Dell Inspiron E1505 / Wireless / PVR
 

I just ordered a Dell Inspiron E1505 laptop. I was first wondering, am I going have a problem getting linux to install on it? Are there any distros that work better than others?

Next, I want a wireless card (802.11 b/g) that will work with linux easily, (and that can be put into monitor mode) plus something that has windows xp mce support.
Are there any good cards out there anyone knows of?

Finally, is there any support in linux for the WinTV-PVR-USB2? I currently have a desktop running mythtv and I like it a lot.

Check Dell web page for which linux versions your lappy model is certified. Then linux-on-laptops may show you install/config notes for linux on your lappy or similar ones. Many install notes discuss which wireless cards work and how they installed and got them to work. Good luck.

Hey tgkspike,

Have u tried it? I hav same question. Just let me know.

Sadashiv

I just installed Ubuntu Dapper (Beta) on my new dell e1505 and there were a couple problems, but nothing too serious. The hardest part was getting the correct screen resolution, but it wasn't too bad after I learned about 915resolution (check out forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_linux&message.id=7322 for help here). Don't forget to install a 686-smp kernel to use both processor cores. The wireless card, on the other hand, I still don't have working.
good luck!

Just for an update, Ubuntu 6.10 works great on the Dell E1505. I still needed 915resolution (I wish I could upgrade the graphics to an ATI setup) The wireless does work with the use of ndiswrapper(in 6.06). I was told new kernels are supporting the WinTV-PVR-USB2. I am hopefull for a working mythtv setup soon. I currently use gb-pvr in windows, which does the job but I am looking to go 100% linux.


Does anyone know of any software (freeware) (that is not norton ghost) that can back up hd partitions for windows and/or linux to another hd or to a dvd. I want to be able to restore linux or windows to right after the install state with all of my software installed (so I can save time)