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118010

Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office By dhart, Feb 17, 2007

Provide OpenOffice.org for free pre-installation alongside Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org is more capable than Microsoft Works, and a serious competitor to Microsoft Office, at a fraction of the cost (it's free!)

OpenOffice.org can open, create, edit and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.

Provide as OPTIONS for pre-installation many other high-quality free software programs such as:

- Firefox: web browser with popup and privacy controls; say goodbye to Internet Explorer infections!

- Thunderbird: email program with free anti-spam and privacy controls

- Pidgin: instant messaging all-in-one program for popup-free MSN, Yahoo, AOL and others
&nsbp;[ed: GAIM was renamed Pidgin in April 2007 to settle the issue with AOL's trademark on AIM]

- PDFCreator: creates Adobe PDF files from any program

- Scribus, Inkscape & GIMP: desktop publishing, freehand drawing & powerful image editing

- Audacity & VLC: multi-track audio editing & universal all-in-one media/video/movie/DVD player
- Stellarium & Celestia: planetarium viewer & outer-space mapping, like Google Earth, but for our Solar System

Pre-installed quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. Cast your vote for Linux and other free software. Cast your vote for the Universal Education PC [ed: article removed/merged by dell_admin] utilizing free software.

CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell

DELL/

Status Update

Dell is constantly reviewing options to offer to customers. As this is available for free today, we do not currently plan on offering this as an option to factory install.

Comments: 639
Categories: Desktops and Laptops Software

Status:Not Planned

106450

Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser By robinjfisher, Feb 18, 2007

Does what it says on the tin! Most people only use IE because they aren't aware of other browsers - they think Internet Explorer is the Internet! What would really drive take up of alternative browsers is if Firefox was pre-installed as the default browser so that when people look for the "Internet" in Windows, they are using FF.
DELL/

Status Update
Firefox advocates at Dell have initiated discussions and driven action around exploring alternative internet browsers and experiences. As you can tell from our response to the Linux community, open source continues to be a part of our conversations about new products and services.

Comments: 1503
Categories: Software

Status:Not Planned

106300

No Extra Software Option By ootleman, Feb 16, 2007

Would love the ability to have a clean Vista install. No AOL software, no earthlink software, no google software - just a clean, original OS.

DELL/

Status Update

Per jeremy_f:

It's been a little over a year since this idea was initially posted, so we wanted to update the community on Dell software options. Our overall software strategy is to continue offering more software choices (including no software) and to provide software we feel benefits our customers' experience with their systems.

Comments: 604
Categories: Software

Status:Partially Implemented

102490

Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot By dhart, Feb 16, 2007

Offer the 3 top free Linux versions for free pre-installation on all Dell PCs.

Quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. For example OpenOffice.org, the Microsoft Office alternative, can shave hundreds of dollars off the price of a new PC. Cast your vote for OpenOffice and other free software.

Offer easy multi-boot options with Windows Vista, Windows XP, or NO Windows (yes, Linux can entirely replace Windows!)

Offer trade-ins and Linux CDs for older model Dell PCs. Cast your vote for the mini Linux Dell PC and the Universal Education Dell PC, both utilizing free software.

Would you try Linux if it were this easy?

CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.

DELL/

Status Update
Please take a look at www.dell.com/open for linux options on the Inspiron.

Comments: 1859
Categories: Desktops and Laptops Linux Sales Strategies

Status:Partially Implemented

88800

Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware By gergnz, Feb 19, 2007

I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!

DELL/

Status Update
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.

Comments: 205
Categories: Linux

Status:Acknowledged

80050

No OS Preloaded By agreer, Feb 17, 2007

I have a XP Pro retail copy, will soon buy retail vista, I also like Linux: Make WINDOWS-FREE, and OS-Free an option for more than just expensive business lines.

DELL/

Status Update
Dell has systems available that do not have an OS pre-loaded called N-Series line. You can check them out at www.dell.com/nseries.

Comments: 499
Categories: Linux Operating Systems Sales Strategies

Status:Partially Implemented

54560

Sell Linux PCs Worldwide - not only the United States By ergo, May 2, 2007

Dell has now decided to sell computers with Linux pre-installed. GREAT MOVE! But for the moment, it only concerns the US... Here outside the US, we can't wait to buy a pre-installed Linux Dell PC! Please sell Linux PCs worldwide!

DELL/

Status Update
Check out the details on Dell Linux systems worldwide!

