All Dell products should be available globally
Dell submitted by hjwasson
04/25/07 **NOT LIKELY**
Consumers should not be restricted on what is available to them based on geographic location!
I've learned that Dell does not offer all models of computers outside of the United States. That seems strange, since Dell is a direct vendor, using web sites and toll-free phone numbers to make sales - and the products for the most part aren't even made in the US! Dell should offer all their products to everyone, regardless of where they live. If Dell wants to charge a little more for the shipping, I'm sure the users would be willing to accept that to have more choice.
660
Solid State Drive as option in Notebooks
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by tablet205
03/28/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Definition
A solid state drive is primarily a data storage device, for use in computing applications that traditionally use a hard disk drive.
A solid state drive is based on non-volatile memory instead of the spinning platter and mechanical-magnetic head found in a conventional hard disk drive. With no moving parts, a solid state drive eliminates seek time, latency and other electro-mechanical delays and failures associated with a conventional hard disk drive.
Advantages
* Faster startup - Since no spin-up required.
* Faster read time – In some cases, twice or more than that of the fastest hard drives.
* Low read and write latency (seek) time, hundreds of times faster than a mechanical disk.
* Faster boot and application launch time - Result of the faster read and especially seek time. But only if application already resides in flash and is more dependent on read speed than other issues, eg. OS bootup that detects devices will not be significantly sped up even with faster seeks & reads.
* Lower power consumption and heat production - no mechanical parts results in less power consumption.
* No noise - Lack of mechanical parts makes the SSD completely silent.
* Better mechanical reliability - Lack of mechanical parts results in less wear and tear. High level of ability to endure extreme shock, vibration and temperatures, which apply to laptops and other mobile devices, or when transported.
* Security - allowing a very quick "wipe" of all data stored.
* Deterministic performance - unlike mechanical hard drives, performance of SSDs is constant and deterministic across the entire storage. "Seek" time is constant, and performance does not deteriorate as the media fills up (See: Fragmentation).
* Lower weight and (depending upon type) size
* Faster than conventional disks on random I/O
Check out the Idea in Action on the SSD enhancements Dell is making.
7549
New/updated XPS M1710/M1720 17" performance notebook
Gaming, XPS products submitted by hjwasson
05/02/07
Dell's well regarded XPS M1710 is arguably the flagship of their notebook line. Unfortunately, it is starting to show it's age, and I am hoping that Dell will soon update it. Here is my personal wish-list for an updated M1710/M1720. Please make additional <u>realistic</u> suggestions, or discuss what you'd like to have that is different from my vision.
<u>XPS M1710/M1720 wish list:</u>Processor: Intel Montevina (Mobile counterpart to Penryn) Core 2 Quad. If that's not yet ready when the new M1710/M1720 debuts, then Intel Centrino Pro(aka 'Santa Rosa') T7700 & T7500 Core 2 Duo. Alternative Processor: If AMD manages to strike back at Intel with a powerful alternative to the Core 2 Duo, perhaps Dell could add a 'M1715' alternative with the AMD processorDX10 compatible GPU: To fully support Windows Vista & DirectX 10, Dell needs to offer DX10 compatible video processors on all new notebooks. The nVidia Go 8800 (and AMD/ATI's mobile DX10 GPU, whenever it comes out) should make any XPS notebook gamer drool. Even Linux users wouldn't scoff at the 8800 - would they? HDD/SSD Storage Options: Since Dell has acquired Alineware as a wholly owned subsidiary, perhaps we'll see some new technologies coming out of Area 51 to infuse the M1710? Specifically, I'd like to see multiple Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive bays available on the M1710. I'd be happy with 2 bays, which would allow for: 1. 32 GB (64 GB* or larger) SSD Primary Boot drive + 7200 RPM 160 GB SATA HDD** for additional storage (slower but larger HDD's could of course be offered in addition)2. 2 Raid 0 (Striped) or Raid 1 (Mirrored) 7200 RPM SATA HDD's** (RAID 0 for increased storage and performance, RAID 1 for data redundancy [this does not replace the need for regular backups])3. 2 Raid 0*** (Striped) SSD's for the extreme performance geeks (& you know who you are!)* SuperTalent has already announced 64 GB SSD's, according to OverClockersClub: http://forums.overclockersclub.com/index.php?showtopic=69431
** I would want these 7200 RPM drives to be Seagate Momentus 7200.2 drives with "free fall protection" to protect data from loss due to drive head collisions with the platters.
http://www.techshout.com/hardware/2007/13/worlds-first-7200-rpm-160gb-momentu...
