oswcab

Ubuntu in the UK?

Linux submitted by effdot 08/17/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**

Are the Ubuntu offerings available in the UK / Europe? I can only find fairly well hidden pages which go to the USA site.

I'd like to stick to Dell (especially for servers) but if it is easier to go elsewhere then I'll have to, especially when Dell start only offering Vista.

Not one of my clients wants to go there - 1 (very non-techy) office is now running Ubuntu server on an old PC as their file server - it's well backed up so if the PC dies <shrug> they restore to another one.

They sometimes even turn on the GUI to use it as an extra workstation and have since switched wholescale to Open Office. They now plan to switch to Ubuntu for their workstations as they need replacing.....

Well, Dell?



Please see matt_d's comment
4 Comments »

Linux Drivers

Linux submitted by fjgaude 08/03/07

Get more drivers working out-of-the-box for Ubuntu, including zen and raid. 1 Comment »

Give Dell consumer products names, not product numbers...

Advertising and Marketing, Dell, Desktops, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by kyliemanders 06/08/07

I received the June Dell catalog in the mail a few days ago and while it is impressive I can't but think how much better it would be if I could remember Dell products by name rather than dozens of product numbers.

I understand that Dimension, Optiplex and Inspiron are brands but give your individual products names...

Instead of marketing a Dell Inspiron E1705, why not a Dell IdeaBook or Dell Book. Much friendlier and happier association between human and machine.

How many would be excited about an Apple Dimension E1423 laptop... We have too many numbers to remember in our lives as it is.






15 Comments »

Offer AMD Processors with Ubuntu Linux!

Desktops, Linux submitted by krazzyj 05/25/07

Offer AMD processors with Ubuntu.

Today I tried to purchase an Ubuntu system, only to be stopped cold with an Intel ONLY system. Open you eyes and allow AMD cpu's with your Ubuntu systems.

9 Comments »

Dell and Ubuntu

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by daniel117 08/19/07

I think Dell should do more with Ubuntu to optimize the whole OS for Dell computers. 6 Comments »

Edubuntu or K12LTSP on servers for Schools

Education, Sales Strategies, Servers and Storage submitted by jkorz 06/19/07

As a Network Administrator for a large public school, I would like to see servers with K12LTSP or Edubuntu preinstalled (and fully supported). The thin client computing model is becoming very lucrative for school districts with small tech departments because these systems are robust, inexpensive, simple to maintain and can do 95% of what school children need computers for. Dell could offer a bundle of high end servers and thin clients. There could be an option to upgrade to slightly thicker clients that could run LTSP local apps to boost performance.

Schools are going to do this with or without Dell. It makes sense for Dell to get on board rather than be left behind. 5 Comments »

Linux pre-installed on hi-end laptops like XPS

Linux, Laptops submitted by seeking_alpha 06/30/07

Why do you only offer low-end Inspiron? We want hi-end hardware with pre-installed Ubuntu Linux, OpenOffice and Firefox and not just in the US! 1 Comment »

Stripped down, fast Linux Box

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by pawprintz 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

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


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.




128 Comments »

Linux - Distribute Live Disks!!

Linux submitted by cosh 04/01/07

Earlier, I was trying to join the general support for Dell to do more computers with Linux pre-installed. But, reading the US Deparment of Justice Findings of Fact in the old Microsoft anti-trust case, I realised what a shockingly tight grip Microsoft have on OEM retailers. It's a long, confusing and scary read, but the important notion is this:

The more computers Dell (or any other OEM retailer) sell with Linux or without an OS, or the more they advertise Linux on their site, and the more they INCLUDE ANY OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE ON THEIR MACHINES WHICH COULD AT ANY LEVEL COMPETE WITH SOFTWARE FROM MICROSOFT, the higher price Microsoft can charge Dell for all versions of Windows that they want to sell. Thus, the cost of Windows PC's might go up for Dell.

