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Give more linux option eg fedora along with ubuntu!

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by macmoh 10/10/07

It would be great if you could provide option for Fedora along with ubuntu.

Fedora is a great Desktop OS. Do not just ignore it.

Thanks. 6 Comments »

Have Ubuntu loaded machines on display at Dell Direct Stores

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by joeevil5000 05/31/07

If Dell is pushing for alternitve OS's to get in the mainstream, they should show them to thier customers in action. There should be at least one machine running Ubuntu at every Dell Direct Store kiosk. That way, dell sales reps can show it to customers, and compare it to Windows as to what it can do. Dell gets customers from computer savvy geeks, to the computer illiterate grandma, but thier core consumer is the computer illiterate. They are more than likely going to want to go with a Windows system, because it's what they have heard of, and known about for so many years, but, it will let them know that Windos is'nt the ONLY OS there is. Simply put, by displaying Ubuntu, people will get to know that it exists, and what it is, and spread the word. 4 Comments »

Dissipate heat from the back of the LCD; not the laptop's bottom

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by endolith 06/10/07

The name for these devices has been changed from "laptop" to "notebook", because the bottoms of these things get so hot they slow cook your legs if you try to hold them on your lap. I've been using mine with a big cloth pad underneath since I got it, and it still heats up my legs.

The problem is that the heat is designed to dissipate mostly from the bottom. That's why the modern Dell laptops have little rubber bumper feet, so that, theoretically, you'll use it on a table and the fan will draw air past the bottom surface of the laptop. Back in reality, everyone just uses them on their laps or couches and the little rubber feet break off and get lost.

What you should do instead is route the heat to fins on the back of the LCD, where it will easily be dissipated. (You know, the part that's almost vertical, prone to convection, and always exposed to the environment instead of legs?) The parts that contact the lap should then be thoroughly insulated.

Options for routing the heat into the LCD:

• Actively liquid-cooled laptops with little pumps and such.
• Passive liquid heat pipes using alcohol or other working fluid that condenses in the heatsink, drips back down by gravity into the main body of the laptop, is warmed and evaporated to flow back up and be cooled in the heat sink, etc.
• Active air cooling with the normal laptop fan blowing air into open ducts that go up the LCD housing
• Very passive cooling that just leaves open ducts for air to naturally convect up the LCD housing like a chimney.

• Rotational coupling built into or coaxial with the LCD's hinges
• Flexible hoses

Better Styling, More Choices on Video Cards and a Hybrid Video Design, and Definately less or NO pre-installed Software.

Sales Strategies, Software, Laptops submitted by kman79 02/16/07 **REVIEWED**

Dell probably does build one of the best performing notebooks that one could order, well at least you could make it to be one of the best performing notebooks, but they lack in style. Of course the priority of having the notebook is having good performance, but having a stylish exterior adds value and want for the notebook/laptop. The white and gray casing gets old, and needs updating. I like the simple yet stylish look of the M1210, the rest of the line should be updated. Maybe it's just me, but the rest of the XPS line of laptops need to be toned down, it just looks to kidish and has too many things going on with it. Design a better looking notebook with the current hardware performance you have available right now, and you can guarantee it will sell better. The design does not have to be complex, but anything is better than white and gray plastic exterior you currently use. Get ideas from Apple, Asus, Sony, Toshiba and even HP. Give the exterior look of the notebook some curves......maybe evem a glossy finish, and a little texture. People spend thousands of dollars on their Dell Notebooks, at least make them feel better by making the notebooks look like it's worth the money spent on them. Give the notebook some attitude, a personality and a soul and not just a piece of plastic with a keyboard and a screen.

Dell should also give customers more choices with the video cards. I wanted to get an M1210, but was dissapointed that it only had a Geforce Go 7400 as the only choice for video card. I was more than willig to spend the extra cash on a higher end video card. Also, if sony has not patented this design/idea, what about a Video Hybrid design where you have a choice between intel graphics while on battery, and purve Nvidia graphics when plugged in. I think the idea is genious and very useful. You can use intel graphics when your running on battery to save and extend battery life, and switch over to nvidia graphics for full-on graphics power when the notebook is plugged in.

More importantly, let it be the customer's choice on which programs and services they want installed on their ordered computer. I hate turning on my newly ordered computer and having all these unwanted software and services already installed. I hate having to spend the first minutes to hours after receiving my computer uninstalling programs or doing a clean OS install.


Over the past year we launched several laptops that were developed purely for the consumer. Check out all the details on mike_h's post.





