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86220

No OS Preloaded

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by agreer 02/17/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

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 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.

460 Comments »

25200

Linux Hardware Compatibility List

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by s3indiana 02/20/07 **IN PROGRESS**

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...

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





31 Comments »

9550

Submit hardware specifications to the Linux Driver Project

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux submitted by upstaked 10/05/07 **REVIEWED**

Back in January kernel developer Greg Kroah-Hartman from Novell started a project offering companies free Linux driver development.

This proved so successful that Novell made it his full-time job and turned to a project with over 200 kernel developers: http://www.linuxdriverproject.org/ .

So Dell, submit specs and convince your hardware providers to do so too. I want to spend my money on great new hardware that runs on Linux.





We constantly work with our hardware partners to develop and maintain open-sourced drivers. Also, we make it clear that through their own developers (or other projects like the Linux Driver Project) they need to deliver on drivers.






13 Comments »

6830

Get GNU/Linux Machines in Retail Stores

Linux submitted by dpic Feb 14

Imagine how successful Dell's Ubuntu offering could be if just one Dell Ubuntu machine was put in retail stores. If people knew of an alternative to Windows, they would go for it! So what do you say, Dell? Why don't you try to put at least one of your Ubuntu machines offered in retail stores? 736 Comments »

5750

The most requested feature...

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by xivulon 09/26/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

There are several proposals that basically ask the same thing: SHOW UBUNTU IN THE LIST OF OPERATING SYSTEM ON ALL MACHINES [subtract $50]. And why not, add XP to the list as well. There are also many more proposals that would be made redundant IF the above was implemented. If you add them all together that is probably the most requested feature at the moment. Yes I think many of the ideas below can be merged.

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73206/Make_Linux_and_no_Operating_syste...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72962/Put_Ubuntu_on_the_list_of_operati...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72880/Dont_make_it_difficult_for_people...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68182/Add_all_the_OSs_you_sell_to_the_H...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68515/Ubuntu_on_all_dells

Proposals that would be made redundant:

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68294/Same_discounts_available_on_Ubunt...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72902/Why_Cant_Dell_Put_Linux_On_Their_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73961/Make_Ubuntu_laptops_cheaper_than_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68567/Make_the_dell_ubuntu_models_avail...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72525/Ubuntu_on_all_models_where_it_works
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67851/Ubuntu_on_121_or_133_inch_laptops
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72748/Better_selection_of_Linux_notebooks
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67631/Make_an_efford_to_includ_UBUNTU_i...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73954/bDell_Just_Give_Choice_a_Chanceb_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67867/Shop_Dell_PCs_with_Linux_Require_...
http://www.dellideastorm.com/article/show/67692

...and many more...

Of course not all hardware choices will go down well with Ubuntu, but you have a conflict resolution system in place to notify users that make incompatible choices, and that could easily be extended to address conflicts between hardware and operating system. The only reason not to have Ubuntu is when there are fundamental incompatibilities that cannot be addressed by swapping wireless card or video card (suspend/hibernation...). In this case show "No operating system" (no point in having "No operating system" when a free operating system is available).

So, don't hide Ubuntu in some dark corner of your website only known to geeks, give customers a REAL choice...





28 Comments »

1810

Goal: Dell FREEDOM Box - A Fully Open System for Home Users by 2010

Dell, Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dpic 11/29/07

Set a goal of having at least one fully open system for home users by the end of 2010! This would be Dell's greatest endeavor yet!

The Dell FREEDOM Box | From the software, all the way down to the hardware, a completely open system

Software:
* A fully open source operating system with no restricted software like Gobuntu.

Hardware:
* All hardware must follow these rules--
1. The interface to the hardware must be explicitly made public, so the hardware can be used freely.
2. The design of the hardware must be made public, so that others can implement it and learn from it.
3. The tools used to create the design should be free, so that others can develop and improve the design.

This movement is already making headway and progress will continue to increase. Dell is already getting involved--

It has been stated that Dell has a goal to have open Linux drivers for all Dell products. Dell, keep the pressure on your vendors to open up!