How about, Dell do something different here. Just give away the live disks for a few different distros free with their computers. That way, you don't get into trouble with Microsoft at all. If Microsoft try to change the price they sell Windows at to Dell for just for bundling a simple free complimentary gift with their computers, it would be so blatantly illegal and anti-competitive and just what the Department of Justice is looking for - they would be on them in minutes. Maybe I'm being naîve but really I don't see how Microsoft could possibly retaliate...

<u>Advantages of using Live Disks:</u>

- It lets people still try Linux even if they wouldn't go for the dual-boot option. This method will give so much publicity to Linux - like nothing else ever could.

- It makes an amazing tool for support. If Windows goes wrong, the support personnel can ask if the user has their Linux disks available and use one of those to boot up and fix the problem. It also lets you test if a problem is with the hardware or with Windows or an application.

- You don't have to install it. Just put in the DVD (or CD) and restart the computer. Instant and workable Linux with no-risk. It doesn't attempt to write to the hard drive and cannot damage anything. Run OpenOffice, Mozilla Firefox, etc., straight from the DVD.

- You can include a few different distros on different disks, instead of just one.

- There's no danger from not knowing how to use Linux, because Windows is still the main OS. You just have some free bonus software with your PC is all.

- If you hate Linux, break the disks as some kind of ritual of it. Or whatever. It's your choice.

- It's extremely quick and easy for Dell to start with, because not everything has to work right with regards to driver issues. The disks are extremely good at auto-detecting hardware on the fly, but if, for example, there's no sound support running off the live disk, it doesn't matter, because it's not the main OS. Including a couple of live disks is quick and cheap and they tend to be packed with software, so it lets everyone get a hellova lot more for their money when they buy a Dell.

- It can also hugely boost popularity for having Linux installed on future computers. Dell can use this as an advert for dedicated Linux machines. And then lots more major retailers, like Dell, will see the opportunity. This could be the start of a real change and new flexibility in the market.



Want to know more about the inflatable penguin above? They were giving out demo disks of Linux. Read the short story here and see the photos here. The funniest bit from it is this:

Disappointed with Linux Strategy

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by jdiggidy 08/04/07

I've been in the market for a new laptop for quite some time. After searching for months, I found the Inspiron e1505n (preloaded with Ubuntu Feisty). The price was exactly what I was looking for. As I prepared to make the purchase, I was very dissappointed to discover that it was a limited time offer ( as told to me by a C.S. rep on an online chat). It was there for several weeks it seemed, than suddenly it's no longer available. The only comparable model that is available is the e1420n, priced at $100 more than the e1505n. I'm a Linux expert and can quite easily set up my own system, but thougth I'd support an OEM that is trying to break free of the Microsoft blinders. In the past I had a very negative opinion of Dell, but decided to give them chance because of their support of Linux. Suffice it to say I've begun looking elsewhere for a new laptop. If you make Linux available on more systems and don't price point to sell then discontinue, perhaps I'll reconsider. As it stands right now, you've lost a potentially loyal customer. Kudos for supporting Linux, but do it right. 3 Comments »

Linux Laptops with the Cost-Effective AMD Processors

Linux, Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by lamar_air 06/18/07

Linux supporters are often attracted to linux OS distros for a number of reasons but some of the more popular are its open source licensing agreement, stability, and cost. There is also often a focus on supporting a company who is not a market dominator and growing support towards the rivalries. For the hardware side of your linux laptop the AMD processor can often offer the same performances as the Dell dominating Intel but at a lower cost.

An Ubuntu-AMD laptop could be a popular request.

Software Engineer - Canada 6 Comments »

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.

1822 Comments »

Dell Must Use Ubuntu Stickers! {Pics Inside}

Linux submitted by thebittersea 06/10/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

96 Comments »

Create a wiki for the community to contribute guides on how to use linux on your computers.

Linux submitted by kevstar31 08/08/07

Examples:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/
http://gentoo-wiki.com/
Update:The reason I think there needs to be another one is for hardware specific information like xorg.conf. 5 Comments »

Ubuntu PCs need more video card options

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by nkmhutirv 06/13/07

Dell desktops and notebooks preloaded with Ubuntu should have more video cards to choose from!

