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Apoc
21-Feb-2006, 13:24
I'm gonna buy a Dell Inspiron 9400 (1,83 GHz Core duo, 1 GB Ram, 7800 go, 80GB HD) and i wonder if I could install linux on it, because I know there are some laptops that prevent installing linux on them.

I searched on http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/ and didn't found it. I don't know if it's not there because linux can't be installed on it or because nobody tried with the 9400 yet.

I want to install debian or Kubuntu on the laptop.

Can you help me? I want to order it today.
Hector
21-Feb-2006, 14:34
If it can boot from a CD then you can install it (more or less :P). I've made some research and there are people who has installed ubuntu on laptops using core duo, so it' seems to be possible. Anyway, the fastest way is check it by your self. If you find any problems just ask here or in ubuntu forums. Btw, you might want to install dapper flight 4 CD. It's pretty stable right now and it will probably support everything in your laptop (newer kernel and better power management, suspend function, etc.)
Apoc
21-Feb-2006, 15:11
If it can boot from a CD then you can install it (more or less :P). I've made some research and there are people who has installed ubuntu on laptops using core duo, so it' seems to be possible. Anyway, the fastest way is check it by your self. If you find any problems just ask here or in ubuntu forums. Btw, you might want to install dapper flight 4 CD. It's pretty stable right now and it will probably support everything in your laptop (newer kernel and better power management, suspend function, etc.)

Thanks.
Kalin
21-Feb-2006, 16:44
There's a nice laptop testing section on the Ubuntu wiki:

Hardware Support - Laptops (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupportMachinesLaptops)

Specifically for Dell laptops look here:
Dell laptops (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupportMachinesLaptopsDell)

They don't mention Inspiron 9400 though. Other laptops from the series (9200 and below) seem to work fine.
Chalnoth
21-Feb-2006, 20:45
To help support the idea that it should work, I'm using a school laptop (Dell) that has Linux installed on it.
Hector
21-Feb-2006, 22:56
Linux works on the new macs, which are essentially the same without the old school bios. Chipset and such are the same, so it should work. Tell us how is it going anyway.
Apoc
21-Feb-2006, 23:49
Linux works on the new macs, which are essentially the same without the old school bios. Chipset and such are the same, so it should work. Tell us how is it going anyway.

After all I didn't buy a Inspiron 9400 because of battery life. I made some tests and i got half the battery i get with an acer 1964WLMI, so i bought the acer instead.
Hector
22-Feb-2006, 08:20
I own myself an Acer Laptop. a TravelMate 290LMI. It's been two years and half since i bought it and i don't have any complains. With typical usage battery lasts about 2 hours and half in linux, and a little less in Windows. Anyway, weren't core-duo supposed to extend battery life? The USB problem is only related to Windows and broken ACPI,but not linux.
Apoc
22-Feb-2006, 08:44
The core duo were supossed to extend the battery life, but the 7800 go really drains it, and i decided I could do with a x700. Yes, the drivers are not as good as nvidia's, but as i don't want to play in linux (i only want to code) they are fine. Also, I needed the laptop next thursday, as i travel to france, and i need to code there.

The patch for the usb problem also affects pentium-m processors so if you install it in your laptop you'll probably get a bit more of battery life.