Dell XPS 13 developer edition really ready for use?

3 points by hyuen 10 years ago | 4 comments

Hi all, I got a new Dell XPS 13 and found that the software is not ready yet. I am using the linux version that comes from the factory and I ran into a bunch of issues.

My latest adventure has been to plug an external monitor to the thing. I have found at least 4 bugs in the intel driver:

i915_gem_fault+0x238/0x460 [i915_bpo]() freedesktop 95076

intel_check_page_flip+0x10d/0x120 [i915_bpo]() freedesktop 89519 (reopened)

intel_mmio_flip_work_func+0x35f/0x3c0 [i915_bpo]() freedesktop 95077

skl_set_power_well+0x798/0xae0 [i915_bpo]() (download missing package)

skl_update_other_pipe_wm+0x210/0x220 [i915_bpo]() freedesktop 89055 (developer submitted the code yesterday)

johnghill 10 years ago |

I wiped the factory 14.04 install when I saw the number of error messages during updates. I've been running 16.04 daily builds, and the only perceptible issue (screen flicker/blanking) was resolved in 16.04 final. There's a bios update which, although its release predates shipping, must be applied by users. (While still on factory 14.04, plonk the executable in /boot/EFI then reboot, F12, bios flash update).

Dell don't appear to have updated their Ubuntu repositories for 16.04 but the necessary hardware drivers appear to be present in 4.4.x kernels. The same goes for Intel's Linux driver tool, but this also works out of the box on 16.04.

I'm waiting for Amazon to deliver a USB 3.1-to-HDMI cable so I can test video out.

MrQuincle 10 years ago |

There are indeed still issues. My Yoga 900 is also based on Skylake. It doesn't get into deeper package sleep states than pc2. Was on the internets a few days ago. I think the kernel guys will appreciate you reporting the bugs. I will at least. :-)

hyuen 10 years ago | |

you need to install the firmware from intel www.i0.org, I did that and at least my sleeping problems reduced

johnghill 10 years ago |

Native video-out works a charm, using CableCreation Gold USB 3.1 Type C (USB-C) to HDMI Adapter (£12 on Amazon)