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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.





185 Comments »

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? 734 Comments »

Linux Register If You Were Not Able To Get an Ubuntu System

submitted by felimwhiteley Jan 31

Unfortunately I was unable to avail of the Ubuntu offer when I bought my Inspiron 1520. I'd like to add my system as a purely running Ubuntu system. Vista has never been booted which came pre-installed. I'd like to support Dell's fantastic Linux offer but I have no way to say I'm not using Windows and although I bought it with Windows it's never going to run it.

Basically I'd like to see Dell get credit for a Linux system even though it wasn't initially bought with Linux... rather long winded there !

Many thanks,

Félim 2 Comments »

No non-free wireless firmware!

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux submitted by slashdotaccount Jan 31

Don't sell Linux laptops or other wireless devices that require non-free drivers or more importantly non-free firmware. This means no Intel wireless devices since they all require binary-only firmware. The only wireless hardware I know of with free firmware are madwifi with OpenHal or prism54 with FreeMAC. Stuff that doesn't need firmware is OK too, but not as good since the firmware cannot be

http://madwifi.org
http://prism54.org 14 Comments »

Improve the Idea Process on IdeaStorm

Dell, IdeaStorm submitted by jervis961 Jan 31

The current way this site works lacks proper feedback and process to show the customer that their ideas are important to Dell. The process also does not allow the ideas to gain proper exposure from visitors that is needed to propel the ideas to the popular ideas front page. Here are some suggestions for improvement.

1. All ideas should be read by a Dell representative and tagged as acknowledged within 3 days of being posted. I know this will be difficult on old ideas but if you go through and read them you will spot lots of duplicates to merge in the process.

2. Every time Dell has a meeting to discuss the top ideas they should change the tag to appropriately identify Dell's reaction to the idea. Currently there are several ideas on the front page without a status tag that should have been discussed by Dell already.

3. When users visit the site they should be taken to the recent ideas page to give those ideas more visability. I'm sure that Dell's own research shows that most users only visit the first page or two of the popular ideas tab which is unfair to all the other ideas submitted.

4. Don't just delete ideas and send off an email to the poster, allow them to defend themselves first. While it only takes a minute to read an idea, some users have spent a lot of time creating it. Dell should ask for clarification or post a comment on why they feels it should be deleted and the poster should be given 3 days to respond (unless there is a TOU violation involved).

5. Have an open mind and quit being a bunch of bean counters. We have read responses from Dell worried about profitability of ideas. While profit is the primary goal of the company, sometimes you have to take a chance. A truely innovative idea may not earn direct profits but may garner significant press and show Dell as the leader is should be rather than just another follower.

Feel free to post any other ways you feel the process can be improved inside the comments of this idea. 38 Comments »

$499 ecomomy systems with AMD & ATI + Ubuntu

Advertising and Marketing, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by zanlok Jan 31

When I search Dell.com for "AMD Ubuntu", there are 0 results.

How about a new line of offerings specifically targeted at budget buyers? I mean desktops and laptops. Something like Vostro, but not so boring / boxy. Allow color customization on laptops and LED customization for desktops. And don't skimp on hardware. Just use affordable components from the ground up. Allow options for blu-ray, webcams, fingerprint readers, etc.

Dodge the monopolies and pass along the savings! 9 Comments »

Big Ram For Notebooks

Desktops and Laptops submitted by walkerjian Jan 31

RAM is cheap now. I would like a notebook with 8, 16 32 ++ gigs of ram. Obviously would have to run a 64 bit OS. If not then just use extra ram as battery backed HD (notebook right?) or just a super swap file. Should be able to partition my RAM to support this 6 Comments »

Dell should be the first company to offer Word with out the rest of Office.

Software submitted by sugarbear Jan 31

Many people don`t need or want any thing but a word program to write letters or email letters. 98 Comments »

Put XPSes into the Linux Pool

Linux submitted by jeverettk Jan 31 **REVIEWED**

Linux users aren't a bunch of cheap-o's looking for the next cheapest thing.

Until the driver questions, component manufacturer partnerships, and commercial licensing contractual obligations are worked out so that you can provide Linux as an option for every PC, at least show Linux users that you mean business by offering the kind of high performance systems we're used to building ourselves.

I ought to see a Dell Linux Media Center XPS on your Linux page right now. Why not?


Please see matt_d's comment
12 Comments »

Create a Linux-based Dell PVR with no need for monthly service fees

Linux, New Product Ideas, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jeverettk Jan 31

A PVR (think Tivo) PC without monthly service fees? No price bump for the premium OS package to run it? Interface that lets you customize your own skins and functions? Free add-ons for web-based media?

