Mini 9 netbook Ubuntu price must be cheaper than XP price with same config

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by ubondell 09/04/08 **IMPLEMENTED**

OK, one more time. Dell marketing must think we are stupid or can't figure out how to add. There are three Mini 9 configurations: WinXPHome_fat, WinXPHome_lean, and Ubuntu_superlean. They are priced at $449, $399 and $349, respectively, after the usual mystery Dell discounts on only the WinXPHome versions. However, when you price out the Ubuntu model with the features of the WinXPHome versions it comes out the same compared to the WinXPHome_lean, and $65 more than the WinXPHome_fat. DUH??? Where is the inherent discount because there is no external cost to build it with Ubuntu, and how can you explain a surprise $65 charge to build it like the WinXPHome_fat model (1GB RAM/16GB SSD/0.3MPxl Camera)?

They do have a chance to fix this before the Ubuntu version ships IN OCTOBER!! I guess Dell developers are as clueless as the marketers since they need an extra month to figure out how to install Ubuntu. Here's a hint, use PXE. I've used it for a little 5W geode-based server, so I am sure that an Atom CPU can do it!

"http://ubuntu-tutorials.com/2007/10/11/how-to-configure-pxe-networ...

Glad I could help, but I'll wait to order one of these until you get your act straight on the Ubuntu version. You should also add a disclaimer that the WinXP version is the XPHome and that it is really crippled compared to WinXPPro, while the Ubuntu is the full featured version (well except that you are probably still removing Wine and the OpenOffice suite from your install so you don't PO that chair throwing ogre in Redmond.



Please see Vida_K's comment below
43 Comments »

BIOS upgrades that don't require Windows

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Operating Systems submitted by datawolf 08/25/08 **ALREADY OFFERED**

BIOS upgrades shouldn't require Windows. A bootable BIOS upgrade CD should be available.

I'm an Ubuntu Linux user. I bought my wife a laptop from a different manufacturer, which had Vista preinstalled. My wife refused to agree to the terms of the Vista End User License. But she had some problem that made the system almost unusable under Linux, which was fixed by a BIOS update. But the BIOS updater could only be run under Vista. No bootable CD. Wouldn't even work under Windows XP! In the end, we were forced to agree to the Vista License just to be able to upgrade the BIOS.

Now, I'm looking at buying a Dell Studio 17 notebook, but I see the same issue: the BIOS upgrade says it can only be run from Vista. So, I'm still shopping around with other manufacturers. That's the only thing keeping me from buying the Studio 17.


Please see matt_d's comment
20 Comments »

Make Inspiron Mini 9 Ubuntu flavor available for download or factory dual boot.

Inspiron products, Operating Systems submitted by redraiderbum 10/13/08

For various reasons, I would like to be able to run both windows and linux on my mini. I could download the full version of Ubuntu, but considering the dell version is optimized for the screen size it would be nice to have that as an option. Is it possible to make the dell version of Ubuntu available for download? If not, the other option would not help me any longer: is it possible to allow customers to choose a factory dual boot setup for others who may want the option? 3 Comments »

8GB memory support for XPS M1330

Operating Systems, XPS products submitted by 7oby 09/21/08 **UNDER REVIEW**

Linux Ubuntu x86_64 and Vista x64 editions support 8GB without any hassle. It's an important feature when working e.g. with many virtual machines.

Please enhance your BIOS to support 8GB for the XPS M1330!



The M1330 features the PM965/GM965 chipset and for this chipset you developed already support for >4GB for the following notebooks. Just reuse the code:
. Dell XPS M1730 8GB support
. Dell XPS M1530 6GB support
. Dell Precision M4400/M6300 8GB support

We'd even appreciate this feature as an undocumented and unsupported feature. Just there and working for those who need it.


Please see vida_k's comment
12 Comments »

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.

465 Comments »

Can we get Studio Hybrid with Ubuntu?

Desktops, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by arhere 08/01/08

I LOVE the new Studio Hybrid PC's. Can we get it preinstalled with Ubuntu? This would drop the price even more and be a GREAT PC for surfing the Web and such.

If you say no to this idea, can we at least get a "Ubuntu capable" certification for the hardware?





Please see john_h's comments below. We do not plan on offering this at this time.
58 Comments »

Ubuntu Inspiron Mini 9 with same spec as the Windows version

Inspiron products, Operating Systems submitted by adsweet76 10/22/08

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 offers almost everything I want, but on the Windows version. I want the Ubuntu version but I'm not going to buy it until I can get the same spec as the Windows XP version here in the UK. The Ubuntu version comes with 8GB SSD and 0.3 MPX webcam, the Windows version comes with 16GB SSD and 1.3 MPX webcam. I would also like the option to choose accessories as are available on the US site, notably a carry case.

Compare the Ubuntu version available in the UK:

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&kc=NRS...

with the Windows version:

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&kc=NRS...

and then the options available with the US Ubuntu version:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dncwxa1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs...~

I want the same hardware spec as the Windows version, plus a choice of accessories and I won't buy one until I can get it :) Comment »

Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot

Linux, Operating Systems, 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.

1835 Comments »

Please make Ubuntu XPS Notebook cheaper than XPS Vista Notebook

Linux, Operating Systems, XPS products submitted by dki 05/26/08 **IMPLEMENTED**

Hi,
I have tested the price of the default Vista-Notebook XPS M1330 (in Germany) and the Ubuntuversion with the same Configuration. The result was amazing :(:

Vistaversion: 909,00 €
Linuxversion: 923,44 €

Is Vista cheaper than Ubuntu?? I can not imagine.

