Make Linux a choice on all systems

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by synful Jun 8

Guys, why is it when you can allegedly get Linux on desktops and laptops, that it is never an option in the configuration of a product prior to purchasing?

All we seem to get as an option is Windows and then there is no option to not have Windows as an operating system. I understand that you may have reasons behind the system not having Linux as an option but surely you do not use hardware that is so non standard that either Ubuntu or SuSE will not work on it?

In the event that the computer that you use is not Linux compatible, then note this on the configuration page accordingly. For arguments sake have a pop up advising that some hardware is not compatible with Linux if it is selected as an OS choice. 2 Comments »

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.







127 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 »

Backlit Keyboards

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu 02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.

I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.


Check out the white LED backlights on the <ahref>XPS M1730.
296 Comments »

Don't charge up to $50 more to downgrade from Vista to XP

Operating Systems - Multiboot, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jervis961 Jun 17

Dell is going to start charging customers up to $50 to downgrade thier systems operating system from Vista to XP after Wednesday. While some people see XP as an upgrade, I don't think there should be a charge for it. 17 Comments »

Dell needs to listen to customers and stop adding junk like shortcut links to Ebay to desktops.

Advertising and Marketing, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jervis961 Jun 18

I can't believe they haven't learned anything from this site.

http://tinyurl.com/5869tj 3 Comments »

Vostro laptop design changes

Desktops and Laptops submitted by grey_newt 2 days ago

The Vostro laptop needs some design improvements....

1. The 4 USB ports are on the side towards the front - I use them all so I have cables coming out of both sides and they both look ugly and get in te way. I'll need to buy a USB hub now. Place at least two at the back.

2. USB ports are close together. Many memory sticks are promotioal items - so they are fatter than necessary - which means that you cannot plug in two next to each othe. just make the ports wider apart.

3. The audio controls do not have a mute button - so Fn+delete has to be used - you have the space on the panel - add a mute facility

4. The lid closes flat and there is absolutely no way to open it with one hand. There is no recess in the lid, so you have to get your nail under the lid and somehow hold the body down at th same time - I couldn't believe this when I saw it - such a bad design fault

5. The keyboard is springy and needs to be thumped for the keys to register. My old Inspiron keyboard was perfect - receptive and on a hard surface - this feels like it is sitting on foam as it bends as I type.

This is the worst laptop design I have ever come across... 1 Comment »

checklist/packing list with every system

Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by undead999 Jun 29

Include and easy to read packing list with every system that lists all included hardware and software. Place this in top tray of the pc box, Dell could add check boxes so buyers could check off everything as they unpack their system. Include infromation about checking hardware from the device manager. this will aid in assuring buyers get all hardware and software they paid for, if something is missing buyers can contact dell before the 14 day cutoff time to report somethng is missing,

I have ordered laptops with missing wireless cards in the past but never checked as my office didnt use wifi. After adding wifi we discovered many of our systems didnt have wifi cards that we paid for. 1 Comment »

please make it available Dell Dock for Window XP user

Desktops, Dimension products, Latitude products, Operating Systems, Software, XPS products, Vostro products, OptiPlex products, Desktops and Laptops, Laptops submitted by helmecj01 2 days ago

please make it available Dell Dock for Windows XP user 2 Comments »

Instant-on PC

Desktops and Laptops submitted by drackham Jun 20

Think how much energy would be saved if PCs were functional as soon as they were turned on - just like a PDA. Users would then turn the PC off when it was not required - rather than leaving it on just in case it might be needed. It would also save a lot of time. 5 Comments »

OCZ Core series SSD should be offered on Dell systems

Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jervis961 Jul 1

The SATA II Solid State Drives are currently priced at $169 (32GB), $259 (64GB) and $479. Dell should offer these on their systems or produce a competitive alternative. These are a significant cost savings over Dell's current offerings of a 64GB SSD as a $575 upgrade.



http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/01/ocz-reveals-core-series-sata-ii-2-5-ssds-1... 8 Comments »

lighter weight

Desktops and Laptops submitted by richlam Jun 24

lighter computers 1 Comment »

No Tracking on Hardware?!?

Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jpwolf777 Jun 30

Quick story:
My hard drive was malfunctioning shortly after purchasing a Dell notebook. I spent all that money on the notebook, and something went wrong. Within no time, I contacted Dell to get the issue resolved. I am under warranty as well, so there should be no problem right? Wrong. They sent me a refurbished hard drive. Now here's the problem: Why am I not entitled to a new hard drive? (not refurbished!)

Problem:
The issue is Dell does not track their hardware. They cannot tell me the history of the product, but can only assure me that all their products are tested. Considering my history and problems with Dell products, and the recent fact that my notebook's hard drive started malfunctioning shortly after receiving it, you could see my lack of faith.

They won't send me a new one, because after they buy it from the manufacturer, they have to test it first, and then are obligated to label it refurbished, where there is an issue.

I would have no problem receiving that new hard drive, but Dell can't tell me whether it was that brand new one because again, they don't track hardware.

For the record my case is still in limbo because of this, and this is a very important matter worth looking into. Hopefully I can get some support for this matter, or that someone will take notice so that my issue can be solved, and also provide a resolution to those future customers, or anyone else having the same problem.

Thanks. 13 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 Computers with e-sata ports

Servers and Storage, Desktops and Laptops submitted by chasrome Jun 13

Dell needs to supply and announce the availability of desktop, notebook, and servers with e-sata ports to which the many available external drives can be attached. RAID (0 and 1) could be available especially for servers. The ports should support six foot cables (not just three foot). Comment »

Add removeable drive trays to system configuration

Desktops, Dimension products, New Product Ideas, Small Business, Vostro products, Desktops and Laptops submitted by silver 2 days ago

I have two kids which combine with the requisite digital still and video cameras and digital audio to make for a whole lot of data to backup. To make life a little easier and less frustrating I've installed drive trays and secondary drives in all of our systems. To make a backup I simply turn the computer off, turn the keyswitch on, reboot, make my backup with Acronis True Image, shut down the system, turn off the drive and finally reboot the computer. This is so much faster and more dependable than USB drives. 5 Comments »

put new Centrino 2 chips on the new studios

Desktops and Laptops submitted by yardsale Jun 26

3 Comments »

Provide low-profile Dell products in China P.R.

Desktops and Laptops submitted by comp_286 Jun 29

It's importart to offer low-profile (not legacy-profile) PCs in China P.R. because economy there is still DEVELOPING. The profile must be similar with a laptop profile for eco-friendly.

It could be something like this:
A Celeron processor (mobile) (Dual-core optional)
A 512MB DDR2 RAM (512x2 optional)
A 17'' Widescreen LCD Display (No Display optional)
An 80 GB SATA Hard disk drive (or larger)
A 16x DVD-ROM Drive (or COMBO)
Integrated Graphics
1U Size

About 3000 RMB is just enough. 1 Comment »

Sell Linux PCs Worldwide - not only the United States

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by ergo 05/02/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dell has now decided to sell computers with Linux pre-installed. GREAT MOVE! But for the moment, it only concerns the US... Here outside the US, we can't wait to buy a pre-installed Linux Dell PC! Please sell Linux PCs worldwide!


Check out the details on Dell Linux systems worldwide!
522 Comments »

Computers for people with special abilities

New Product Ideas, Desktops and Laptops submitted by chipper5 Jun 22

I would like to see that every state that every person with special ablites
has a way to communitcate through various software programs: 1) voice software, 2) Speech recognition software and the right computers to install the programs. I belive that with the right tools that any person with special abliites can communicate using the computer. The reason for this idea that many people with special ablities need a way to communicate and I think that using the computer along with the software needed for any person with special abliites can use to communicate. 2 Comments »