*** I have not seen real-world performance tests on striped SSD's yet, but the extreme performance enthusiasts sites seem to think it should workMemory: 4 DIMM slots to allow for up to 4 GB per core (800 MHz as well as 667 MHz offerings, natch)UXGA (1920x1200) Display: Dell's current M1710 display is already impressive, but I've seen many posts requesting a minor antiglare coated screen option to the TrueLife display. Not a return to old anti-glare technology - just something a little less shiny. I guess not everyone enjoys looking at themselves, (especially when trying to use the display outdoors or in heavily backlit conditions). Why not use the same anti-glare coating technology used in eye-glasses and SLR cameras? Optional A/V Communications Module: Similar to what is already offered on the M1210. There are many posts requesting webcams, and this module would allow the use of an internal cellular broadband modem Mini-Card, like the M1210 (1.3 MP webcam, microphone, internal loop antenna in the display panel for the cellular modem). Mini-Card cellular Broadband modem: Drop the legacy dial-up modem port on the chassis (people who still need dial-up can use an ExpressCard or PC-Card option). Instead, offer cellular broadband modem Mini-Card options, HSUPA/HSDPA (aka 3G) for AT&T (formerly Cingular, formerly AT&T) and EVDO for Sprint/Verizon. I recommend the Option GTM380 HUSPA Mini-Card: http://www.option.com/products/gtm_380.shtml AT&T is already upgrading to this standard (increases upload speeds - download speeds remain unaffected). * Those who don't opt for the A/V Communications Module can of course utilize ExpressCard versions of these cellular broadband modems. Backlighted buttons & keyboard: There are many posts requesting LED backlit keyboard and mediadirect keys that can be read in the dark. There are additional requests that the backlighting be controlled by the user (Off, as well as brightness settings). This would greatly enhance the usability of the notebook in low-light conditions. The MediaDirect buttons on the M1210 light up, but do not show the function symbols - this needs to be addressed in future models. Auto screen brightness sensor: This feature is now found on many notebooks, including Apple iBooks. It should be adjustable & overrideable by the user. This sensor could also be set to control automatic keyboard/MediaDirect button backlighting. Dedicated hardware controlls for Wireless: Seperate dedicated buttons (or Fn-key combination buttons) to turn on/off Bluetooth, WiFi & Cellular Broadband transceivers (WiFi & Cellular Broadband <u>could</u> share a button and toggle in a loop, since it's unlikely you'd want both on at the same time: Off>WiFi>Cellular)Update video ports: Keep S-Video, but drop the VGA in favor of two DVI outputs. Better audio: Larger diameter speakers (primaries as well as sub-woofer) for better fidelity & greater volume output. Multiple 3.5mm audio jacks (like the M1210) that can convert to surround sound output. Integrated (not ExpressCard add-on) Creative X-Fi* audio option to power those new speakers. Larger touchpad: I hate touchpads, but if the M1710/M1720 has one, it should take up the entire space from the spacebar to the front edge of the computer (for less lift & drag, lift & drag suckiness and higher precision) Dimensions should match screen ratio (WideScreen). There should be a physical Scroll wheel/middle button between the Left & Right buttons (or perhaps on the front bezel, centered between the L&R buttons - to avoid issues with closing the display). Dedicated Numeric Keypad: There have been many posts requesting a dedicated numeric keypad on larger notebooks (no, the function-key enabled embedded keypad does not cut it). I personally would not want to sit off-center from my display to have this feature (like those found on Toshiba & HP notebooks), but would welcome a dedicated pad in the unused palm-rest area below the keyboard & immediately to the right of the touch-pad. Increased I/O ports: 2 ExpressCard slots (or 1 ExpressCard + 1 PC-Card for legacy support), eSATA & FireWire in addition to USB 2.0 ports on the chassis. Multiple battery charger option for XPS notebooks: Especially for a power hungry beast such as this, it would be nice if there was a multiple battery charger accessory to charge spare batteries while the notebook is in use. I realize that most owners would keep their M1710/M1720 tethered to the wall for gaming, but sometimes it's nice to be able to sit on the couch next to the missus/mister/significant other and just surf the web. More importantly, while this system is heavily focused towards LAN party gamers, it would make an absolutely dandy mobile sales presentation machine! You wouldn't even need to bring along a digital projector for small group presentations (1 or 2 clients). See this http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66117
550
Stop Installing Crippleware
Software submitted by leado
05/02/07
Please stop installing demonstration software (demoware), more appropriately defined as "crippleware" on new Dell machines. These useless applications slow down a machine and many are worse than spyware or viruses.
