Pre-Installed Linux | Release Early, Release Often, Release with Predictable Support
Linux, Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
12/19/07
Release Early: On PCs that ship with Pre-Installed Linux, always ship the very latest Linux versions (without sacrificing quality, of course!). For supported Linux distributions, this means same-day shipping when a new version is released.
Release Often: Ship updated versions of Linux methodically, like clockwork. For example, PCs with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed should ship with updated versions every six months, in sync with regular Ubuntu Linux releases.
Release with Predictable Support: With every PC shipped, commit to a fixed period of Linux support (ideally around 5 years) for the latest versions of supported Linux, so that every Dell PC can end its long life running a long-term-support version of Linux.
For example, Ubuntu Linux LTS versions are released every 2 years, and supported with security updates for a minimum of 5 years (that adds up to around 10 years of reliable support for Linux for every PC shipped by Dell).
Of course, this idea implies continually expanding the Dell/Linux HCL (hardware compatibility list) to incrementally include more models, both new and old, until all PCs and peripherals sold by Dell have predictable, reliable support for operating with Linux. Dell should commit publicly to fully support Linux on all new hardware sold by Dell.
Dell is doing a great job of ramping-up support for Linux across Dell product lines. To be competitive in the market for pre-installed Linux (expected by astute analysts to become dominant on desktop and notebook PCs within the next decade), Dell must consistently ship new PCs with the very latest versions of the most popular Linux distributions.
Most operating systems are developed with predictable alpha and beta release cycles, which should give Dell enough time for internal testing and to ship new machines on the very same day that updated versions of go gold. In the example of Ubuntu Linux, like clockwork, every six months. The built-in automatic-update features of most Linux distributions can be used by Dell to distribute updates until guaranteed minimum support periods have ended.
-110
Dell should follow the 'spirit of Ubuntu' for its Ubuntu systems!
Linux submitted by limulus
12/19/07
I was all excited to read that "Today, we're adding Ubuntu 7.10 (a.k.a Gutsy Gibbon) to the Dell Consumer Linux line-up for customers in the United States. It will also be available on the Inspiron 530 in England, France, and Germany later this week." but then it was with a bit of horror that I read:
"Pre-installation of [Adobe's] Flash for a better web experience"
and
"we now include built-in DVD movie playback with all Ubuntu 7.10 systems" using LinDVD
So under the guise of 'customer desire' Dell is going contrary to the 'spirit of Ubuntu' by preinstalling non-libre software. What's worse, as confirmed by a second posting:
"Note that this is a closed-source, proprietary application, and is not included on the Ubuntu 7.10 OS media. [...] ISO images DO NOT CONTAIN LinDVD, as LinDVD is a non-free application that is included in the cost of a system purchased with our Ubuntu 7.10 factory-installation. We'll make information available on how this application can be purchased after the holidays."
Apparently Dell thinks that because they can hide the cost of Windows in a regular Dell system, its OK to hide the cost of a proprietary application in their Ubuntu systems.
NO IT IS NOT!!!
If Dell wants to sell LinDVD as an add-on, that's fine, but one of the major draws of Ubuntu is specifically the LACK of proprietary software and its FREE cost. Do not force users to pay for non-libre, non-gratis software by attempting to bundle it into the cost of the hardware!
Also, regarding Adobe's Flash, while most Ubuntu users will likely want it, its again contrary to the 'spirit of Ubuntu' to force users to have it by default. Quoting Mark Shuttleworth:
“I hear you when you say “users want proprietary codecs”. That’s why we make sure these items ARE available, at the user’s option, as packages on the network repositories. That allows users who need that functionality, or who choose that functionality over free alternatives, to exercise that choice freely. We don’t make that choice for them, though of course there is huge demand from real users for that. And we will stay firm in that regard. Ubuntu does not, and will never, include proprietary applications.“
Ubuntu 7.10 will automatically offer Adobe's Flash or the libre Gnash plugin when Firefox encounters a SWF file, so there is NO NEED to bundle it.
So allow me to suggest how Dell can make its Ubuntu systems better:
When a customer orders one, have a software choice like the following, which assumes LinDVD costs $20:
Ubuntu 7.10 [subtract $20]
Ubuntu 7.10 with proprietary codecs (Flash, etc.) [subtract $20]
Ubuntu 7.10 with proprietary codecs (Flash, etc.) and LinDVD player [Included in Price]
Dell could then go all contrary to Ubuntu's philosophy and include things like MP3 support via the gratis but not fully libre fluendo codec but give users a say in the matter.
Alternately, if Dell is going to insist on bundling all sorts of non-libre and non-gratis software and not give the purchasers a choice about it, please stop calling it Ubuntu!