So my wish: Make Ubuntu-Laptops competitive!



Please see Vida_K's comment below
52 Comments »

On ALL systems add a checkbox for FreeDOS (with Ubuntu CD, optionally)

Operating Systems submitted by phubert 09/26/08

When a customer checks this selection, the site could pop-up a support/compatibility warning if Dell deemed it necessary.

"This selection, though offered, is NOT supported by Dell"

"The customer understands that choosing this option will limit them to HARDWARE failure support ONLY from Dell" 4 Comments »

Dont eliminate XP just yet

Operating Systems submitted by javaprog07 02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Ok, well I know I may be chastised for bringing this up, but vista is still a young operating system with its own problems etc... I would like to see both Home and Business computers, especially notebooks have an XP Home and Pro option on top of Vista until it has at least been out for a year. For those seasoned users like me who just feel that you need to let a new OS mature before jumping right in. I am planning on buying a new notebook, and I would like to insure I wont have to format it on arrival just to have XP.
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.




220 Comments »

Offer different flavours of Ubuntu

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by andybleaden 10/16/08

Seeing as it is open source and all linked, why not try offering other flavours of ubuntu like Kubuntu with the KDE desktop as part of an option with installation/start up...then people can choose when the pc logs on whether they want ubuntu or kubuntu. There would be no extra costs involved and could be part of the package already offered. Most of the install would be the same, the customer makes the choice at the start that is all

The system requirements would be no different as the ubuntu kernal is still the same.

What do others think?

For me the kubuntu desktop is much more pleasing on the eye and in my opinion a little easier to use. 1 Comment »

Offer Vista-64 bit with all computers like HP

Dell, Operating Systems submitted by jhill25570 09/30/08

Dell did not offer the Vista 64 bit, until, after, HP, and Gateway, offer 64-bit.

Now, Dell, only offer Vista 64-bit with some computes.

Dell should offer Vista, 64-bit with all Dell computer, like HP.

64-bit is the future direction of computers. So, why is Dell trying to keep selling the old 32 bit system.

Some of Dell customers may not understand that computers are moving from 32 bit, to 64 bit.

Dell is not helping the customers, by not offering Vista 64 bit on all computers, like HP.

You can not get the, new, Intel Core 2, Quad Processor Q9400, as a 64-bit, on the Inspron 518. You must get it as a 32-bit.

The, New, Intel, Quad-core, Q9400, should come as a 32 bit, or 64-bit system.. 8 Comments »

Respect of the EULA terms (refund of OS)

Operating Systems submitted by grosguillaume 02/19/07

On every EULA from Windows OS, it's clearly write that a consumer who disagree with the term of the EULA contract can be refunded, but it's not possible with Dell's computer. 22 Comments »

Don't make us buy Vista

Operating Systems submitted by icantseeyou 02/21/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

From all of the press I have read it is plain that Vista is a big bomb. To buy the cheapest version I hear it isn't even as good as XP SP2. At the same time you need at least 4 Gig to run it. Offer other options... I don't care if it's Linux, XP, or a rat running on a wheel. Don't make us buy Vista.

You can read more about this the OS options Dell offers here.






95 Comments »

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.





190 Comments »

Add all the OS's you sell to the "Help Me Choose: Operating System" page

Dell Web Site, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 06/08/07

These pages: titled "Help Me Choose: Operating System" (a Dell help me choose page,another one)
only list some of the operating systems Dell sells.

I assume you also recommend Ubuntu for some home users (those who want better security and performance, I imagine) and FreeDOS for business (since that's what you sell on your Latitudes - even though I can't imagine why you prefer FreeDOS there over Ubuntu). But unless you put them in those pages, we can't easily make an informed choice. 15 Comments »

Still no display 32-64 bit on OS

Operating Systems submitted by bbr 09/22/08

Please display which OS is 64 bit as well. Not just which ones are 32 bit.

Quote from the dutch site :

Legitieme Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 - Engels [Inbegrepen in prijs]
Legitieme Windows Vista® Ultimate SP1 - Engels [meerprijs € 110,00 of € 4/maand-1]
Legitieme Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1, 32-bit - Dutch meerprijs € 0,00
Legitieme Windows Vista® Ultimate with Service Pack 1, 32-bit - Dutch [meerprijs € 110,00 of € 1 Comment »

Plz update nVidia 8600M drivers for XP n Vista

Inspiron products, Operating Systems, Service and Support submitted by funkyidol 10/03/08

Dell really requires a new set of drivers for nVidia 8600M for inspiron laptop series. It has been like 6 months since dell updates the drivers for WinXP. Even the vista drivers are more then 3 months old.

With all the latest updates from nVidia including CUDA and various performance enhancements, Dell really neads to gear up the update process of it GPU drivers.

Kindly promote this issue to bring this in eyes of Dell Support 2 Comments »

Linux compatibility assurance

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by moseby 02/20/07

The first major PC vendor that provides a product line and an online ordering system that allows me to shop and configure machines that are assured of having 100% support by linux wins my business.

I would expect some hardware to require vendor supplied binary drivers. I would want an indication of that fact and be given the choice of choosing that device or other hardware with community support.

Other ideas offered here that I resonate with are: 1) I don't need machines preloaded with any distro but may choose that option if offered, and 2) I don't need Dell support for the OS, that is what the community is for. 5 Comments »