10 Comments »

Website Dedicated to Linux Support for all Dell Model Computers

Dell Web Site, Linux, Service and Support submitted by jthurst 02/19/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**

A website that dedicated to Linux On Dell. Recommendations for xorg.conf file configurations and power management configuration/drivers. It would be great if Dell would dedicate some resources to Linux Support on Dell. When I think of what laptop to buy I think about which Vendor is the most Linux friendly or else what Makes and Model's seem to be working out best for Linux users. Dell laptops seem to have a lot of new powerful hardware that's tough getting Linux to work well on it. For example, the drivers/modules for getting the power management features to work and the Alps/Synaptic drivers and configuration tools is also tricky. The X-windows monitor and graphics card detection and auto-configuration doesn't work well on many Dell Models. Dell has an opportunity to do a lot for the Linux community and in turn the Linux community could do a lot for Dell. I used to have a Dell D600 and now have a Dell 620 and I'm always spending weeks trying to get everything to work properly.


Please see comments below
13 Comments »

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! 20 Comments »

Debian instead of Ubuntu

Linux submitted by wlaoye 05/07/07

Ubuntu is a derivative of Debian. Why not use the radical rather than the derivative? Dell should pre-install its PCs with Debian and distribute it all over the world.

wl 7 Comments »

Offer Ubuntu PC's by Dell to Wal-Mart.com and other Retailers

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by josmar52789 05/01/07

Don't make it hard to get the Ubuntu PCs. Offer them in retailers like Wal-Mart, CompUSA, OfficeMax, whatever, even if they're just sold on their respective websites.

It's time Dell took a stand. Anyone could pre-install Ubuntu, but be bold and offer it to the mainstream consumer. 2 Comments »

Ad Campaign: Families Switching to Ubuntu

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by limulus 09/04/07

There are currently ideas under review, such as "make ubuntu shine" which relate to advertising Dell's Ubuntu systems. If Dell decides to do some ads, here's an idea for an ad campaign:

"Switching to Ubuntu"



Find one or more real families that are interested in a Dell Ubuntu system, but previously only had Windows experience (and don't actually need any special Wine-incompatible apps) and follow them for a while to get good sound-bytes and string those together into a commercial. Some themes that should become obvious:

* before-and-after comparisons of their Windows boxes with their shiny new Ubuntu systems

* the joy of exploring and discovery in the land of free software. 'Wait... all these thousands of programs available in Ubuntu are really FREE?' :)

* "It just works" Sally on GAIM/Pidgin, Johnny using Firefox, Dad using OpenOffice.org to do a spreadsheet, Mom downloading pics from a digital camera, Grandma playing Sudoku, etc. Something for everyone. No one has to fight their computer to get it to do what they want. No dreaded command line.

* Would you go back to Windows? (I think we can see the answer to this by now ;)

If Dell hurries, they can have these ads for the Christmas season!

[see also my other ad campaign ideas: What can you do with Ubuntu? and Meet Mark Shuttleworth ] 5 Comments »

Linux Printing Solutions

Linux, Printers and Ink, Service and Support submitted by jfelisky 02/21/07

I have a Dell 3100cn laser printer, which was a nice purchase until I dropped Windows XP and moved to OpenSuSE on my home computer.

I've tried a lot of different message boards looking for a way to keep that printer, but I'm so frustrated with Dell's lack of Linux support that I have to consider HP, since the LaserJet family is more broadly supported. 53 Comments »

Ubuntu Certified

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by safaci2000 06/19/07

Should dell, start certifying the vast majority of their laptops/towers as being Ubuntu compatible. Not necessarily pre-package Ubuntu on all laptops (though that'd be nice), but just like msft has their certified msft hardware, dell should test out each model they sell and either flag it as compatible or not with Ubuntu. (which odds are, would translate over to most other distributions anyways).

5 Comments »

Provide ubuntu upgrades free directly through Dell.

Linux submitted by rscheckler 05/30/07

With the fact that Ubuntu releases a new and improved OS an average of every 6 months, Lets have Dell provide the support and send current Ubuntu/Dell users using the pre-loaded Ubuntu OS the upgraded Dell vanilla Ubuntu install for free. I think with this idea of assurance in the mind of the consumer, more people will be willing to purchase a new Dell machine with Ubuntu on it knowing that the hardware on the machine will continue to be supported throughout the latest updates of Ubuntu. 11 Comments »

Stripped down laptop with all extras

Laptops submitted by netman1 03/12/07

My idea:

build a totally stripped down laptop:

-no parallel port
-no serial
-no ps2
-no pcmcia, cdrom, floppy drive, webcam, touchpad, LAN or wifi interface,
modem, s-video, vga, dvi, microfoon, speakers or usb

But with 1 type of interface (firewire?) to which all add-ons, which can be bougth
separately, can be attached and then in such a way that wouldn't look like something
that can fall appart any moment.