1120
VOIP
New Product Ideas submitted by toast37
05/02/07
Dell should include a USB phone handset with every computer. This can work with all the VoIP clients from Yahoo, MSN, Skype, etc. Dell could launch its own VoIP service as well, or act as a reseller to Vonage. But, to seed the market, just ship a small handset with every PC.
10
Wish list for next gen XPS Gaming Portable
Gaming, XPS products submitted by guardianxps
05/02/07
ok so I have an XPS M1710 and love it.
However I noticed other manufacturers have been getting creative with their high end portables.
So here is my wish for whatever will be the next version of the 1710 XPS
1. Add a number pad PLEASE!!!!
2. Allow the customer to choose the type of keyboards on the system: Black, Silver, or Clear.
3. Backlight the keyboard and touchpad.
4. Allow us to choose a skin of a popular game on the system, preferably on the top and around the keyboard. (the WOW M1710 was cool but didnt cover enough of the system)
5. Add a mic to the portable
6. There are plenty of high end AMD processors, I would ask for a really good one that supports X64.
7. Add thumb print technology to the system somewhere like the Lenovo systems. This is great security technology.
8. Change the chassis to the new system, maybe something really cool instead of what you have now.
9. Hopefully there will be DX10 video cards available for the portables?
10. Move away from Silver chassis systems, its very bland. Maybe all black, or midnight blue, or maybe red?
11. Allow surround sound to be used on the portable. I have a Turtle Beach headset with surround sound. I need another device to make it work, how about add the ports which allow connecting to 5.1 speakers or headset.
Well thats all I can think of right now.
Feel free to add anything else which comes to mind. Hopefully this gets a lot of votes. :)
500
stop selling hotline help, make it free
Service and Support submitted by arnaudw
05/03/07
stop selling hotline help, making it free :
I have a 4-year old Dimension 4600 with a problem that has never been solved because I used not to care about it. : burning DVDs. Now I do, there is no solution on the database, no solution on forums, and I can't get free help. I bought several PCs from Dell because problems always could be solved. I won't next time because Dell did not help me solve what appears to be a default of their own product. I am sure there must be thousands of other Dell customers in the same situation who abandon Dell because they felt abandonned by Dell.
30
stop lying on catalog prices
Dell submitted by arnaudw
05/03/07
I have several times been interested by very aggressively priced offers on paper catalogues (in France and Switzerland), and tried on the internet then called Dell to order : never have I been able to get the product. The phone answer was "I can't find that reference, sorry". I suspect the offer never existed (possibly due to a pricing error) or was limited to so few orders that I never could get one. Such a commercial behavior harms the customer trust in Dell.
-70
Stop making excuses, and start paying attention. WE WANT LINUX!!!
Linux submitted by homer
02/28/07
Dear Michael Dell,
By now, many people will have started reading Blogs and articles about how you have back-peddled on your commitment to listen to your customers' wishes. Here's just one:
http://blog.lobby4linux.com/archives/104-So,-How-Does-It-Feel-To-Have-Been-Ha...
