The Dell Community has contributed: 9849 ideas | promoted 671561 times | 76891 comments

How IdeaStorm Works:

Post Promote Discuss See

zmr

Dashboard  |  Ideas Submitted  |  Ideas Voted On  |  Comments  |  Saved Items

27140

Put Ubuntu on the list of operating systems when building a PC!

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by samb0057 08/10/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Ubuntu is hidden in a dark corner of the website. I work in IT support, and I have a client who was having virus problems a little while ago. I fixed the problem by installing Ubuntu on their PC. Very recently they called me asking for advice on a new computer, I told them about your new offer providing Ubuntu pre-installed on PCs and they wanted to purchase, but could not find the section on your site (this person is a very basic user, doesn't know what open-source means, probably didn't even see the open source link). There is no way they would have found your Ubuntu section on their own.

I urge you to offer Ubuntu as a choice of OSes in the system configuration wizard, the only way to really sell Ubuntu is to offer Ubuntu as a primary option, rather than a hidden alternative. I personally am looking to buy a new laptop, and you guys have always been my number 1 PC manufacturer (I don't think I've ever bought a new retail PC except from you guys), but I feel that your Ubuntu offerings are lacking. If you offered Ubuntu on some of the great deals you offer on your home page, I would be willing to pay just as much as I would for a Windows Vista system and I probably would have already ordered.







158 Comments »

-60

Extend hard drive warranties for Ubuntu PC's

Inspiron products, Linux submitted by johnnyk 12/17/07

It has recently come to light that the hard drives of Ubuntu-based PC's can wear down very quickly (https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/acpi-support/+bug/59695)

The average life expectancy of a hard drive is 600,000 load cycles. Since June '07, my Inspiron E1505n (which came with Ubuntu preinstalled) has already accumulated 471,202. If the load cycles continue to increase at this pace, the hard drive will be dead within a year.

My point in this idea is to say that Dell has a responsibility to insure it's hardware. It goes without saying that Dell should replace the hard drives of computers under warranty, but I think that Dell should extend the benefit of hard drive replacement to anyone who bough an Ubuntu machine and lost a hard drive as a result, even after the warranty has expired. Does Dell have an obligation to replace the dead hard drives of Ubuntu machines past warranty? No, of course not. But at the same time, Dell has to realize that if it wants to be taken seriously as a manufacturer, it needs to test its hardware-software combination before shipping. And if for some reason a major issue slips through the testing process, Dell has to realize that it bares some responsibility and should, for the benefit of its customers and its reputation, rectify the problem. 23 Comments »

7530

Ubuntu Dell Repo

Linux, Service and Support submitted by tekhawk 07/20/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

basicly a simple idea dell to support the ubuntu community a little bit by running a repo for its laptops and desktop if nothing more to support the software that they install on the system and to provide driver updates theses repos should be setup on the machines before shipping so that the users can get the driver updates quick and easy and offer driver on there for all the drivers that there are for dell machines that are support on linux not just the shipping lines

so that user might find that other machines then the ones you ship with ubuntu can easly be made into power ubuntu operating machines


As matt_d has said below, we have repositories for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, Novell/SuSE Linux Enterprise Server, and a growing one for Ubuntu. Check it out here http://linux.dell.com.
76 Comments »

500

Ubuntu on the Latitude D630

Latitude products, Linux submitted by jmxz 05/24/07

Based on advice from dell_admin1 in this thread: http://ideastorm.com/article/show/67329 who writes

Re: no OS on other models - you might want to pick a model you'd want to see added to Dell's n-series, and then post an idea specifically saying that. (unless you already have) Just a thought.
it sounds like Dell is suggesting it's useful to submit IdeaStorm ideas on specific models.

But dell_admin1: no, I don't really want the D630 "added to the n-series", where it seems computers often cost more for the same hardware - I want Ubuntu as a choice on the standard D630 which seems to have excellent price/value right now. 1 Comment »

880

Give me a Linux Latitude! (D630, if only one...)

Latitude products, Linux submitted by lordxale 05/25/07

The D620 is a great machine. The D630 is an even greater machine. When dedicated graphics are finally offered on it, I'll be buying one as soon as I can. However, I am also a Linux user. The options for getting rid of Windows on any of the Latitudes are unattractive at best. If I could either buy without Windows or, even better, buy one with Ubuntu 7.04 preloaded, I would be ecstatic.

