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4000

a linux laptop

Linux, Laptops submitted by chrisrose.chrisrose 02/20/07

Boy, I sure would like to see a laptop shipped with linux. 13 Comments »

7270

Linux compatibility assurance

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by moseby 02/20/07

The first major PC vendor that provides a product line and an online ordering system that allows me to shop and configure machines that are assured of having 100% support by linux wins my business.

I would expect some hardware to require vendor supplied binary drivers. I would want an indication of that fact and be given the choice of choosing that device or other hardware with community support.

Other ideas offered here that I resonate with are: 1) I don't need machines preloaded with any distro but may choose that option if offered, and 2) I don't need Dell support for the OS, that is what the community is for. 5 Comments »

160

Multi-boot OS as an ordering option.... and a competitive edge for Dell

Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies submitted by stevebaumann 02/25/07

One of the reasons that Linux has not gained more traction on the desktop, is that none of the major PC/laptop manufacturers has really gotten on board supporting one or more of the Linux distributions with <font>good</font> drivers and software support.
Now, I understand that it would be difficult for <font>Dell</font> to train its' support people to support multiple Linux distributions along with Windows, however, it would not be difficult for <font>Dell</font> to offer a support contract for (Linux distro 'X'), that would be supported by the company that manages that distro (in fact, they'd LOVE IT if you did offer their support contracts to your customers [they might even give you a $mall per¢entage of the contract amount]). In the same way that you offer a section during the configuration process to add an optional 2nd hard drive (for a fee), you could add a section for customers to add an optional 2nd operating system (for a fee?). Windows and all the Linux distros offer multi-boot support, which is very easy to implement, so if that might prompt more PC/laptop sales, it would be worth it in the long run. If one or more Linux distros became popular enough, it might even be able to act as a leverage tool to get Microsoft to charge the OEM's less for each copy of Windows that goes on a computer(due to the increased competition from Linux), thereby letting <font>Dell</font> either reduce the selling price of each computer (and undercut other companies), and/or increase the profit on each one. There are so many ways that a well supported Linux option could benefit <font>Dell</font>, which would only be limited by <font>Dell</font>'s imagination and business savvy.
I look forward to seeing more imagination and business savvy.

Good journey,

Steve 1 Comment »

20

Kitchen Laptop

New Product Ideas, Laptops submitted by kauaian 02/23/07

Make a laptop than can be bolted under a home kitchen cabinet to be used with wireless keyboard and mouse. The display should be able to pivot or the view flipped. Or, maybe design mounting hardware because I may want to use the same laptop somewhere else in the home.
Laptop is mainly used to access the internet so lower grade graphics, small drive and sufficient memory. Thanks Dell. Comment »

69

Dont ship SONIC Software anymore

Software submitted by xelarellum 02/20/07

The last notebooks we bought had only Sonic software for CD/DVD burning and ripping installed. And Sonic software kept asking for registration, tried to contact software vendor (you will see this happen if you install a Personal firewall) and such things usually associated with AdWare. Comment »

140

Better design for Notebooks with no visible labels & stickers!

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by jordy 02/27/07

Please give me shiny clean Dell machine made by top industrial designer, with no sticker or labels, it so simple!
You can still stick them all at the bottom of the machine if required so, as well on packaging!

J 1 Comment »

110

Pre-installed option

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by jonest 02/26/07

Offer buyers the ability to order a pc with no OS installed, even when choosing Windows as their OS. Include base installation disc's to let them install what they want, when they want with less adware/malware installed. Make DELL support software an optional secondary installation on it's own, clearly marked, disc. 1 Comment »

30

Dell version of Open Office

Dell, Software submitted by arclight 02/23/07

Make a Dell project fork of Open Office called "Dell Open Office". Changes could include integration with Dell contact information and links to ideastorm where DOO users can post ideas on the project. 1 Comment »

22

Nessun sistema operativo preinstallato

submitted by kaleida 02/20/07

Per gli italiani: nessun sistema operativo preinstallato, a scelta ognuno si installa quello che gli pare, tra le opzioni deve apparire, semmai una distribuzione Linux tra le principali, sicuramente deve essere possibile "non scegliere obbligatoriamente" Windows. Comment »

350

Consolidate One Linux Market

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by solifugus 03/01/07

I understand that Dell supplies demand, but is not in the business of making demand. That is reasonable. I also understand that the market for pre-install Linux systems is a fragmented market, in terms of individual choices of distribution.

So take a different approach:
(1) Announce and provide 100% driver support for Linux for a full series of Dell systems. Linux is very easy to install and users are used to installing their own distributions, in any case. They only ask for pre-installation because they are concerned about driver issues.
(2) Pre-install all of these systems with Novell's SuSE. Red Hat and Novell's SuSE predominate the market, but only Novell's SuSE provides both server and desktop versions.
(3) Invest in my business plan to provide distribution neutral software packages. I would use Autopackage to install various open source software programs, regardless of Linux distribution. I would provide with each, a small collection of video tutorials and a full color, illustrated tutorial/reference book.