Comments: 526
Categories: Desktops and Laptops Linux Sales Strategies

Status:Partially Implemented

47140

Stripped down, fast Linux Box By pawprintz, Feb 17, 2007

How about a fast, Internet ready Linux desktop. Small form factor, pretty monitor, mouse & keyboard, the O.S., OpenOffice & Firefox. Cheap'n'fast

DELL/

Status Update

Dell sees the value of this idea, and is keeping the sugestions for a Linux small form factor on the radar. john_h will let the community know of any new information as it comes.

Comments: 131
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) Desktops Linux

Status:Not Planned

42930

coreboot (formerly LinuxBIOS) instead of proprietary BIOS By yesmathew, Feb 20, 2007

coreboot (formerly known as LinuxBIOS) is a Free Software project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS (firmware) you can find in most of today's computers.
- Fast boot times 3 sec.
- Runs in 32-Bit protected mode almost from the start
- Can boot Windows too...

External links:
- http://www.coreboot.org/Welcome_to_coreboot
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linuxbios

An Example:
- http://wiki.laptop.org/go/LinuxBIOS

DELL/

Status Update

Please see john_h's comment

Comments: 102
Categories: Desktops and Laptops Linux

Status:Not Planned

40630

Standardize Power Cables for Laptops By badblood, Aug 27, 2007

Nothing is more annoying than laptop power cables that are not interchangeable from one computer model to another or from one brand of computer to another. Power cables have been standardized on most electrical applicances, including desktop computers for decades.

Make an effort to promote and implement standard power cables for laptops.

DELL/

Status Update

Please see dawn_l's comments below.

Comments: 140
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) Laptops

Status:Under Review

37290

Linux 2.6.16 ready (sticker) By chiuchu, Feb 19, 2007

Hello,
How about a sticker like windows' which show that the PC is fully compatible with Linux ? A sticker with "Linux 2.6 ready" or "Ubuntu 6.10 Capable" or something like this. Thanks.

DELL/

Status Update

Please see john_h's comment

Comments: 116
Categories: Linux

Status:Not Planned

36250

Silent / Quiet Computers: Sound levels in decibels By pchris, Feb 17, 2007

I'd like Dell to provide the sound level in decibels for each of their desktops, under max load as well as at idle.

How a manufacturer can produce an expensive computer, and then have the user acoustic experience of that computer dominated by the noise generated by a cheap fan worth just pennies, for the entire lifetime of that computer, is incomprehensible. Computers are noisy when brand new, but those cheap fans begin to rub and oscillate and make additional annoying noises, frequently within a short period of time of purchase.

Personally, the peace and quiet of my personal workspace is very important to me, it's my sanctuary from the world where I can focus and be creative. To have that experience disrupted by cheap fans is sad, especially when slightly more expensive fans and some reasonable design would solve the issue. Another reason why I consider buying an Apple.

If the cost of a better sound design and fans is significant, it could be an extra cost option.
DELL/

Status Update
In general, Dell provides noise data of its products in the Environmental Datasheets. Tests are conducted according to ISO standards in a NVLAP accredited acoustics facility. Click here for more details

Comments: 159
Categories: Desktops and Laptops

Status:Not Planned

35820

Become the open source OEM By ntaylor0909, Feb 17, 2007

I read the same question on Linux forums, all the time: What is the best brand of computer/laptop to purchase for Linux. I know that there is the n series of computers and notebooks, but it could go a step further. Accept the recent offer of free Linux driver development from the Linux Kernel Community so that DELLs "just work" with Linux. Maybe look at some ideas like LinuxBIOS and/or OpenBIOS. Become the OEM that everyone recommends. There is a growing market for Open Source friendly computers and DELL could own that market.

DELL/

Status Update

In the past year, we've made a lot of progress on getting Linux to work well on all of our products. Our goal is to become the hardware vendor of choice for Linux users. Click here to learn more from john_h.

Comments: 47
Categories: Desktops and Laptops Linux

Status:Not Planned

34650

Closed

Implemented: Ubuntu Dell is Le$$ Than Windows Dell By thebittersea, May 5, 2007

see comment from Erik down below... [Dell's Pricing Team]

$774 Inspiron 1420 (Ubuntu)
IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Ubuntu version 7.04
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
IntelÂ® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Integrated High Definition Audio

$824 Inspiron 1420 (Vista)
IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine WindowsÂ® Vista Home Basic Edition
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD writer/DVD Combo Drive
IntelÂ® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Integrated High Definition Audio
DELL/

Status Update
The difference in promotion pricing was due to an error on the site, which has been fixed.

