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    Dell XPS l502 or Inspiron N5110 for linux?

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by tony225, Jun 29, 2011.

  1. tony225

    tony225 Newbie

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    Hi,
    I am considering these two laptops
    Dell XPS 15R L502x - i5 2410, 6GB, Nvidia 525 1GB with Optimus, 500GB HDD etc.

    Dell Inpiron 15R N5110 - i5 2410, 4gb, Nvidia 525 1gb, 500GB HDD etc.

    Now, the OS i want to use is Linux, preferably CentOS or if it is not possible, Fedora. I have read that linux has problems with Optimus. I dont want Optimus in Linux, i am fine with either the Nvidia or Intel. If it is intel, i would like to have the Nvidia off and save some battery life. I occasionally play Fifa and CoD, and thats why i need a discreet graphics card and ill have a dual boot system (Win7+linux).

    Which of the two will be better buy for linux? My linux level is basic, i am not so comfortable messing around with kernel modules etc. It would be a plus if i have things like display, sound, wifi etc work out of the box.

    As per the dell website in India, it says Inspiron has 'Nvidia 525 1 GB' and XPS has 'Nvidia 525 1 GB with Optimus'. So does this mean that in Inspiron, Nvidia is the only GPU and always on? Can somebody confirm that Inspiron has no Optimus?
    If that is the case, i think i can install the official Nvidia linux drivers in the Inspiron and use linux without any 'Optimus issue', am I right?

    Thanks for your help,
    tony
     
    tony225, Jun 29, 2011
    #1
  2. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    CentOS is a bit more picky, so you might have a better experience with Fedora. The biggest issue you'd face is finding a compatible wireless device. I'd stay away from the Dell brand ones since they use Broadcom, but you should have no problem if you pick the Intel wifi device.
     
    atbnet, Jun 29, 2011
    #2
  3. f4ding

    f4ding Laptop Owner

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    Broadcom fixed their issues long ago. See Broadcom.com - 802.11 Linux STA driver for example. That's the driver plus instruction on how to install it and configure it. You can't go wrong with Linux anymore nowadays. Dare I say, 99% of all hardware are compatible with Linux as they are with Windows.

    I do not know about Optimus. But I've seen postings that mention Optimus is really up to the manufacturer, so it could be that Dell has disabled Optimus in the Inspiron line.
     
    f4ding, Jun 30, 2011
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  4. tony225

    tony225 Newbie

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    Thanks atbnet and f4ding. :)
    Both these Dells have Intel wireless. So no broadcom issues.
     
    tony225, Jun 30, 2011
    #4