Support OpenBIOS and Open Firmware!
"Among its features, Open Firmware provides an instruction set independent device interface. This can be used to boot the operating system from expansion cards without native initialization code.

It is Open Firmware's goal to work on all common platforms, like x86, AMD64, PowerPC, ARM and Mips. With its flexible and modular design, Open Firmware targets servers, workstations and embedded systems, where a sane and unified firmware is a crucial design goal and reduces porting efforts noticeably."
- http://www.openbios.org/

Already, there is huge support for replacing proprietary BIOS
- http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/62549/LinuxBIOS_instead_of_proprietary_...
- http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/74358/Dell_Support_Open_BIOSes_for_Linux
And there is the Open Graphics Project
- http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72320/Help_The_Open_Graphics_Project<

This project would put Dell at the heart of the movement bringing Freedom, Reliability, and Innovation to the world of technology! Does one really need to ask why this would be better than proprietary technology?

20 Comments »

5620

Dell: Support Open BIOSes for Linux

Dell, Linux submitted by phubert 10/10/07 **REVIEWED**

An Open BIOS for Linux would free it from the DOS legacy code and speed boot times.

The current BIOS is a legacy throwback... it's time to replace it!






Our current priority is to expand Linux availability by bringing more platforms and languages to market. Read what daniel_j has to say.





26 Comments »

7530

Ubuntu Dell Repo

Linux, Service and Support submitted by tekhawk 07/20/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

basicly a simple idea dell to support the ubuntu community a little bit by running a repo for its laptops and desktop if nothing more to support the software that they install on the system and to provide driver updates theses repos should be setup on the machines before shipping so that the users can get the driver updates quick and easy and offer driver on there for all the drivers that there are for dell machines that are support on linux not just the shipping lines

so that user might find that other machines then the ones you ship with ubuntu can easly be made into power ubuntu operating machines


As matt_d has said below, we have repositories for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, Novell/SuSE Linux Enterprise Server, and a growing one for Ubuntu. Check it out here http://linux.dell.com.
76 Comments »

33470

Implemented: Ubuntu Dell is Le$$ Than Windows Dell

Linux submitted by thebittersea 05/05/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

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

$774 Inspiron 1420 (Ubuntu)
Intel® Core™ 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
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Integrated High Definition Audio

$824 Inspiron 1420 (Vista)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows® 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
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Integrated High Definition Audio
The difference in promotion pricing was due to an error on the site, which has been fixed.






412 Comments »

11440

Make the dell ubuntu models available through the main webpage

Dell Web Site, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by rajeevbhatta 06/19/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Instead of having the model listings on a different webpage ( www.dell.com/open) have these models available from the product search you have on the main page or a link available through the main page (www.dell.com)

When I go to dell.com and I search for the product model numbers I never can find them I have to go to the other page and then I see it. The only thing I saw on the main page is a small flash ad which then takes you to the page.

Why cant you place these models with the other models on your page.........





30 Comments »

16050

Same discounts available on Ubuntu and Windows

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by jonsmirl 06/12/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I'm ordering a Vista XPS 410 right now. I wanted a Ubuntu one but I'm going to throw away yet another copy of Windows. The Vista XPS 410 has $200 off today and free ship for a total of $869. The identical Ubuntu machine is $1019 plus $29.99 shipping. So today Ubuntu costs $170 more than Windows instead of $50 less. Why can't I have the same discounts on the Ubuntu machine? 50 Comments »

9010

Add all the OS's you sell to the "Help Me Choose: Operating System" page

Dell Web Site, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 06/08/07

These pages: titled "Help Me Choose: Operating System" (a Dell help me choose page,another one)
only list some of the operating systems Dell sells.

I assume you also recommend Ubuntu for some home users (those who want better security and performance, I imagine) and FreeDOS for business (since that's what you sell on your Latitudes - even though I can't imagine why you prefer FreeDOS there over Ubuntu). But unless you put them in those pages, we can't easily make an informed choice. 15 Comments »

120914

No Extra Software Option

Software submitted by ootleman 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

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


Check out jeremy_f's update on our current software options.


