Dell XPS 2015: Linux Kernel Support

Well, Linux compatibility seems fairly reasonable on the Dell XPS these days. Unless I notice any issues with the current version which end up getting fixed, I will not update this page. <2015-10-23 Fri 22:17>

Kernel Support

Kernel builds are downloaded from here and the Broadcom wireless drivers are from here. I am running Xubuntu 15.04 and tend to keep the software updated. The latest BIOS version is A05 and it's probably worth keeping it updated.

4.1.6-unstable (Most Stable - I am using this)

I recently performed a fresh install as I had nothing to do and felt everything was a little messy. I installed 4.1.6-unable and I am very impressed. Basically the same as 3.19.0-25 but less problematic. LightDM might need you to click once to get it to display after waking up, but other than that, flawless.

Note: I just realised you only have to click LightDM if you are using an external monitor.

3.19.0-25

LightDM is completely blank waking up from standby. However, type your password and all is restored.

Yes, this implies that waking up from standby is pretty much working properly without losing video sync! (Woo!)

TTY switching does not cause video sync issues.

Palm detection does seem to be working AFAIK, but ClickPad mode is still ignored.

Microphone is working. Also, booting with headphones or speakers connected no longer requires to disconnect and plug back in.

As with every other kernel, disconnecting the external monitor without first disabling it hide X from everything… You can switch to a TTY, play around with Xrandr. Maybe you can get it working. If you figure this out, please email me!

4.2-rc3-unstable

Exactly the same as 4.2-rc2-unstable.

4.2-rc2-unstable

All video sync issues appear to be fixed.

Microphone is working.

working. WiFi doesn't work. Most likely support hasn't been added to the package yet.

Touchpad isn't working in I2C mode. Putting it in standby and waking it up again puts it into PS2 mode, so you can use it sort of. Seems to stick occasionally though.

4.1.2-unstable

TTY switching causes video sync issues.

Palm detection might be working a little?

Microphone definitely is not working.

3.2-rc1

Crashes at boot, unable to test properly.

4.1.1

Microphone is not working.

TTY switching and waking up from standby causes video sync issues.

Palm detection is not working.

Daily 28062015

The microphone is not working from 4.1-final regression.

There are no video sync issues waking up from standby or switching TTY.

video sync issues waking up from standby or switching TTY. Palm detection is not working.

4.1-final

This release broke the microphone because of this bug report.

TTY switching and waking up from standby causes video sync issues.

I think palm detection is working.

3.19-21

Sound is working fully. However, if you boot with headphones or external speakers connected, you have to unplug them and plug them back in again to get sound to work.

Switching TTYs does not cause video sync issues.

The system doesn't crash when disabling the WiFi.

An update to LightDM seems to have fixed issues which arise from booting with a secondary monitor attached.

Palm detection does not work.

Waking up from standby does cause video sync issues.

Other Notes

I've had this laptop for about 4 months, at the time of writing this (it arrived March 2015) and I am actually fairly disappointed with it. My main issue is that I can hardly read text on the screen without reducing the resolution or zooming into everything. This isn't really Dell's fault, but it does make me wish I had gotten something else. Another obvious issue is the built in camera. I didn't think I would have a problem with it, but it kind of gives an unusual view of your face/hands.

Sometimes I wonder whether I should have just bought a second hand ThinkPad off eBay for a third of the price. Does someone want to buy my laptop? :P