To me, it makes little difference other than price. I will likely install my own Linux distro anyway (Kubuntu, in fact), but I would love to support Ubuntu any way I can, or just not pay any MS tax. I'll certainly need to dual boot it with Windows for some apps I can't get away from (games only!), but I've got a Vista Business license waiting for it, so I won't need to pay MORE for another one I won't need. Surely there must be many others in the same boat I am! Lucky for you, Dell, I'm a diehard Latitude fan - a D630 will be my 4th; even if it came with WinME I would still buy it. But, I digress...

Give me a Linux Latitude! 16 Comments »

3200

Why Can't Dell Put Linux On Their Really Serious Notebooks?

Linux, Service and Support, Laptops submitted by kenjennings 08/09/07

These guys can do it...

http://www.emperorlinux.com/mfgr/dell/rhino/


Dell Latitude D830 or Precision M90

# up to 17" WUXGA w/ X @ 1920x1200
# Full Linux support: 1667 - 2333 MHz Core 2 Duo
# Full Linux support: 512 - 4 G RAM, expands to 4 G
# Full Linux support: 60 - 160 GB Hard Drive
# Full Linux support: DVDROM Drive, or CDRW/DVD Drive, or DVD+/-RW Drive
# Specification: 6.3 - 8.6 pounds
# Full Linux support: 10/100/1000 Mbps ethernet
# Full Linux support: 802.11a/b/g (54Mbps) WiFi
# Specification: Linux Pre-Configured (dual boot available)
# Specification: EmperorLinux user's manual
# Specification: Three year warranty & One year tech support

They've got everything working on Linux. Maybe Dell should partner with these guys to get a better selection of Linux-able Dell notebooks.
25 Comments »

4080

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 »

1030

"Completed ideas" tab

IdeaStorm submitted by mattd 03/29/07

Create a "Completed ideas" tab. When Dell implements an idea submitted on IdeaStorm, they should move the idea off of the "Popular ideas" tab and on to the "Completed ideas" tab. That will show a direct link between an idea that is submitted and the idea being implemented.

And then when Dell finally delivers their Linux computer, they can move the 65674 Linux requests there.

Free Image Hosting at allyoucanupload.com 2 Comments »

15939

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 »

13193

Dell Tablet PC

Laptops submitted by gautam 02/16/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

The XPS and E series notebooks are great, but a move into making 12.1 and 14.1 inch tablet PC convertible notebooks would be fantastic. I can easily see the m1210 and the e1405 being ported to the tablet medium.
Check out what Glenn from the tablet team has to say about the Latitude XT.




194 Comments »

11950

Could Dell Own Green?

Environment submitted by adrian 02/01/07 **REVIEWED**

Environmental concern and sustainability are today real issues with consumers and voters in many of Dell's markets. It looks as if a genuine commitment to reducing carbon and cleaning up their footprint will become a more important factor for companies wanting to strengthen consumer loyalty in the coming years.

Dell has already made its environmental commitment clear.My suggestion is that this could become a hallmark of the company - why not make the products, literally, green? If Apple can own 'pretty' and IBM/Lenovo can own 'serious', why can't Dell own 'green'?
Dell continues to do a lot to support our environment like our Plant a Tree for Me program and other activities documented on our Environment blog on Direct2Dell. Click here for more details.




77 Comments »

23006

Design & Form Factor

Desktops and Laptops submitted by logi 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

This forum is a great idea to get Dell back to #1.

What I like to see is new and innovative styling across the board on notebooks and desktops. Dell's product line looks 5yrs old and needs a total refresh.

As you can see Apple Inc. is winning conumers hearts because Apple owners are actually proud of displaying them in the living rooms instead of hiding them. Get rid of that XPS desktop design that thing is so ugly.. and come up with something consumers would be proud of displying in their media rooms.

Also I would like to see Dell create a sleak new design for a media center box so we can utilize vista home for the entertainment room and display it next to my audio and video units.

Thanks for listening Mr. Dell.



Hope_l talks about how passionate we are about design in this thread. To read more about how this idea is being put into action click here.

222 Comments »

21862

Laptop Web Cam and Microphone

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by terrymain 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

All new laptops should have a built in web cam and quality voice recorder/microphone.


Webcams are standard on all XPS laptops and an option on all Inspiron laptops.




134 Comments »

84707

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.




186 Comments »

152680

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.

1829 Comments »



Rss track my votes