Comments: 418
Categories: Linux

Status:Implemented

34640

There should be an option of having no trialware on all computers By jervis961, Aug 23, 2007

Here is a news article about trialware and how Dell feels that regular customers want it but small business ones do. Do they not look at the ideas here?

"Not interested in all of the trial software that clutters up new PCs? You're not alone: According to Dell's recent research in both focus groups and broader surveys, small-business users overwhelmingly view trialware as an irritant, not a benefit. That research has led Dell to axe the extras from its new Vostro line of small-business desktop PCs and laptops. Eliminating demo applications is a major step for Dell, which has caught flack for the quantity of trialware on its consumer PCs. (One frustrated customer went so far as to develop a "Decrapifier" utility. The company says that consumers who buy PCs for personal use do express interest in preloaded trial software, but that small-business users have different needs. By eliminating the trialware from Vostro machines, Dell says it has cut the system setup time in half. For now, Dell is the only major PC manufacturer to ship small-business systems without preinstalled trialware as a standard practice. (Some competitors, such as HP, allow customers to choose a no-trialware configuration.)"

DELL/

Status Update

Please see Kara's blog for an update.

Comments: 177
Categories: Desktops and Laptops Software

Status:Partially Implemented

34140

More RAM! By mwmtjm, Jan 30, 2007

Do away with 512MB of memory as a base option to buy consumer desktops and notebooks. With Vista running best on 1GB at a minimum, don't make customers have a basic experience with the new OS because Dell wants to be able to advertise at a lower price point. The success of Vista -- and subsequently for Dell -- will be largely in word of mouth. Take a long-term view and build the momentum one great customer experience at a time right now!

DELL/

Status Update

Please see chris_m's comment

Comments: 119
Categories: Desktops and Laptops

Status:Partially Implemented

33620

Put Ubuntu on the list of operating systems when building a PC! By samb0057, Aug 10, 2007

Ubuntu is hidden in a dark corner of the website. I work in IT support, and I have a client who was having virus problems a little while ago. I fixed the problem by installing Ubuntu on their PC. Very recently they called me asking for advice on a new computer, I told them about your new offer providing Ubuntu pre-installed on PCs and they wanted to purchase, but could not find the section on your site (this person is a very basic user, doesn't know what open-source means, probably didn't even see the open source link). There is no way they would have found your Ubuntu section on their own.

I urge you to offer Ubuntu as a choice of OSes in the system configuration wizard, the only way to really sell Ubuntu is to offer Ubuntu as a primary option, rather than a hidden alternative. I personally am looking to buy a new laptop, and you guys have always been my number 1 PC manufacturer (I don't think I've ever bought a new retail PC except from you guys), but I feel that your Ubuntu offerings are lacking. If you offered Ubuntu on some of the great deals you offer on your home page, I would be willing to pay just as much as I would for a Windows Vista system and I probably would have already ordered.

DELL/

Status Update

Please see john_h's comment

Comments: 208
Categories: Desktops and Laptops Linux Sales Strategies

Status:Not Planned

30930

Backlit Keyboards By rarmasu, Feb 21, 2007

I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.

I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.

DELL/

Status Update
Check out Vida_K's comment below on the New Latitude.

Comments: 298
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) Desktops and Laptops Sales Strategies

Status:Partially Implemented

28230

Linux Hardware Compatibility List By s3indiana, Feb 20, 2007

Create a listing of Dell hardware that's compatible with the major Linux distributions (Fedora, OpenSuse, ubuntu, Freespire) providing compatibility with not just systems (desktops and laptops) but include peripherals (printers, camera's, flash drives, compatible routers, etc.). Include levels of compatibility so the reviewer can make an educated choice. This would provide the greatest assistance for those looking at alternatives...

DELL/

Status Update

We're working to add something like this to our linux.dell.com wiki. Click here to see what john_h has to say.

Comments: 31
Categories: Linux

Status:Acknowledged

25750

Closed

Dont eliminate XP just yet By javaprog07, Feb 17, 2007

Ok, well I know I may be chastised for bringing this up, but vista is still a young operating system with its own problems etc... I would like to see both Home and Business computers, especially notebooks have an XP Home and Pro option on top of Vista until it has at least been out for a year. For those seasoned users like me who just feel that you need to let a new OS mature before jumping right in. I am planning on buying a new notebook, and I would like to insure I wont have to format it on arrival just to have XP.
DELL/

Status Update
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.

Comments: 222
Categories: Operating Systems

Status:Implemented

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