591 Comments »

9290

Visible Link to IdeaStorm on main Dell site

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, IdeaStorm submitted by ipaw 07/01/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

IdeaStorm should have a visible link and explanation on the main Dell site as well as a Desktop shortcut on all new installations.

I've been a Dell customer since my XPS-500 back in the mid 90's and I only just found out about IdeaStorm through a PodCast.

If people know they can have a voice and make a difference, they'll use it.

Thanks


This idea has been partially implemented, as our new home page now has a prominent link to "Dell Community" - within that page are links to IdeaStorm and our other community properties, including Dell Community Forums, Direct2Dell, StudioDell, etc. Thanks for the idea!!!
34 Comments »

9820

Dell's Website must work with Firefox running on Linux

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by qgonjon 07/16/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

It's discouraging to have a Tier 1 vendor (Dell) selling Linux products and yet not really tailoring to Linux. Don't get me wrong Dell, I am not trying to take away all the good you have done. Offering Linux is a step in the right direction and I would like to see more steps taken in a monthly or quarterly basis. But, it seems that the basis for your current Linux promotion is for the Open Source enthusiast like me. I use Linux at home and at work as my main operating system. I use Firefox as my browser and I'm trying to order a Dell Inspiron 1420N. However, it seems that the embedded flash script that shows the different colors choices for the Inspiron is not working under Linux. It also shows that I can't see the different images thereafter. It works with Windows running Firefox as my vmware machine verified. But that is not the type of user that will most likely purchase a Linux laptop.

My request is simple. Can someone fix and verify that this page works well with Linux browser technology? So, that users can enjoy purchasing your Linux products and demonstrate that Dell really cares about their customer's operating system preference.

Dell I wish you the best in this venture as your success in this territory will help the Linux Desktop become a reality to the open source community.





73 Comments »

6230

Make A Wireless Dell

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Monitors and Displays submitted by reg 08/07/07 **COMING SOON**



Apple has a real, valid point: Too many cables in a typical PC setup.

I think Dell could make a combo cable, or a unified display (display/camera/stereo speakers).

Dell should work on a nice clean design - like Apple's clean design - less cable rat nests, more computing power. 220 Comments »

24730

There should be an option of having no trialware on all computers

Software submitted by jervis961 08/23/07 **REVIEWED**

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 offers a broad amount of software choice and minimal software shipped. Read jeremy_f's post on the options we give our customers





154 Comments »

11750

Ubuntu on all models where it works

Linux, Operating Systems, Small Business submitted by jonsmirl 08/01/07 **IN PROGRESS**

I'm still throwing away copies of Windows. Recently I have ordered some Dimension 9200s from Small Business. All of these machines are running Ubuntu today without problem. They're being used to replace some PE400SCs that are starting to die. A 2GB quad core for $649 was too good a deal to pass up. It makes a great small server.

Please offer Ubuntu as a choice on all configurations where it works. I would have still paid $649 for the box and you could have kept the money you're sending to Microsoft.
We continue to explore different Linux opportunities on our systems. Check out daniel_j's comment below.




40 Comments »

21660

Make Linux and no Operating system standard options on all future products

Operating Systems submitted by jervis961 08/17/07 **REVIEWED**

OK Dell you have committed to supplying Linux options in limited form. Since you have laid the groundwork already here is the next step. Every new product you release that needs an Operating system should have Linux and also no Operating System as an option in the configuration along side Windows. Since you have to write drivers and test compatability for Vista when making a new product just make it compatable with Linux at the same time. There will no longer be a need for a seperate sections for Linux or no Operating system since all of the products will have the option. this will help make your site easier to navigate for you customers. You can also create an ACCURATE help me choose section for the OS choices.





Check out what daniel_j has to say on the options we offer.





188 Comments »

27170

Put Ubuntu on the list of operating systems when building a PC!

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by samb0057 08/10/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

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.







158 Comments »



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