Why Can't Dell Put Linux On Their Really Serious Notebooks?
Linux, Service and Support, Laptops submitted by kenjennings
08/09/07
These guys can do it...
http://www.emperorlinux.com/mfgr/dell/rhino/
Dell Latitude D830 or Precision M90
# up to 17" WUXGA w/ X @ 1920x1200
# Full Linux support: 1667 - 2333 MHz Core 2 Duo
# Full Linux support: 512 - 4 G RAM, expands to 4 G
# Full Linux support: 60 - 160 GB Hard Drive
# Full Linux support: DVDROM Drive, or CDRW/DVD Drive, or DVD+/-RW Drive
# Specification: 6.3 - 8.6 pounds
# Full Linux support: 10/100/1000 Mbps ethernet
# Full Linux support: 802.11a/b/g (54Mbps) WiFi
# Specification: Linux Pre-Configured (dual boot available)
# Specification: EmperorLinux user's manual
# Specification: Three year warranty & One year tech support
They've got everything working on Linux. Maybe Dell should partner with these guys to get a better selection of Linux-able Dell notebooks.
3110
Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
Linux submitted by gergnz
02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**
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!!
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.
82087
Silent / Quiet Computers: Sound levels in decibels
Desktops and Laptops submitted by pchris
02/17/07 **REVIEWED**
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.
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
35717
Let Us Choose XP For All Machines!
Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by shamarkaleo
07/26/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Dear Dell Service Team,
After unsuccessful appeals to several levels of your support staff, I am writing to convey one last appeal regarding operating systems and purchasing options on your site.
I am the CEO of a small web and graphic design business. We decided to purchase a laptop for our staff use on trips, and after studying all our options, chose Dell as our computer supplier.
We were dismayed to find that most of the computer systems at Dell came pre-installed with Windows Vista, with only a few computers offering a choice of operating systems. Our computer of choice did not offer a selection.
I find this mindboggling, since Dell as a company won't use Vista on its own computers until after SP1 is released. http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39286949,00.htm?r=8
And CNET gives Windows vista this dismal review:
"...essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade." http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/windows-vista-ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html
What is more mindboggling to me is Dell's refusal to work with our company when we appealed for a change in our order. We wanted the specific machine we ordered, we simply didn't want Vista.
As it is, the only options we were offered were:
A.) Cancel our order- though we'd already waited weeks for the order to be fulfilled - and order a machine we don't want that offers the XP operating system choice
or
B.) Wait for our machine to arrive, then go buy XP ourselves at additional cost, reformat the hard drive, and install XP on our own.
These choices are horrible! Especially since one of your own staff told me by phone that Dell has received many, many complaints about Vista.
Neither option meets our needs. We either end up with a machine we don't want which has the right operating system, or a machine we do want that we must "fix" prior to use.
So I appeal to you to allow buyers to choose their operating system on ALL your machines, not just some. You don't have to offer a huge choice, but at least one more option than Vista!
Kelli Standish
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.
1720
http://www.dell.com/open shouldn't steer people towards Windows
Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by limulus
08/02/07
If I want to look at the open source offerings on Dell's site, there's a nice short URL that redirects to the appropriate page: http://www.dell.com/open
However, some of the wording on the page sounds like it was written to DISCOURAGE people from buying those systems and steer them towards Windows; an excerpt:
---
Not sure Open Source is for You?
The main thing to note is that when you choose open source you don’t get a Windows® operating system. If you’re here by mistake and you are looking for a Dell PC with Windows, please use the following link.
Shop Dell PCs with Windows
---
To make the page better:
* remove the "Not sure Open Source is for You?" and "Already an Open Source fan?" sections or change them to something like this:
---
New to Open Source?
A very important thing for people familiar with Microsoft Windows® but new to open source to note before buying is that it is an alternative to Windows®, not a cheap version of Windows®. Programs specifically designed to run on Windows® will NOT run by default on Dell's open source systems. If you want to run programs such as "Microsoft Office® 2007", "Adobe Photoshop® CS3", "iTunes® 7.3" and "The Sims® 2" you're in the wrong place! (Dell's Windows® systems may be found here.)