[Edit] Here's a more "high profile" article, from The Inquirer:
Dell backs down from Linux promise
That makes this site (DellIdeaStorm) nothing but a farce.
First you ask us what we want, then you just blatantly ignore us. What exactly was the point in asking us what we want? Is this some kind of sick joke?
Maybe you were taken off guard, and hadn't anticipated the vast demand for Linux that happened, but it did happen, so deal with it ... or be perceived as a liar and a charlatan.
If you amalgamate all the various Linux "idea" posts on this site, and tally up the total votes, you're looking at something like TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND VOTES FOR LINUX. Are you just going to ignore that, and pretend it never happened?
Here's your response to this amazing phenomenon so far, and my comments:
We are listening, and as a result, we are working with Novell to certify our corporate client products for Linux, including our OptiPlex desktops, Latitude notebooks and Dell Precision workstations. Well you are obviously not listening. The vast majority of the Linux requests on this site are not from "corporate" customers, they are from end users seeking home computing Linux solutions. Are you listening yet? This is another step towards ensuring that our customers have a good experience with Linux on our systems. It's not a step forward, it's a sidestep shuffle. What exactly are you afraid of ... that people might actually prefer Linux to Windows? I could build and "certify" a Linux workstation in 20 minutes, without the assistance of production facilities and a team of engineers, why is this such a problem for the world's biggest OEM? Are you suggesting that Linux somehow represents a "problem" with regards to hardware, and that it's going to take a team of rocket scientists months to discover Linux compatible components? Right now, Linux works with virtually the same hardware that WIndows XP does, and considerably more hardware than Vista ... but that doesn't seem to have prevented you "certifying" Vista (a.k.a. Windows ME2). What a joke! As this community knows, there is no single customer preference for a distribution of Linux. In the last week, the IdeaStorm community suggested more than half a dozen distributions. We don't want to pick one distribution and alienate users with a preference for another. No, no, no, no. That's not how it works. This is just more excuses. At the end of the day, Linux is Linux is Linux. The distro is not that significant (other than the distinction between a commercial or community distro). Surely the CEO of one of the world's biggest companies can make a decision. Pick a Linux distro and run with it. And stop making excuses. My personal preference is for Fedora Core, but if you offered an Ubuntu desktop machine, I'd buy it, because (like I said) at the end of the day it is Linux that is important, not the distro. My primary motivation is to keep my money out of Microsoft's pockets and have an OS ... any OS ... that is not Windows. I can, and probably will, switch between half a dozen distros during the lifespan of that hardware. However, it is extremely important that you offer pre-installed Linux workstations to end-users, rather than just "OS-free" systems, because without this option, you will be helping to perpetuate the misconception that Linux is not popular. Well congratulations, you have just discovered exactly how much of a misconception this really is. Maybe you should have considered DellIdeaStorm years ago, rather than sit around waiting for point-of-sale figures that could not ever accurately reflect the popularity of something that is a free download. Trust me ... you will not alienate anyone by making a firm choice of distro support. I'm sure the tens of thousands of home users, who are demanding Linux from Dell, will be overjoyed just to have a choice of any Linux distro. We want users to have the opportunity to help define the market for Linux on desktop and notebook systems. This is just nonsensical marketing gobbledegook. Say what you mean, and stop obfuscating the truth with gibberish. You can "define" the market right now ... by selling us what we want, rather than what Microsoft dictates you sell to us. The 200000+ vote for Linux should be a clear enough "definition" for anyone ... who's prepared to listen ... and not bury his head in the sand. In addition to working with Novell, Bad move. By all means offer Microvell to any corporate user gullible enough to swallow Steve Ballmer's baseless FUD about Microsoft's intellectual property, but I think you'll find home users rather less than receptive to any distro offerings from any company that sleeps with the enemy. we are also working with other distributors and evaluating the possibility of additional certifications across our product line. This is the only promising statement in the whole response, but it sounds like a lot of hot air to me. Actions, not words. GIVE US LINUX! Are you trying to rejuvenate sales or not? Give the customers what they want. We are continuing to investigate your other Linux-related ideas, so please continue to check here for updates. Oh I'll be sure to, but I'm not holding my breath. Microsoft has you far too firmly under their thumb for me to seriously expect any positive changes at Dell. Thanks for giving us all a glimmer of (false) hope, though.