-140
Partially finance the development of Ubuntu to make it as easy to use as windows
Dell, Operating Systems submitted by eniacfoa
12/20/07
Is it really that hard for Ubuntu to get as user friendly as windows? i think it will never compete with windows without being AS user friendly combined with more aggressive marketing...if the average user has trouble installing software, the whole thing is futile...and i think it could happen if some cash was thrown at it...something dell has plenty of...
I would love dell to put their money where their mouth is and help improve Ubuntu dramatically in the user friendly department...
What Dell is doing is still "toying" with the idea instead of throwing their weight behind it...there is a real market for alternative computers, people really are sick of windows, but its the only operating system they have that they can use...dont tell me apple either...theyre a rip off and an annoyance...thats why they only have 2-5% of computers...they got hammered by the commodore 64 and they got hammered by the PC/Windows for a reason...its not just marketing....they are the computer for snobs, not the masses
Microsoft is not invincible, after Commodore Business Machines management killed the company from within Microsoft were right there in 95, ready for the web and apple, being no real competition...if a group of people came along with the vision, the business skill, the capital and the beleif that they can achieve their goal, microsoft would lose their "monopoly by default" because their products arnt that good.
Nobody likes vista, strike while the iron is hot...
Plan B - buy the IP of amiga OS....you really could have a tiny Desktop OS that was very light on system resources and multi-tasked well...of course needs lots of cash to develop as its not considered modern enough not having full memory protection and some other features...the thing about it is even if the whole system goes down, on modern hardware a warm boot would be 2-3 seconds....its like 8 seconds on G3 hardware... the only reason it doesnt have "full" memory protection is its trying to remain somewhat compatible with previous versions...an idea that could be scrapped....there is a small community of talented amiga developers already devoted and this number would grow if the IP wasnt owned by a shady company who makes it look like a money laundering exercise....so many people in the current IT industry have fond memories of CBM machines and would want to work with AmigaOS it if it was a real option...alot of people still say Amiga OS multi tasks better than windows...
its a very nice flavour of unix ;)
Plan C - put money into react OS, reverse engineer windows, make a compatible version open source, kill microsoft and go down in history ;)
-220
Aluminum Keys on Dell Laptops
submitted by nsenman
12/03/07
What about putting Aluminum Keys on Dell Laptops? A lot of other companies have done so. I think it looks nicer, is more reliable, has great finger feel and response, makes the laptop look and seem more higher end quality wise.
If not all the Dell Laptops maybe at least the XPS line?
310
Promote Windows Home Server Bigtime
Servers and Storage submitted by gcreese
02/17/07
Microsoft is coming out with Windows Home Server this year, which will allow households to backup and manage their house PCs from a single spot. At this point, a lot of households are in this situation (e.g., with two adults and a child, we have three laptops, a desktop, and three PDAs). Get out in front of the curve on this one (HP made its announcement at the CES Show), talk about it, promote the fact that you will offer it, and in the vein of the other "make the website easier to use" suggestions, explain how Windows Home Server is something to consider for a family going digital.
Also, offer a Windows Home Server discount to current customers who've ordered two or more PCs from Dell in the past five years. You have the data to run an effective, targeted marketing campaign. Use it!
1837
Need Gigabit Ethernet in M1530.
XPS products submitted by hoodedthing
12/06/07
What about Gigabit ethernet...? It's really not new technology, and it's pretty dissappointing not to see it in the m1530. It wouldn't be that hard to implement now.. Just start sticking gigabit ethernet ports in the laptops instead of 10/100.
This kind of thing is pretty easy to do, it's not expensive for you guys, and makes a huge difference in transfer of files for wired internet. Put gigabit ethernet in the 1530.
1480
Desktop/Notebook replacement
Desktops and Laptops submitted by diverkle
12/06/07
Dell needs an All-In-One (similar to an iMAC) for people who don't really need a portable notebook.
I've had a notebook for years, but rarely take it out and NEVER use the battery.
Features.
- LCD Screen 15 - 19 inch
- Detached keyboard/mouse (Bluetooth)
- Same drives, slots, ports as a notebook, all in the screen.
- no battery. (You can add an external batter pack option).
- Case/Screen cover, so I can put it in a drawer when I'm not using it.
Why not just get a desktop? - I take it to Florida once a year.
120
Upgrade for XPS M2010!
submitted by rishitku
12/05/07
640GB HDD
Core 2 extreme X7900/X9000/QX9650
4GB RAM
2xGeForce 8800m
2xODD1 Slot Load 1 Tray Load
Ageiax Physx Accelerator
Thats wat I would like for the XPS M2010 Upgrade
180
Can Dell upgrade the XPS m1330? I would like to know if everyone would like it!
