E6410 Owner's Thread

Actually, I prefer using LiveUSB w/ persistent mod instead. This serve a few purposes:
1. USB flash consume less power than spinning CD/DVD.
2. You only have 1 DVD drive, but you have 3 USB port, so you can use linux on USB and still be able to use DVD drive.
3. Using persistent linux mean you can make some slight modification and save stuff on the USB w/o actually install anything on the harddrive.
3.5 From #3, this actually lead to better battery life(even better than normal boot) if you boot from USB and run the whole thing off USB flash instead of installing it on the harddrive, since both HD/DVD are practically not drawing much power at all because they are not being use.

If you only use linux lightly, then I suggest you give that a try.

 

Nah, I'd like a full install. I'm going to be spending a fair amount of time with thing booted up into Linux, so yeah. I currently run it in Virtualbox, but that's marginal for what I'm wanting to do.

 

Can anybody else get the video drivers for this from Welcome to Dell Support It claims that the file isn't available for the nVidia graphics.

 

Several people using E6410 on linux have had trouble with the new video cards (NVidia and Intel) -- drivers for linux not yet ready. You can search on Ubuntu and Fedora threads for example. When I tried the latest Knoppix live DVD a couple of weeks ago, it froze during boot.

Using Fedora 13 (and recent kernel and xorg updates) I managed to get mine working adequately with Intel video, but under constraints that you may not find comfortable. I needed to be able to connect an external monitor or projector and found that plugging one in caused linux (more precisely the X server) to crash.

My workaround, on Fedora 13 was

1. boot into runlevel 3 not 5 (by editing /etc/inittab)
2. start up X ('startx') run my preferred window manager (OpenBox or CTWM) invoked from ~/.xinitrc file.
3. make sure the external monitor is not plugged in until full graphical mode has started.
Then plug it in.
4. run lxrandr to choose resolution for the laptop display (mine is 1440x900) and resolution for the external display/projector, which can be totally different.
5. Remember to unplug the monitor/projector before shutting down, hibernating, or rebooting. If I attempt to exit graphical mode with the monitor connected the X server crashes and the machine freezes (though you can log in via a network and try to reboot).

Those restrictions don't bother me, and it makes this the best linux laptop I have ever used. But they might be intolerable for others, e.g. people who want to use gnome or kde, requiring runlevel 5. There may be workarounds that I have not encountered.

I expect that in a few months all the graphic driver issues will be solved, as many people seem to be wanting to use these new latitudes on linux. It often takes a while for linux to catch up because hardware developers understandably give priority to the operating system with a bigger market. However intel and nvidia do give good linux support. E.g. the intel wireless card worked immediately on Fedora 13.

A lot more detail is on my linux laptop web site: Linux on my Dell Latitude (Now E6410) Laptop -- still being updated, as I learn.

Comments, criticisms, and suggestions welcome. (Email A.Sloman AT cs.bham.ac.uk)

Hope that's of some use.

 

AaronSloman - Thanks for your input, that's very good to know. I've only just skim read your guide you've posted a link to there but I will definitely have a proper look at it later (still trying to get the machine set up on Windows how I'd like it). I'm one of those people who will be using desktop environments rather than a windows manager (my preference is towards GNOME, specifically) so I might just have to have a mess around to see what works. Obviously I have nVidia graphics whereas you have the Intel GMA, so I guess that will pose some differences. At the moment I have plans to use dual monitors (that is, laptop screen + external LCD) with a docking station (when I purchase one) so your guide might come in handy.

Thanks!

 

Zaraphrax, I would just download the binary NVidia driver from NVidia.com

Unix Drivers Portal Page

 

I was referring to the Windows ones, but yeah, I ended up picking them up with Windows Update. Just installing it now.

EDIT - Someone was talking about before how the system keeps the fan off for as long as possible. Ironically, my system is actually cooler under load than it is idle (go figure), becuase the fan is off for as long as possible. But put it under some load, fan kicks in and keeps things cool. Perfect. It's not too hot system temp wise, nor is the actual unit too hot on the touch. Does a much better job than the faulty M1530 it's replacing.

 

Hi all...ordered an E6410 from Dell Outlet. It has the nvidia 3100M - I know this is a lower end graphics card. I have a full desktop for most gaming. What can the 310M handle for when I'm on the road? Can it do TorchLight, WoW and 3D adventure games like Sam and Max or Monkey Island?

Thanks so much for your thoughts!

N

 

just got my laptop today! it is sexxxxxxxxy I'm so happy i bought a business line instead of consumer grade one! i haven't had much time to play with it, but i'm impressed so far with the build quality, weight, screen, and ports on it!

i'm still curious about how many external displays the NVS3100M can drive. i have a vga & displayport, so could i drive 2 external monitors + my laptop screen with the 3100M?

*edit* the only issue i've had so far is the Dell ControlPoint System Manager kicking Windows 7 into basic mode? i'll look into this when i have more time.. something about it not supporting the AERO interface

 

I received my E6410 from the Outlet today... consequently having trouble focusing on my work

The thing seems to be in like-new condition, with one minor exception: the screw holding the optical drive in place is missing. Seems like an odd oversight on their part. I'll pester them for a replacement, but figure I can find a suitable screw myself if need be.

There are even a few add-ons with this model which I had not expected: the fingerprint reader and the smart card slot are both included, though they hadn't been listed on the invoice. I forgot about Arrandale's hyperthreading, and was shocked to see four processors in task manager.

Instead of coming with an oem Windows disc, it has a Dell disc called an operating system "Reinstallation DVD". I assume this is just a windows disc with Dell's label on it? Will it work for a fresh install of Windows? or is it a dell image?

I'm quite pleased with the system to start off with. The silver finish on the lid is rather handsome. I haven't done any real testing, but am initially surprised by the power and spacious soundstage of the speakers.

The screen's viewing angles could be better, but it seems perfectly usable; though I might not be so thrilled with it if I'd paid full price.

The keyboard isn't quite as stiff I'd hoped, and the right shift key seems to stick up a little (like 1/32" at most). Even so, the keyboard easily beats any consumer-level laptop I've tested.

The trackpad is small, but seems responsive: no issues noted, except a stutter here or there when the system is thinking hard, when I wouldn't even expect a mouse to track properly.

Anyway, I've only had a little bit to fiddle with it, but it seems like a great notebook.