they're more expensive.

Okay, back to Linux compatibility and what is best for Linux use. Which one would you choose? Which components are the most essential to gain compatibility? Wireless? Graphics card? Sound? All of those? Which laptop listed gives this and/or is there another one I should consider?

Also, what does the 'n' ending on some of the model names (e.g. 1420n etc.) mean? Can I get a laptop without that configuration and still have it compatible with Linux?

Edit: I think I want to eliminate the Inspiron 1420 from the competition?: The Inspiron with the Dell Wireless N mini-card supposedly has issues including poor range. The Inspiron is only available with the Dell card? The XPS notebook with an Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N mini-card works better and works 'out of the box?'

Thanks in advance for your answers, info and recommendations.

 

The Vostro works quite well; I just can't guarantee that the webcam works with Ubuntu, but everything else does. And if you get an Intel card, all the better. However, the Broadcom card can be made to work.

 

I have an Inspiron 1501, everything works, no issues.

 

Thanks for that info! The webcam is a minor issue as I figure most internal/built-in webcams won't work too well in most distros.

I really wanted to avoid Broadcom cards ('don't want to bothered with ndiswrapper) so I prefer the Intel wireless cards.

Is the XPS the top of the line in that group or is the Vostro and XPS comparable? I think the Vostro is included in the business line but when I customized both, they were very similar (at least, to me) except for a few selection options/choices.

I'm not interested in the Dell laptops that are AMD since I prefer Intel Core 2 Duo laptops but that's interesting to know. Thanks.

 

Whatever dell you choose, try to avoid one with a broadcom wireless card. If you get the intel wireless option, many Linux distros work out of the box with respect to wireless. The m1330 is one of the best portable type laptops out there right now, and the NVidia drivers are readily available for Linux. I managed to get everything except the creative sound card software (there's still sound, just not the extra hardware boost) working under Ubuntu Hardy Heron with the m1330.

The "n" refers to compatibility with a new "n" wifi standard.

Also, Dell was shipping m1330 pre-built with Ubuntu at some point, so you might still be able to get one from dell.

 

What MrAl said !!!!! heed his advice

 

You don't have to use ndiswrapper, just use fw-cutter.

 

The webcam *might* work, and maybe just needs a driver. I just say that because I didn't see it listed under photo source options in one of the photo-management programs included with Ubuntu...

 

According to http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/31/ubuntu-powered-dell-xps-m1330-now-available-in-the-states/ , the XPS M1330 comes with the option of having Ubuntu preinstalled. I'm pretty sure that means all the hardware is going to work with it.

 

i have a dell e1705, m1210, and an m1330. they all run linux and every piece of hardware works. i mainly use it for flash webcam, wow, hd camcorder, digital camera, cell phone, ripping/burning/playing dvds/cds, ipod, etc. with regards to wireless and graphics, stick with intel wireless cards and nvidia. also, if you get an m1330, get the one with vista. the ubuntu version is only $50 and you don't get the fingerprint reader which works in linux and is quite useful. oh and the remote control that comes as an express card insert works in linux as well. oh and the webcam works with v4l and v4l2 tweaking so you can use skype and flash sites like stickam. hmm...i think it's time for me replace my e1705 with a 1720...

 

Then, there is the easiest thing to do for someone who wants to experience Linux without the time consuming problems of device tweaking before you begin the big learning curve from Windows to Linux.

Install VMWare over your Windows OS and then install which ever choice of Linux and everything works quite nicely.

The people that have used Unix/Linux over the years barely bat an eye to something so minor as a Broadcom Device that doesn't work immediately after new install.
You learn to tweak things your way. This is the great joy of Linux. Once, your computer 'tool' is properly tweaked it is without question a superior OS and makes all Windows OS's appear feeble and weak by comparison.

In fact, in time, any windows user, having moved into Linux, sees that it appears Microsoft stole most of their ideas for Windows from Unix/Linux.
Albeit, these are very slimmed down and quite limited thefts.

Ah,... boot Linux, and begin to move away from the crowd of the lost and condemned to constant frustration and confusion.

Blessings,
Chetanji

 

I tried Ubutnu 8.04 live CD in Vostro 1500 (C2D 1.5 GHz, 1 GB DDR2, 120 GB, X3100) and it worked very well.
But I don't recommend Ubuntu because of possible problems with hard disk .

 

If its any help, I have an Inspiron 1520 and everything works flawlessly, including webcam, bluetooth, nvidia graphics, and intel wireless card. I'm running PCLinuxOS. Thats pretty similar to either the inspiron or vostro you listed.

 

@mosquitogang201

What version of PC Linux OS you have?

 

What possible problems? They're not fixed yet? I think I have noticed a similar topic before but I don't know the details.

I don't mind trying another distro but I prefer Debian-based/KDE desktop/use of Synaptic Package Manager. If I had to learn something totally different, I'd probably choose Fedora (something close to Red Hat).

 

Honestly, Vista will work your HDD more then Ubuntu, IMO.

 

Another reason to get the Windows version is because you probably want to do a clean install of Ubuntu using the iso from http://www.ubuntu.com/, much like you don't want to keep an OEM Vista install. However, if you have a personal objection to having your money go to Microsoft, don't need/want the remote or fingerprint reader, or just want to vote for Linux with your wallet, then get the one that comes with Ubuntu preinstalled - you can always do a clean install anyway.

 

2007 with all updates

 

broadcom cards can be a pain the butt

I would avoid them

 

Not really, mine works fine.

 

My Broadcom NetLink G-Lan works flawless in PCLOS 2008 GNOME.

 

Any dell notebook will be fine for a linux distro such as Ubuntu. As long as you choose intel wireless (make life easier and better driver), you should be fine. The latitude may need a little adjustment for its Optical disk drive, but other than that dell have not been known to change vital parts such as Ethernet/modem, sound card, ODD, etc very often. They are known to use the cheapest part possible but they are usually have some supports by linux

 

I'm leaning towards the Dell XPS 1330 since there is decent compatibility and there should be a lot of sources (online) if I need assistance.

I do like some of the Asus machines that have the Core 2 Duo cpu, Intel wireless and Nvidia gpu. Some machines even have DVI (I need either DVI or HDMI). Have you or anyone ever tried hooking up your XPS M1330 to an external monitor (using Linux)? If so, what happened?

Thanks for feedback!

 

that 1330 is a pretty sweet machine, looked at one the other day at Sam's....but I would definitely try to spec out an Asus, Sager or Compal and compare.

 

You can use dual monitor with the twinview setup by hand configuring Xorg (really easy) or using nvidia-setting which are provided with there proprietary driver. For what happen when you connect to a external monitor, the xorg file will be trick into thinking that there is only one monitor but there are two. Just think of it as one big monitor with a single wallpaper filling both.