4840
Pre-Installed Linux on Desktops and Laptops and offer AMD
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by nukem
02/20/07
Dell I hope you're beginning to see the picture of why HP is kicking your [profanity removed by moderator]. You need to ask your customers what they want, don't assume.. It sounds like they want an alternative to Windows! Dahhh..
If you want to be number one offer the three top Linux Version pre-installed on you systems. You just might move back to the top.. Oh and while you're about it install AMD and do yourself a favor.. They may no longer be the top dog, but some of us want an alternative to Intel..
Nukem
4247
Help create Open Source drivers - employ or hire a few developers
Linux, Operating Systems submitted by tingo
02/21/07
The Open Source market is growing - fast.
Dell should invest a small amount in this, in order to gain a huge market share and sales.
Employ or hire a few Open Source developers to create drivers for your products (for Open source operating systems).
Make sure that
- you support as many of the Open Source OS's as you can (Linux, *BSD, others)
- the drivers are completely open sourced (no binary blobs)
- that you take a long time view on this and support the drivers for as many years as you can
- you create open source drivers for ALL new products
- there are no strings attached to the use or further development of those drivers (ie. use an acceptable FOSS license)
This idea is completely free - the first company to use it wins.
6632
Use only the best and brightest LCDs for all laptops! No sub-par manufacturers need apply!
Laptops submitted by astudios
02/17/07
From what I understand, today's Dell LCDs on laptops are made by Toshiba, LG, Samsung, etc.. why make it an anticipating "waiting game" for the customer to see which quality of LCD they get when their laptop comes in? The LCD display is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT part of any laptop. Dell.. please, use ONLY the best and brightest LCDs on all of your laptops.
Quick story of my experience.. I'm a huge Dell-fan and buy lots of PCs and laptops from them for myself, my business, and for my friends and family. The LCD on their 700m laptops were the *absolute best* .. After that, I purchased the XPS1210. The LCD was "duller" and I was disappointed. But then I ordered the XPS1410 for a friend and when it came in, I was horrified with poor viewing angles of the LCD. The only way you could comfortably view the screen was when it was PERFECTLY square with your eyes! I was almost ashamed to give it to my friend. Finally, recently, I ordered the Inspiron 6000 (SXUGA?) and was relieved that is was much better. But still nothing like the 700m I used to own.
What happened to Dell's LCDs? Please make this top priority and bring the "wow" back into your laptops! (And oh, another thing, if you could somehow make your laptops thinner and lighter, that'd be great too!).
Thank you for allowing us this forum.
6565
give the possibility to choose the OS
Operating Systems submitted by nicolagiacobbe
02/19/07
Simply let the user choose what he wants. I had to put down many Dell offers for not having the possibility to avoid the Windows tax. A pre-installed Linux distro could be OK but the most freedom is to let the user choose which OS wants on his PC (if any).
7000
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.
7696
Offer a Linux Media Center system
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jontheisguy
02/21/07
Dear sirs,
The guys at http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/tvease/StoreFront have the right idea and are beginning to get it done!! Bring them in as a partner to boost the Linux offering from Dell. It is a media center pc built on Ubuntu Linux technologies.
PS. Also work out a bulk deal with the owner of digital blasphemy. Offer a 6 mo. subscription with the purchase of any PC over $600 (or whatever your threshold). The membership is golden and provides many wallpaper choices to the new Dell family member.
Thanks.
jontheisguy
6580
Notebook Shells Are Plastic - Offer Metal Casings Too
Laptops submitted by googideas
02/17/07
Notebooks get carried everywhere. Shouldn't Dell offer an aluminum or otherwise metal casing/construction as an option?