I do not know how Nvidia 7300LE compares to other video cards, but I do not belive TurboCache is suitable even for the most casual gaming.TurboCache's memory sharing technology is just not suitable. Yes, I do play 3d accelerated games from time to time on Ubuntu! You could offer some Nvidia 7600, 7800 or some other medium range video card. Nothing fancy, just something to allow some 3d effects.

Even Dell PCs preloaded with FreeDos have 2 video cards to choose from:

128MB ATI Radeon X1300 [Included in Price]

256MB ATI Radeon X1300 Pro [add $50 or $2/month1]

With Ubuntu PCs you have to choose between a range of just one video card:

correction: you have 2 options:

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 [Included in Price]

256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache [add $50 or $2/month1]

But what's the difference between them? I want to play games 1-2 years old. I do not belive this will be posible with this kind of cards.

You could say Dell does not address gamers, but Dell's Windows based PCs have a lot more advanced video cards: "Stunning 3D graphics performance with the latest single and dual graphics cards in the market available". Unfortunately such advanced graphics is available only to Vista users, not even XP buyers!

Have you seen the noise (fuzz, amazement) 3d effects in Ubuntu have generated? You see, Ubuntu users appreciate 3d acceleration in Linux. Don't restrict them to just integrated graphics and TurboCache! 5 Comments »

Pledge to make 1420n work fully with standard Ubuntu 7.10

Inspiron products, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by dara 09/08/07

I know there isn't much more time before the 7.10 release of Ubuntu (pre release named Gutsy Gibbon). I've been following a bit in ubuntuforums.org and some are optimistic about a fresh install of 7.10 enabling all the hardware on a 1420n. But I'd be much more likely to buy a 1420n now (I'm close) if Dell would promise to make every effort to get everything on this laptop as currently offered (heck, throw in bluetooth again too) working fully with the October release (and if not fully, working to get the updates onto the repositories as soon as possible.

Perhaps this plan has already been stated - if so, not prominently enough for me to have heard of it. 9 Comments »

Pre-installed Linux must play commercial DVDs

Education, Linux submitted by jonmca 05/03/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

You probably know this, but a "show stopper" requirement for most consumers and many educators and business road warriers is having laptops and desktops that can play commmercial DVDs. I have a hunch that preinstalled Linux on Dell machines will be a terrific success if Dell Linux desktops and laptops have this capability. I've been told that http://www.videolan.org/ has one possible approach.

Having Linux playing commercial DVDs may also catapult Dell into the complex Digital Rights Management contoversy so it would be wise to get Dell's legal staff involved ASAP and also have this discussed this at the highest strategic management levels at Dell (if this is not already being done).


Check out the Ideas in Action post from Daniel Judd. And you can also check out this follow-up post from John Hull who leads our engineering efforts behind Linux on consumer systems.
32 Comments »

Better selection of Linux notebooks

Linux submitted by kasoroth 08/07/07

An Ubuntu notebook with higher specs would be nice. At a minimum, I'd want a decent monitor option (1920x1200 resolution), a decent NVIDIA video card option, and gigabit ethernet. I'd also prefer an AMD processor, and a price point about $50 less than an equivalent Windows system. 5 Comments »

Make an efford to includ UBUNTU in more pc and lower linux pc prices

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by lucianotolfo 05/24/07

We want more variety of desktops and notbooks pc with UBUNTU linux pre-installed. And also to get a more significant difference in linux products than windows ones (no just $50)

The Windows o.s. is much more expensive than UBUNTU linux o.s. !!!

Let customers have a cheap pc by reducing costs on software... Comment »

Offer Ubuntu on the XPS M1330 laptop

Linux, XPS products, Laptops submitted by technikal 06/26/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Offer the coolest OS on your coolest laptop. I'd be great to buy such a cool laptop knowing ubuntu would work flawlessly on it. Maybe even add Beryl into the default install so that the graphics on the screen were as nice to look at as the laptop itself. I'd even take a dual-boot with Vista - just something to assure me that on the system is Linux ready.


Check out the Idea in Action update.
29 Comments »