Thousands of Linux users already have this MYTHical* toy. There's even a pre-programmed Ubuntu remaster* made especially for this purpose. Dell already packages all the hardware needed into current systems. The only real obstacle is that the average user would break down in tears trying to set it up.

Sure there's some work involved: Conceive it. Build it. Test it. Tweak it to just plain work. Maybe develop a super easy set up wizard that even my Mom could use (or just politely copy, distribute, and attribute someone else's work).

THEN, package it with really sweet surround sound and specially recommended graphics card and some crazy sharp display screen options - or even a HiDef projector.

Now, you've got yourself a Linux-based system that won't be relegated to a back of the house page hidden in your website. If you really want to take Linux to the bank, show this...stuff off!

*Checkout mythbuntu, might as well check out other MythTV remasters as well, like KnoppMyth, MythTVOS, etc. Remasters may differ from originating distros enough that some extra homework is required, but the support community would quickly build itself (read:explode). Come, on - blow my mind. 21 Comments »

Start Warranty periods when the system is received, not shipped!

Service and Support submitted by markj2k Jan 31

I have purchased several Dell systems over the last month or so for myself, and some consulting clients. I've noticed in each case that the warranty start date is the day the PC shipped, not the day the PC was received by the purchaser. This needs to be changed. The order status page changes to show when the system was delivered, so Dell knows when the delivery date is. That is the day the warranty should start.

It might even be required from a legal standpoint in some areas, not sure about that. 15 Comments »

Become the open source OEM

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by ntaylor0909 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

I read the same question on Linux forums, all the time: What is the best brand of computer/laptop to purchase for Linux. I know that there is the n series of computers and notebooks, but it could go a step further. Accept the recent offer of free Linux driver development from the Linux Kernel Community so that DELLs "just work" with Linux. Maybe look at some ideas like LinuxBIOS and/or OpenBIOS. Become the OEM that everyone recommends. There is a growing market for Open Source friendly computers and DELL could own that market.


In the past year, we've made a lot of progress on getting Linux to work well on all of our products. Our goal is to become the hardware vendor of choice for Linux users. Click here to learn more from john_h.





44 Comments »

Dell Bonus Points

Service and Support submitted by ndavis 02/22/07

I think it would be great to earn points everytime you buy something from Dell...whether it be a system or service. The points could be used to purchase more dell product or products from their partner programs. Maybe they could join up with their partner programs to have one points program. It seems like points programs are great motivators to buy. It just gives people one more reason. Comment »

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.

449 Comments »

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 »

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.




184 Comments »

Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser

Software submitted by robinjfisher 02/19/07 **REVIEWED**

Does what it says on the tin! Most people only use IE because they aren't aware of other browsers - they think Internet Explorer is the Internet! What would really drive take up of alternative browsers is if Firefox was pre-installed as the default browser so that when people look for the "Internet" in Windows, they are using FF.
Firefox advocates at Dell have initiated discussions and driven action around exploring alternative internet browsers and experiences. As you can tell from our response to the Linux community, open source continues to be a part of our conversations about new products and services.





775 Comments »

Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office

Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart 02/17/07

Provide OpenOffice.org for free pre-installation alongside Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org is more capable than Microsoft Works, and a serious competitor to Microsoft Office, at a fraction of the cost (it's free!)

OpenOffice.org can open, create, edit and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.

Provide as OPTIONS for pre-installation many other high-quality free software programs such as:
- Firefox: web browser with popup and privacy controls; say goodbye to Internet Explorer infections!
- Thunderbird: email program with free anti-spam and privacy controls
- Pidgin: instant messaging all-in-one program for popup-free MSN, Yahoo, AOL and others
&nsbp;[ed: GAIM was renamed Pidgin in April 2007 to settle the issue with AOL's trademark on AIM]
- PDFCreator: creates Adobe PDF files from any program
- Scribus, Inkscape & GIMP: desktop publishing, freehand drawing & powerful image editing
- Audacity & VLC: multi-track audio editing & universal all-in-one media/video/movie/DVD player
- Stellarium & Celestia: planetarium viewer & outer-space mapping, like Google Earth, but for our Solar System

Pre-installed quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. Cast your vote for Linux and other free software. Cast your vote for the Universal Education PC [ed: article removed/merged by dell_admin] utilizing free software.

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.
562 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 »