Dell Latitude E6500
<<TableOfContents: execution failed [Too many arguments] (see also the log)>>
1. Hardware information
1.1. Standard Features
The Dell Latitude E6500 is a sturdy business-class computer, weighing 2.46 kg (5.69 lb) with 6-cell battery. Magnesium-alloy case.
- CPU: Intel(R) Core (TM) 2 Duo P9600, 2.66 GHz
- Memory: 4 Gb DDR2-800 SDRAM, non-ECC memory only, 2 DIMMs
- Video Card: 256 MB Nvidia Quadro NVS 160M.
- BIOS: A13
- Hard drive: 250 GB, 9.5MM 7200 RPM FFS. (Western Digital?)
- Screen: 15.4 inches, 1440x900, WXGA+ WLED
- Wifi: Intel WifFI Link 5300 (802.11 a/g/n 3X3) 1/2 Minicard
- CD/DVD: 8X DVD +- RW
- Ethernet: Intel(R) 82567LM Gigabit Network Connection (rev 03)
Firewire: Ricoh Co Ltd R5C832 IEEE 1394 Controller (rev 04)
External video: DisplayPort
- External wireless switch.
2. CentOS-5
2.1. Installation
No problems using installation from CD. I've used both multiple CD's and a single CD install (unselecting all package groups except "Base").
2.2. Post-installation notes
- Sound: works.
- Sound buttons: work.
- CD/DVD read: works.
- CD/DVD write: untested.
- Ethernet: works
Wifi: works. Need to set up RPMforge repository and install iwl5000-firmware. See this link (under "Tested Hardware," #6, "Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link AGN 5100, 5300 and 5350 (iwlagn)"): http://wiki.centos.org/HowTos/Laptops/Wireless
- USB: works
- Firewire: not tested
- Touchpad/mouse/pointing stick and buttons: all working
- Battery sensing: works
- Bluetooth: untested.
DisplayPort: video works, sound does not (though you can send sound through the headphone/speaker jack).
- Wireless switch: works
2.2.1. Display/x.org
Works. Need to enter System->Administration->Display->Hardware->Monitor Type and change to "LCD Panel 1440x900," then log out and log back in to restart X. On CentOS < 5.4, backlight never turned off. It now turns off in CentOS 5.5.
2.2.2. Suspend to RAM
Suspend to RAM (manual/close lid): Doesn't work out-of-box - suspends but doesn't wake (system is active, can poweroff "blindly," for ex., but no video.) Does work if Nvidia driver is installed, though it's a little flakey - works 9 times out of 10 at least. (Workaround: set a password in the BIOS - can use suspend-to-ram this way without the Nvidia driver. This seems to allow the video to start.)
2.2.3. Suspend to Disk
Suspend to Disk (Hibernate): works out-of-box. Does not work if Nvidia driver is installed.
2.2.4. Virtualization
Both Xen and KVM work. I couldn't get KVM to work until I turned on virtualization in the BIOS. I went to BIOS Setup->Virtualization Support->Virtualization, and clicked on "Intel Virtualization Technology." Also under Virtualization Support, I went to VT for Direct IO and clicked on "Enable VT for Direct IO."
2.3. Issues
2.3.1. Media card reader
SD card doesn't work - haven't tried others. Haven't investigated.
2.3.2. Wifi light
Doesn't work
2.3.3. Bluetooth light
Always stays on, whether or not Bluetooth is running.
2.3.4. Gnome Network Monitor and Netspeed Applets
These are sketchy in detecting networks. They pick up a certain network device (eth0, vibr0, wlan0) on boot or after starting vibr0 and can't be changed afterword (unless the network it currently detects goes down). Works for wlan0.
3. Links
3.1. Review: Dell Latitude E6500 Notebook
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Latitude-E6500-Notebook.11958.0.html