Dell CPI-R Series PII 400MHz runs DSL

Forum: Laptops
Topic: Dell CPI-R Series PII 400MHz runs DSL
started by: WoofyDugfock

Posted by WoofyDugfock on Jan. 08 2005,13:29

I have come across a refurbished Dell CPI-R Series laptop - that's PII 400MHz with 128MB/10GB, CD and a 14-INCH TFT! It's a nice looking machine too - hasn't dated as badly as the IBMs.

It booted DSL 0.8.1.1 livecd straight away with no boot cheatcodes needed. Touchpad worked. Soundcard was detected but I couldn't tell if it was working as there wasn't an MP3 file handy. DSL 0.9.0.1 would not boot at all.

Boy, doesn't that 14" TFT look NICE next to the little DSTNs etc!!

Thinking of buying this to use as my dsl internet machine. Anyone got one of these? Questions for the knowledgable:

1. I will need to use a PCMCIA combo modem-ethernet card (no on-board modem). Are there likely to be issues getting this running, or is it likely to work AOK?

2. Do you think mplayer on this will play .avi, divX or VCD movies smoothly & acceptably? Or is that asking too much of a PII (I've never owned one). Obviously, with that screen this would be a plus.

"Refurbished" means it comes with a 12-month warranty but also means it's expensive - over 300 Euro. You can buy an ultracheap new laptop for around 800-ish Euro.

Comments anyone?

Posted by skaos on Jan. 08 2005,15:11

2. I have a P2-266 with 96 MB running Vector Linux 4.3 which is on the wrong side of acceptable smoothness. There also is a problem with nonsynchronised sound and picture (picture lags sound).

Posted by SaidinUnleashed on Jan. 08 2005,16:10

1. Depends on the modem. What kind of modem is it?

Posted by WoofyDugfock on Jan. 08 2005,16:22

Quote

1. Depends on the modem. What kind of modem is it?

There isn't one. I'd have to buy a pcmcia modem/ethernet, so I guess that provides options. What I meant was: is there likely to be a problem using any/all pcmcia cardmodem(s)?

Posted by SaidinUnleashed on Jan. 08 2005,16:47

I use a pcmcia modem. It's an old-school 3com 3CXM756 and it works great with Linux.

It really depends on the modem. Most pcmcia modems work fine, but every now and then, you run into the dreaded winmodem...

Never seen an ethernet card that didnt work with DSL though.

Posted by WoofyDugfock on Jan. 08 2005,16:56

Re cardmodem-ethernet: overall sounds very positive, thanks Saidin.

Posted by SaidinUnleashed on Jan. 08 2005,17:00