If I am going to drop two grand on a laptop, which I just did, I sure as heck want it as rugged as possible. I don't care about weight or additional cost. I want it to last.
Plastic is brittle. A dent in the metal is better than a crack in the plastic. It's also easier to recycle.
What do you think?
10056
Provide Linux compatibility information on all products up front
Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by spm
02/21/07 **REVIEWED**
My company used to buy all out IT products from Dell. The main reason we don't buy any Dell products any more is that it is so difficult to get information from Dell on Linux compatibility, except from a few very expensive high end products. Calling Dell product support to find out if a particular product will work with Linux and where to get drivers is an offputting experience. Dell sales staff seem to take a perverse delight in telling customers that they don't support Linux, and when I tell them that I don't want support from them, only compatibility and driver information, they tell me that they can't give me that information, nor information on chipsets which might allow me to locate information from elsewhere.
The bottom line is that I expect at the very least to be provided compatibility and chipset information before I buy a PC. Neither myself or any other customer is going to buy a Dell PC to test it on Dells behalf - product testing and certification is the manufacturer's responsibility, not mine. White box suppliers, and other mail order suppliers on the other hand are only too willing to provide motherboard, chipset, and component information etc. to allow me to check compatibility.
The reason why we no longer buy any Dell products is simple - we use a small number of Linux PCs in our office and all the servers in our office run Linux. We buy all hardware, peripherals including low end desktop hardware so that they are deployable with both Linux and Windows. We do this for obvious reasons - for example, we might want to plug in a printer originally purchased for use with Windows into a Linux server print queue, and we may want server applications to print to the printer. We may want to redeploy Windows Desktops later as Linux desktops - for example to use as a shared data access desktop. Therefore, although our desktop PCs are overwhelmingly Windows, we won't buy any hardware that isn't Linux compatible, even if it is intended for use with Windows initially. Dell unfortunately doesn't meet those needs, and we cannot buy equipment from Dell. I am sure a lot of other companies which use Linux in the office have similar issues.
Here is what Dell needs to do to have a chance of winning our (and other's) custom:
1) Advertise and inform about Linux compatibility or otherwise. Finding out about compatibility before buying is the most difficult thing about Linux, not installation or configuration. Any company that can do this has a huge advantage for little or no cost.
2) Provide full Linux compatibility information on all Dell products - not just high end desktops. Ideally, certify products for the top distros - RHET, SLES, Debian, the latest free Fedora, OpenSuSE, Ubuntu if possible. Linux users don't necessarily want a preload - most Linux users are quite capable of installing Linux themselves and would probably install some other Linux distro if one was pre-installed. Preinstallation is only useful to us as an indication that the product is Linux compatible. If a feature is only partially supported by Linux, say so and say what is supported - Linux users will understand, and may not need all the features, or like us they may only want the Linux compatibility for possible future redeployment. If driver support is external (most will be) then provide links pointing to those sites in Dell support, and if you need to make a disclaimer to avoid liability for a third party products outside Dell's control, do so. Again Linux users will understand.
3) Exclude products from the Dell inventory that don't support Linux as far as possible. Generally for every part that is not Linux compatible, there is one that is Linux compatible for the same price.
4) Don't ask customers to pay the Microsoft tax. Linux machines or no-OS machines with zero cost OS and no support should cost significantly less than a Windows pre-loaded machine. Customers know when they are being cheated and don't like it.
5) Linux support (except for driver information) is not usually required (except for servers), only web based information. If the customer needs Linux support, it will probably be from an independent consultant/techie rather than from Dell. Sell your Linux PCs as "Linux OEM - no support" PCs at a significantly lower cost than the equivalent Windows PC.
6) Linux on the desktop is most competitive on the low end desktop - particularly for schools etc. Sell Linux PCs preloaded onto low end desktop computers with appropriate free software for that market, at a competitive price rather than on high end workstations.
Upfront Linux capability would be difficult to implement on our web store. But, check some of the alternatives john_h posted.
10490
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.
7270
 track my votes
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