Dell Latitude CPi A366XT

00-11-4

The configuration files

You probably came here for the configuration files. I am currently running OpenBSD 2.7.

mynuc is my nucleus configuration, which depends on the Generic configuration provided with OpenBSD. See the dmesg output of a typical boot sequence. The XF86Config file is for a laptop configuration (and not the docking station).  To automatically switch from the laptop to the docking set-up, I use a small script: setsys.sh.

 

Overview

The key to getting things going in OpenBSD seems to be to keep things as standard as possible.

This Dell machine is an intermediate (low-end?) laptop that is a solid performer. I like it because it’s been around for a while and there are few surprises left.

The X is snappy and the display is crisp. I installed Afterstep as the Windows manger. The Synaptics mouse pad took time to get used to, but is quite functional and works cleanly with X. I also use a Logitech Marble Mouse trackball that plugs into the PS/2 port.

PPP runs like a charm using the PSION DACOM Gold Card 56K+Fax PCMCIA (CE168X GSM and ISDN ready). What a relief to use OpenBSD’s PPP after struggling with Linux and Solaris.

For networking, I tried to use a 3Com Fast Ethernet 10/100 PCMCIA (3CCFE575BT-D) but got no joy. After switching to a Dlink DFE-650 10/100 PCMCIA, everything works fine.

In the office, I use Dell’s Docking station. Everything is working fine – network, X, floppy, and serial communications. The replicator has a 3Com 3C905C Tornado which is a very standard NIC. The X configuration needs a small adjustment in the driver section to get the external display to work. I wrote a small script to detect the environment, and adjust the configuration accordingly.

 

More information on the hardware configuration

I run with a 256K RAM configuration because I need it for other work.

APM works but I don’t trust it too much.

I have a CDRom reader in the extra drive bay. Works fine.

The 1.44 Mb floppy disk unit sold by Dell plugs into the serial port. Sometimes you have to choose the Bsd device carefully but generally things work smoothly.

I didn’t try to get sound or IRDA working. My system froze from time to time until I disabled the Neomagic codec completely.

There is a USB port on the back of the laptop, but I haven’t tested this either.

Here are the hardware specs, courtesy of the Linux Laptop’s article on the same machine:

Chipset:

IntelÆ Mobile 440BX PCI chipset

AGP bus:

66 MHz

PCI bus:

33 MHz

CardBus controller:

Texas Instruments PCI 1225 CardBus controller

PC Card connectors:

2

Memory architecture:

SDRAM

Standard RAM:

64 MB

Maximum RAM:

256 MB

Serial:

1x16550-compatible, 16-byte buffer connector

Parallel:

1 unidirectional, bidirectional, or ECP connector

Video:

NeoMagic 2200 (2.5 MB AGP)

Display:

13.3" Thin-Film-Transistor (or 12.1")

Infrared:

1 port compatible with both Fast IR and Slow IR

Audio:

16-bit NeoMagic 2200 AC97 Codec

Speakers:

2x 8 ohm/1 watt stereo speakers

Mouse:

PS/2-compatible Synaptics touchpad

Disk:

6.4 GB (available 4.8 - 10.0 GB)

Additional Drive Options:

Modular bay accepts floppy, CD-Rom, DVD, add'l battery, add'l hard drive, LS-120 drive

Battery:

1x 8-cell, 44Whr Lithium-Ion battery (up to 4 hours per battery, dual battery capable)

Docking:

Choice of C/Port (port replicator) or C/Dock (docking station)

CPU:

Intel Mobile PII (mendocino) operating at 366 MHz (available 300 - 400 MHz)

 

 

 Comments: loren.gordon@videotron.ca