This post is more than 5 years old
24 Posts
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19630
January 2nd, 2010 09:00
Dell Vostro v13 Ubuntu version gone
Dell recently began offering a new business laptop: The Vostro v13. The form factor seems perfect for working in airline coach seats. The hinged screen is offset toward the keyboard, which allows the screen to be opened farther without hitting the seatback in front of you. My Ubuntu-powered Inspiron 1525 is just a little too big, and I spend about 15 hours a month sitting in coach. Dell was offering a stripped-down v13 with Ubuntu for less than $500, but it disappeared from the website after Christmas. The sales agent I chatted with didn't know why they discontinued the Ubuntu model. I was planning to buy a Wndoze version to get a faster processor, then add Ubuntu on my own (actually Kubuntu - I like KDE). Does anyone know why the Ubuntu model was discontinued? Has anyone run Ubuntu on the v13? Are there any installation or compatibility problems?
toaster53
5 Posts
0
January 2nd, 2011 14:00
In the mean time, the Linux version is back, you can buy the Dell Ubuntu Vostro V130. Unfortunately, it is a Celeron version and the faster ones do not have the Linux option. I am thinking about buying a faster V130 and then installing Linux.
I have always had the best luck with Intel wireless cards. On multiple occasions have I replaced the existing one with an Intel one (most recently I replaced the Broadcom card in my Dell Inspiron 1545 with an Intel one, and the Wifi connected immediately, without any problems.)
noibs
1 Message
0
January 3rd, 2010 07:00
I guess I'm a conspiracy theory guy...but my guess is that the Vostro v13 with Linux was such a screaming good deal that Microsoft told Dell to pull it. Microsoft wields incredible power over Dell, HP and the rest because of the silent discounts the PC manufacturers receive when they sell hardware preloaded with Windoze. Put simply, Dell can't afford to p-off Microsoft.
Once v13's start shipping (I don't think any have shipped yet), the real issue is whether the versions sold with Windoze will accept Ubuntu without any signficiant problems. Like you, I have been looking at top-of-the-line v13 with the dual processor. However, I want to get some hands-on reports of Linux compatibility. Another scenario as to why Dell pulled the low-end v13 with Linux involves some hardware compatibility issue.
Saunter
24 Posts
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January 6th, 2010 08:00
Hmm....
The Ubuntu version of the v13 mysteriously reappeared on Dell's website yesterday. There's also a review from someone who's using Ubuntu on it. Seems to work fine, with some minor issues that any Linux user should be able to deal with. The reviewer is getting around 5 hours on the internal, non-swappable battery. That's good enough for me. I'll be hitting the ORDER button by the end of the week!
Saunter
24 Posts
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January 23rd, 2010 16:00
Okay, I received my Vostro v13 three days ago. I bought the top of the line package, with the faster hard disk, dual-core processor, and Windoze7 pre-installed. I partitioned the drive for dual-booting, then installed Kubuntu 9.10 from the live CD. Kubuntu loaded and works just fine. The only problem was that I needed to turn up the PCM slider in the mixer.
One weird problem that is driving me nuts, though. I also set up a wireless home network with a new Belkin N+ router. My Vostro connects with it easily in Windoze, but is very hit-and-miss with Kubuntu. Kubuntu connects easily with the neighbor's unsecured Syslink router, and with the Syslink router at my work, but not with my Belkin N+. My older Inspiron 1525 is also running Kubuntu 9.10 and it connects with the router just fine. It has an older wireless G card and uses a different driver: iwl3945. The new Vostro has an internal wireless N card and uses the driver: iwlagn.
Anyone have any ideas on that?