Drivers for all add-ons would be available for all OS-es (Windows AND Linux).

Sincerely,

JdH. 6 Comments »

Full Disclosure

Operating Systems, Service and Support submitted by lindahewitt 03/04/07

For the past couple of months, I have been puzzled by the fact that PC hardware vendor identify a PC as "Vista Capable" and recommend either XP, Vista Home or Vista Business.

For me, it made me wonder what was really going on and what did the hardware vendors know that I did not know, which might impact how satisfied I was likely to be with my new laptop purchase. When in doubt, I opt to wait.

IMO, Dell could become a leader in providing full disclosure of technical information, such as is provided in the URL below:

http://blogs.technet.com/keithcombs/

For example if USB 2.0 has been released for over a year but the hardware configuration that Dell is using includes only USB 1.1, then Dell needs to explain why? Whether these decisions are driven by technical reasons or Dell's decision to not update the hardware configuration, then this needs to be disclosed.

In terms of current technology, this applies to the following:

BIOS to EFI

DVI Riser Card Connector

True Video Card

HDMI

Solid State Hard Drives

IPKVM

DRPC with 1 CAT5 cable

HMB/DVI Inputs

I am sure that there are other technology developments, which I have not listed.

One of the decisions that many users are going to need to consider is whether to go 32 bit or 64 bit architecture.

I know that Dell tests hardware components before adding them to the hardware configuration, so just say that this technology is currently being tested before it is added to any Dell hardware configurations.

Just because someone orders a computer with XP, does not mean that they shouldn't get the latest hardware technology. Who knows, if Dell provides full disclosure on their hardware configurations, their customers may decide to purchase a more expensive leading edge computer, so that they can take advantage of the latest technology.

1 Comment »

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? 50 Comments »

Dell Community OS powered by Ubuntu Linux

Linux, Servers and Storage, Desktops and Laptops submitted by nfreeze 04/28/07

Hire a lightweight development team to build a customized version of Ubuntu Linux specifically for Dell hardware. Brand the product 'Dell Community OS powered by Ubuntu Linux'. Offer laptop / desktop and server versions. Comment »

A PC can be MAC

Desktops and Laptops submitted by pcvsmac 03/07/07

There is no big difference between MAC and PC. I think MAC always uses the server MOBOs for its normal MACs. MAC systems can go with two processors and two PCI-e x16 slots and a PCI x32 and PCI x64 for its sound cards. If you check the server MOBOS they have two PCI-e x16 for dual GPUs and PCI x32/x64 for MACs custom sound card for high end audio editing. I think it would be great if Dell comes with an Idea of shipping normal Desktops with Server Mobos with Dual GPUs and Dual Processors with each processor bieng Dual Core or Quad Core and a normal server MOBO can accomodate upto 16GB of RAM easily. Now, for gamers with a PC of this configuration as below, imagine how gr8 performance they get..?

* Dual Intel or AMD Quad/Dual Core

* 6 to16 GB RAM

* 2 x nVidia PCI-e 8800/7950 GTX with 1GB DDR on each PCI-e x16

* 6 Sata 2 Version Ports for high storage capacity.

* A PCI x32/x64 for a high end sound cards for audio enthus

* A superfast LAN Card for good internet connectivity

* A good CPU Cooling System thats in XPS 710

* A flat panel with wide screen

* OS like Linux or Vista[Cuz Vista can only read such huge volumes of RAM].

Imagine the gaming performance and video editing and audio editing on this kind of machine. I think its some thing Dell should definitely think off to satisfy Gamers and Multimedia people. 3 Comments »

Media Direct

Linux submitted by loneowais 12/11/07

Dell Media Direct for Ubuntu/Linux Comment »

Dell + INTEL make 128 bit processor--> GOOD IDEA!!!!

Gaming submitted by ptcase 07/21/07

I THINK DELL AND INTEL SHOULD TEAM UP AND MAKE THE FIRST 128 BIT PROCESSOR FOR MAINSTREAM COMPUTERS. i KNOW THEY HAVE THEM IN GAMING CONSOLES LIKE PS2 OR PS3. THEY WORK SO WELL SOMEONE HOOKED UP 100 IN A ROW AND BROKE 128 BIT ENCRYPTION W/ BRUTE FORCE IN 1/2 SEC. SOME DISPLAY OF POWER. 16 Comments »

make linux systems EASY TO FIND

Dell Web Site submitted by phubert 10/18/07

At other sites, I have seen comments by individuals who have BOUGHT Dell Ubuntu systems complaining about the difficulty FINDING said systems.

I think you'll get more sales if you improve the visibility! 30 Comments »