need help on notebook compatibility with GNu/Linux

[iamroot 0]

I'm currently quite interested in this Dell notebook for my school use but I'm not sure whether the hardware is compatible with GNU/Linux. The config is:

 

Intel Pentium M 715 1.5 Ghz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 400 Mhz FSB

Intel PRO?Wireless 2200 Network Connection 802.11b/g

15.4" Ultrasharp Wide Screen XGA TFT Display

512 MB DDR-2 SDRAM

60 GB HDD

24x CD burner/DVD Combo drive

64MB DDR ATI Mobility Radeon X300

 

I've heard that thereisnt any driver support for mobility radeons on GNU/Linux. Is it true? Pls help.

[mrvladimir 0]

I have that notebook, and currently, Debian (Sarge) is choking on the video card and the screen. I'll be searching many forums for a fix to this, and if I do find something, I'll post it here.

[danleff 0]

See the ATI Linux driver release notes located here.

 

They do not mention support for this card.

[mrvladimir 0]

Well, after much fiddling and cursing, I figured out how to install Xorg on the system. Following that, the thing booted normally, and can run all sorts of resolutions, including the native "1280x800", so the screen doesn't look all shady. Thank you, Xorg!

[iamroot 0]

Is the ATI Radeon X300 compatible with the ATI GNU/Linux driver?

[martouf 0]

yes. even accelerated using the xorg radeon driver.

no need to use the ati drivers if you don't want to..

 

tested with ubuntu, knoppix, suse livecd, and simplymepis.

it's important to manually select your screen resolution from

the boot menu.

 

i have a latitude d600.

 

[iamroot 0]

Hmm. I thought the default video drivers doesnt have hardware acceleration?

[martouf 0]

tested with tux racer (accel required) with simplymepis.

[iamroot 0]

Wow. That's new. My Nvidia card doesnt have hardware acc with the default drivers.