Matthew 2 Comments »

160

open hardware :)

Environment, Sales Strategies submitted by dibi58 02/28/07

environment conscious -> casings made of recyclable materials, with recycling instructions

energy conscious -> only USB/fire wire ports, very small footprint, low consumption, 75W ?

open bios, with USB, fire wire and PXE boot, flash boot, and source code

trusted computing chip on piggyback card (REMOVABLE)

operating system certifications -> list available (eg: suse 10.1, windows vista, fedora 4, ...)

inter operable, standard, internal parts, available off the shelves

padlock loop to lock the case

power supply/es on slid

standard low profile cd/dvd burner on slid and standard hard disk slids (this makes life easier)

standard fast snap in-out for internal cards (no screws) (this makes life easier)

hard disk -> optional (disk less stations are still used this days, interoperability is important)

processor -> choose one or more of whatever you believe in

preinstalled operating system -> OPTIONAL (a la carte), or NO SYSTEM option with discount

support -> OPTIONAL (mostly unneeded for IT departments, except for specs, manuals and drivers)

warranty -> OPTIONAL (mostly unneeded for IT departments)

drivers -> those WE NEED, FOR ALL THE OPERATING SYSTEMS NOT JUST WINDOZE, dvd please, for ALL

modems, wireless and infrared -> OPTIONAL (mostly unneeded for IT departments)

accessories -> optional security features (usb lock keys, card reader)

optional extras -> live CD matched with operating system ordered

possible more radical upgrades, a la carte:

-multi processor ready

-solid state swap disk

-external raid box with hot-swap trays

-multi media cards (digital video/stereo sound/telephony support for ALL OS's)

-apple osx

-sun solaris x86

-multi-head 6 users system, *ux based for schools and call centers

by the way, this was my latest dell configuration at my latest job:

2.8ghz, 512mb, 80gb hd, flat screen (170), suse beta 10.2

win4lin virtual machine running 2k pro :) (runs fine on dual processor as well)

ran NICE, everything working (jbl sound, cam, mic, zip, pen drives)

configure display with sax2, does not auto detect

had no technical issues, and no failures, on 2 years 5 units, operating 24/7

:) Comment »

160

The Dell 100$ laptop?

Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by pro2ghz 02/28/07

Hey Dell,

Why don't go for the 100$ laptop fad? The OLPC from MIT are, the Quanta Computers are? Why not you, such a widely-known computer plant make thes laptop for the poor? 2 Comments »

350

Use LINUX compatible hardware

Linux submitted by coiledwire 02/28/07

I think ...we were dreaming...Linux is not mature enough OS yet ...but then again it will never be if PC manufacturer never support it.."chicken or egg situation"

HOW about at least selling LINUX compatible hardware (wireless card, graphic card is pure pain right now)

The main reason USERs turning back to Window is "hard to find Hardware" that work with linux.

This will FORCE hardware companies to release Linux drivers. 2 Comments »

290

Linux Gaming Box

Gaming, Linux submitted by tm24fan 02/28/07

Lots of us have used a computer purpose-built for gaming. However, not all of us like to use Windows. A great option would be to have a system with Linux pre-installed (say, Ubuntu for its extreme expandability), native Linux drivers for all the high-performance hardware, and a compatibility layer such as Cedega included. Yes, of course, there is always Wine, but commercial products such as Cedega seem to do better as far as emulating Windows on Linux boxes.

Just a suggestion, keep up the great work Dell! 2 Comments »

3523

A Line of Linux Only Computers for Old People

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by aoeui 02/17/07

The main advantage of Windows over Linux is it's running of certain third party applications such as games, none of which as a general principle old people actually have a use for. The advantage of Linux over Windows is it's stability, security, and cheapness, all of which old people love in a computer. Thus, selling said old people a line of computers with the Linux OS only makes sense. 15 Comments »

6580

Offer a Linux Media Center system

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jontheisguy 02/21/07

Dear sirs,
The guys at http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/tvease/StoreFront have the right idea and are beginning to get it done!! Bring them in as a partner to boost the Linux offering from Dell. It is a media center pc built on Ubuntu Linux technologies.

PS. Also work out a bulk deal with the owner of digital blasphemy. Offer a 6 mo. subscription with the purchase of any PC over $600 (or whatever your threshold). The membership is golden and provides many wallpaper choices to the new Dell family member.

Thanks.
jontheisguy 18 Comments »

4070

Internet Laptop Design Contest

Advertising and Marketing, Laptops submitted by mucho 02/16/07

In order to get direct input from Dell customers, and tie more closely with consumer trends, why not sponsor a contest over the internet to design a line of laptops for home/consumer use? This would tie into Dell's philosophy of direct relationships. So the new laptop would not only be built specifically for you, but also DESIGNED directly by Dell customers. Of course, designs would have to be reviewed by Dell engineers to be sure that they are technically feasible and can be built within cost constraints, etc... Seems like this could be a very cool way to design a new generation of home/consumer laptops thru collaboration directly with Dell customers. 9 Comments »

25150

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.





30 Comments »

15899

pre-installed linux ubuntu on desktops and laptops

Linux, Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by fra9000 02/20/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

i think linux will be the future...so please make some model-line of desktops and laptops with ubuntu linux pre-installed... thanks


This idea has been implemented on select desktops and notebooks in the US, UK, France and Germany.

80 Comments »



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