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Preinstall open-source OS (Linux) + fully-functional FREE application software

Linux, Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by doctorsuse 02/20/07

Adding to the other posts on this subject, yes, DELL makes great hardware. Facilitating the sale of this hardware by preinstalling an open source Linux OS and fully-functional OpenOffice suite + a selection of some of the other great open source photo editing, Internet browsing, email, multimedia software would be a great idea. This saves the consumer hundreds of dollars per system (have a look at the price of MS office 2007 + Vista, not including Photoshop and so forth). The recent agreement between Ubuntu and Linspire would offer all multimedia codec support for legal use. As well, Dell could no doubt come to some mutually-beneficial agreement with Ubuntu/Linspire as to the CNR (Click 'N Run) software downloading service (though which users can purchase or freely download other software, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of free packages available from the various Ubuntu repositories).

Dell could offer time-limited support for a standard OS and application suite image (community support for other packages, and also for after the support period). The Kubuntu (Ubuntu with KDE desktop) distribution might offer the easiest transition for Windows users. Including a "Dell standard" image CD set or DVD which a user could legally use to restore their own PC back to its original state - as well as legally doing the same to as many other PC's as they want, without going through any arduous and demeaning telephone "re-registration" sessions to do this - would offer another strong benefit to users, and make supporting the systems a snap.

I have always been a Windows user (starting with Windows 3.1), but I mainly have used Kubuntu and OpenSuse for the past 18 months, on all my home systems. I find that this does everything that I need and then some, and I have no reason to ever go back to a proprietary OS or software. I can also control everything that my PC does - what a nice change from Microsoft's efforts! I have installed Kubuntu on others' PC's, and so far they all seem equally satisfied.

Dell could also look at the installation of open-source software as a due-diligence issue. Considering the track record of Microsoft's products, selling such a system which could potentially be used for sensitive Internet transactions or banking to a customer may not be in the best interest of customers (at least, they should be given a choice for an open-source machine). Vista may improve security, but I (and many others, according to this poll) feel that the cost, security issues, and inconvenience of being forced into the morass of proprietary software is just not worth it.

The hardware issue is also and easy issue to deal with. Dell can configure their products for maximum compatibility with Linux. ATI and other companies should also be pressured to better support Linux (and Dell could easily apply this pressure). Still, Ubuntu and other distros have a better out-of-the-box hardware support than do any version of windows (including Vista), and I am happily writing this on an AMD machine with ATI video card, so the status quo is working well for me at the moment. All in all, the idea of Dell supplying open source OS's and software is very exciting! 2 Comments »

Pre-install Linux with option of licensed codecs

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dominicwise 02/20/07

Provide customers with the option to have Linux pre-installed as an alterrnative to Windows when purchasing a PC or laptop. As there are a huge number of Linux distributions available it might be sensible to offer from a few of the most popular ones e.g. Ubuntu, OpenSuse, Fedora which can be freely distributed at no cost. This would provide a competitive advantage as with zero licensing fees lower prices could be offered to customers.

Because of patent laws in some countries many freely downloadable Linux distributions do not provide certain 'essential' software such as decoders for commercial DVDs and other comon media formats as part of their core distribution. There is at least one company (whose name escapes me for now) that allows a user to purchase a bundle of licensed media codecs that can be legally installed on Linux in most, if not all jurisdictions. Offering somehing like this as an option at purchase would make it possible for users to access common media content without having to jump through hoops or risk straying onto the wrong side of the law.

9 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.

1824 Comments »

More RAM!

Desktops and Laptops submitted by mwmtjm 01/30/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Do away with 512MB of memory as a base option to buy consumer desktops and notebooks. With Vista running best on 1GB at a minimum, don't make customers have a basic experience with the new OS because Dell wants to be able to advertise at a lower price point. The success of Vista -- and subsequently for Dell -- will be largely in word of mouth. Take a long-term view and build the momentum one great customer experience at a time right now!


113 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. 19 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.




209 Comments »

No McAfee

Software submitted by doomlord52 02/19/07

I think everyone agrees here. No McAfee. i cant unistall my copy because it will take all my settings for the Microsoft firewall with it. That includes my outlook settings, internet, and just about every program. Why cant i say "no McAfee please"??? is it really that hard? use Norton.... 72 Comments »

Organize the sales pages by need, not product line

Dell Web Site submitted by sernovitz 02/03/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

The Dell shopping experience is all about Dell -- not the user. Currently, you have to walk through each product line, narrow by model, etc.

This isn't very useful to my mom, or anyone new to Dell. Even the latitude/inspiron choice is never explained.

Start with features -- walk the user through the choices until they get the perfect PC.

What size do you want? What are you going to do with it? Etc.


Check out our new Assistance Seeker to shop by what you need, not by price!




33 Comments »

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? 33 Comments »

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 »

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 »

Set up an independent business unit for GNU/Linux systems

Dell, Linux submitted by glynmoody 03/02/07

Clearly, there is a huge pent-up demand for pre-installed GNU/Linux systems from Dell. But equally clearly, it would be difficult for Dell to make, sell and support such systems with its current business model.

Why doesn't Dell adopt the solution outlined by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen in his book The Innovator's Dilemma? That is, to set up a completely autonomous division, dedicated solely to meeting the demand for such systems - one that is not obliged to follow any of Dell's traditional practices.

Unconstrained by Dell's current methods or cost structures, it will be able to explore, devise and adopt innovative solutions to serve this very different market profitably. Dell makes money, people get their pre-installed systems. 44 Comments »

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 18 Comments »

3 ideas for Dell

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Service and Support submitted by pedriedger 02/17/07

Three ideas for Dell:
1. Service
2. Linux
3. AMD chips
Good luck, guys. The computer business is changing. 34 Comments »

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 »

Stop overcharging for upgrades (memory, hdd, etc. )

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by uklathemock 02/17/07

Almost everyone I know buys the smallest harddrive and the lowest amount of memory for their Dell notebook, and then upgrades later. Why make your customers turn to other sources to buy memory and hard drives? I think quite a few e-tailers were created and have flourished because everyone (Dell, HP, Apple, etc.) overcharges for upgrades. 17 Comments »

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. 24 Comments »

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). 5 Comments »

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 5 Comments »

Have Michael Dell try actually buying a PC using Dell.com

Dell Web Site submitted by onethumb 02/16/07

I think he'd quickly see that the customer experience could use a lot of work. 23 Comments »