If you already knew that or are ok with it, please continue shopping below...
---
* if its to be kept, move the "You asked, we listened." part down into the Ubuntu description, but get rid of the "advanced users and tech enthusiasts" mention; installing an OS (regardless of the OS) is usually the most difficult step (and one not done by 'average users') but Dell has done all the hard work (most notably by selecting compatible hardware) and after that Ubuntu is really not that hard to use :)
* in the "What Is Open Source?" section, the following sentence needs work: "A downside is that some open source software requires intermediate or advanced knowledge to use, and in the case of operating systems, may not be compatible with the same software applications and hardware as Windows operating systems."
What is the reference for "advanced knowledge to use"? Are we talking about the command line? Ubuntu can be used without ever seeing it. Perhaps consider striking that. The real meat of the issue, of course, is that Windows embraces proprietary things and its an uphill battle to try to support them in an open OS. Perhaps use the following:
"A downside is that consumer software applications and hardware choices which are compatible with the proprietary Windows operating system may not work in an open source environment or may require significant tweaking to make them work."
(for software, the tweaking is a reference to Wine... for the hardware, we can hope for support in future Ubuntu versions ;)
2260
Packing list that matches the purchase order
Simplify IT submitted by cr
12/28/07
For corporate accounts, could we get a packing list that matches the purchase order placed? Today I place an order for "Qty 1 PowerEdge 2950 server per quote ABCDEFG"... and I get a 40-line packing list that details every component in the server but nothing the guy on the receiving dock can use to match up to the purchase order. It would "Simplify IT" a lot here if we didn't have to translate the packing lists for the guy on the loading dock. Thanks!
200
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?
15640
UMP: Ubuntu Multimedia Package (with legal codecs)
Linux submitted by xivulon
12/12/07
A paid-for commercial multimedia package with legal codecs would be a nice addition to the Dell repo. I am not a big fan of closed codecs, but if that is stumbling block for some users, better have Ubuntu + proprietary codecs than a 100% propietary solution. Today the lack of proprietary codecs is probably the single most common compalint against Ubuntu after hardware compatibility. This would close the gap nicely, without forcing proprietary codecs on the ones that do not wish to sponsor them. Plus there might be some money for Dell too. Fluendo provides one such package http://www.fluendo.com/products.php?product=plugins . I did not use it myself, but it could be a nice starting point.
480
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.
9650
This text on your web site regarding "open source" is misleading, please consider changing it.
submitted by cosh
11/25/07
From www.dell.com/open:
This is the wrong impression to give, as it suggests that all open source software everywhere is somehow incompatible with Windows, whereas in reality many open source programs are ported to and available on Windows, such as Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, and OpenOffice, and some popular open source programs are dedicated entirely to it, for example Paint.NET (info).
A better and more accurate thing to say would be:
"The main thing to note is that when you choose an open source operating system like Ubuntu Linux®, you don't get a Windows® operating system."
or how about:
"The main thing to note is that when you purchase a Dell computer preinstalled with Ubuntu or FreeDOS, you don't get a Windows operating system" etc. etc.
Concise, clear, and accurate. If I remember correctly there's a similar message on the other language versions of the Dell web site, so it should be changed there too.
If you've a better suggestion post it in the comments.
710
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.
11320
Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot
Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
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.
Please take a look at www.dell.com/open for linux options on the Inspiron.
151610
Don't make it difficult for people to find Ubuntu machines
Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by xivulon
08/09/07
Ubuntu is now shipped to Europe, but it is hidden away and not that obvious to find. If you did not follow the news, you would probably have missed it completely. What link do people usually follow when buying a laptop at dell.co.uk? They follow the most preminent links:
Notebooks > Home > Home Essential Notebooks
This is where they usually end up to: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/notebooks_good?c=uk&...
The inspiron 6400 does come with Ubuntu, but do you see a "Select with ubuntu" button anywhere? I don't think so. If you want a Ubuntu machine you have to get there via a completely different route, by selecting the OS first (on the less visible left column) and then the machine... You can do that for XP too, but with XP you can also select the machine first and then the OS. Why is it not the same with Ubuntu? Moreover, if you click on the laptop image, it will automatically select Vista (thus giving it far more preminence).