XPS products submitted by rishitku
12/05/07
Can't Dell include a 256MB nVidia GeForce 8600. And then cram in a Blu-ray Disc Drive? That shall be better and not the GPU, but the lack of Blu-ray Disc Drive is the sole reason for the fact that I havent bought that hard-core machine. And also preferably a Core 2 Extreme X7800/X7900 on-board which would make it a marvellous-looking gaming machines. And this is a question: Is there a DVI-out on the Dell XPS m1330? I can try a Blu-ray Drive from the company Sinep-Anigav. But the problem is, I just don't trust them. So if Dell could cram in an 8600M, a Blu-ray Rewriter, a DVI -out(if there isn't one already), and finally a Core 2 Extreme X7900. If you could cram this in, I would love it!
200
Rewritten:"Another upgrade to XPS m2010"
XPS products submitted by rishitku
12/05/07
I remember I was the one who posted this, abt the exaggerated upgrade tot he m2010. I also wanna say that Im ready t pay double the price of the system if Dell includes an optional AgeiaX PhysXtreme Processor. I would love that. I wanna give my parents the ultimate GAMING'N'MULTIMEDIA expreince at home and anywhere!
80
Denser storage arrays
Servers and Storage submitted by aitor_ibarra
12/05/07
Dell drive arrays top out at 15 drives in 3U. A number of vendors (including AIC, HP, and Nexsan) manage to get 42-48 drives in 4U by mounting them vertically. It is slightly harder to swap a failed disk - the whole array needs to be pulled out from the rack - but with telescopic rails this doesn't mean powering the array down.
An even higher drive : U ratio could be achieved with 2.5" drives.
180
Borrow SuperMicro's Twin server idea
submitted by aitor_ibarra
12/05/07
Supermicro have 1U chassis that holds two independent servers, each with a similar spec to a Dell 1950 or 1955. This makes for a denser solution than normal 1U servers or blades, without losing the flexibility of 1U servers - each server has a PCIe slot, two CPU and 8 DIMM slots, and 2 drives in RAID 1.
They do not have redundant power supplies. Supermicro instead use a single PSU for both servers.
Actually, I'd like to see a 2U "quad" version of this idea - 4 servers in 2U, with 24x 2.5" drives total and a backplane which allows you to connect different number of drives to each server in the box.
140
Allow for a hardware configurable notebook
Laptops submitted by sawjd
12/05/07
Create a note book that allows us to easily switch out hardware and i don't just mean ram or optical drives but something like that allows to switch out video cards and the ability to upgrade processor as long as the motherboard supports it. This would be akin to the HP blackbird but for the notebook
410
Sell the XPS and Vostro lines at Staples too...not only Inspiron
Sales Strategies, XPS products submitted by winoffice
12/04/07
I know that Dell began to offer computers for display and sales at Staples recently - GREAT MOVE! But unfortnately, this concerns only Inspiron...I cannot wait to try out some XPS computers at Staples and order them there!
I went to the Staples Web site (http://www.staples.com), clicked at the "Computers and PDAs" link and ended up at http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?&secondlevel..., clicked at the "Dell Computers" link and ended up at http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?&secondlevel....
I was disappointed on discovering that only Inspirons were offered - is it so hard to sell the higher-end XPS and Vostro lines at Staples? Please sell the XPS and Vostro lines as well! XPS systems that I would want to see in Staples stores and on the Staples Web site include but are not limited to the following.
- XPS M1330 notebook
- XPS M1710 notebook
- XPS M1730 notebook
- XPS One desktop (all-in-one)
- XPS 420 mini tower desktop
- XPS 630 mini tower desktop
- XPS 720 tower desktop
Vostro systems that I would want to see in Staples stores and on the Staples Web site include but are not limited to the following.
- Vostro 1400 notebook
- Vostro 1500 notebook
- Vostro 1700 notebook
- Vostro 200 slim tower
- Vostro 200 mini tower
- Vostro 400 mini tower
Also consider the OS on most computers in Staples stores - Windows Vista Home Premium or Basic. However, it would certainly be ironic if Vostro and XPS (which has the most features compared the Inspirons) computers came with Windows Vista Home instead of Ultimate (which has more features than any other Windows Vista edition). Besides, the XPS and Vostro systems that I tried out at Dell Direct Store kiosks had Windows Vista Ultimate, and the offerings at Staples should at least be the same but certainly not less. So please Dell, make the XPS and Vostro systems that will be offered in Staples stores and on the Staples Web site come with Windows Vista Ultimate, not Home Premium/Basic.
200
Offer Blu Ray on the XPS m1330
submitted by nsenman
12/04/07
Ok. Now, all Inspiron notebooks offer the Blu Ray option and the New XPS m1530 does also. What is left out? That's right the XPS M1330. Awesome notebook but please offer the Blu Ray option. Thanks Dell.
Here is the reason to promote: The Blu Ray format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video, as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. Higher speed reading than traditional DVD or CD Drives. Blu-ray also adopts a new error correction system which is more robust and efficient than the one used for DVDs. The Blu-ray format has received broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today's DVD format. backwards compatible with DVD also.
240
 track my votes
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