So, I am glad Dell started shipping Ubuntu, but to me it looks like they only want to make informed geeks happy, while hiding the option to average joe. If Dell was really serious they should have Ubuntu listed in the customization section of each and every supported machine.
Customize your Operating System:
* Ubuntu Linux [subtract £30]
* Genuine Windows XP [Included in price]
* Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic - English [Included in Price]
* Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium - English [add £23.50]
* Genuine Windows Vista™ Ultimate (32Bit) - English [add £117.50]
There is already a conflict-resolution message, so you could easily signal incompatible OS/hardware choices. The above is what I call "choice", anything else is muddling the water.
3190
Light sensor on monitors (to dim or brighten the display automatically)
Monitors and Displays submitted by jmxz
12/31/07
It'd be nice if both my Laptop and Desktop could dim the display at night when it's dark; and brighten it automatically when the room is well lit; and brighten it even further if the sun's shining in the room.
It seems there's a fair amount of software that (very annoyingly, IMHO) brightens and dims the displays of notebooks when the power's connected or disconnected. But in reality I want the display to look readable to me - which depends far more on the lighting in the room than the power cord.
If all the monitors had a built in webcam, that would address this; but they don't, so perhaps a light sensor would do instead.
While I'm on the topic of dimming displays, It'd sure be nice if the dim setting on the E1505N's display could get twice (or even 10 times) as dim as it does. Even on the dimmest setting it annoys people trying to sleep in the same room as someone using the laptop.
340
No Limits! Make **all** choices available **anywhere** in the world
Sales Strategies submitted by mrw
09/16/07
First example: The Germans are second class customers, because they don't get the same choices for Ubuntu Laptops as in the USA. We here in Switzerland are even third class customers, because we do not get an Ubuntu Laptop at all.
Other example: The choices I can make for a notebook depends on how I walked through your shop! Sometimes for the same Model, I can chose a low end Harddisk, sometimes not. That's absolutely ridiculous! Please allow any possible hardware combination!
Allow to select any matching hard disk in any laptop (or desktop)! Allow to setup any kind of memory, especially e.g. one(!) 2GB module instead of two 1GB modules, give the choice for between either a mirroring display or an anti-glare display for any available display size and resolution. If technically possible, allow to choose between NVidia and ATI, and allow to chose the Memory of the card. Allow to completely deselect the operating system and all kind of installed software.
First: Make all offers available anywhere in the world!
Second: Do not limit the possible combinations!
Shouldn't the customer be king? Let us all choices!
3990
Power Supply with multiple connectors for a meeting room.
New Product Ideas submitted by nickhodges
12/19/07
Many times, my company will hold a meeting, and there will be seven or eight of us sitting there, all with our laptops, and all of us with our own power supplies that we have to carry into the room.
How about a "Meeting room power supply"? It would be a a "brick" that could sit on the top of the desk and could have 8-10 cords coming out of it for many people to use. That way, we wouldn't have to hump our power supplies with us to meetings.
290
Identify Hardware with native Linux support
Linux submitted by waterguy1960
12/07/07
Please identify hardware choices that offer native linux support in the "build yours" options. And provide hardware choices that allow for a configuration that is entirely compatible with linux. This would be much more convenient that a list of linux supported hardware somewhere else on the website. If a computer model cannot be configured with native linux support, say so on the "build yours" page. I don't need or want Dell to install Ubuntu (or any other linux distribution) on a computer for me ... I just need to know that the computer I'm buying supports linux natively. The notebook computer my employer provided me works perfectly with linux. Unfortunately, despite much research before my purchase, not all the hardware on my Dell notebook provides native linux support.
710
Dont eliminate XP just yet
Operating Systems submitted by javaprog07
02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
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.
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.
26690
Backlit Keyboards
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu
02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
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.
Check out the white LED backlights on the <ahref>XPS M1730.
22300
 track my votes
|
|
jackie_c
kara_k
dawn_l