kdubber

Become the open source OEM

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by ntaylor0909 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

I read the same question on Linux forums, all the time: What is the best brand of computer/laptop to purchase for Linux. I know that there is the n series of computers and notebooks, but it could go a step further. Accept the recent offer of free Linux driver development from the Linux Kernel Community so that DELLs "just work" with Linux. Maybe look at some ideas like LinuxBIOS and/or OpenBIOS. Become the OEM that everyone recommends. There is a growing market for Open Source friendly computers and DELL could own that market.


In the past year, we've made a lot of progress on getting Linux to work well on all of our products. Our goal is to become the hardware vendor of choice for Linux users. Click here to learn more from john_h.





45 Comments »

coreboot (formerly LinuxBIOS) instead of proprietary BIOS

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

coreboot (formerly known as LinuxBIOS) is a Free Software project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS (firmware) you can find in most of today's computers.
- Fast boot times 3 sec.
- Runs in 32-Bit protected mode almost from the start
- Can boot Windows too...

External links:
- http://www.coreboot.org/Welcome_to_coreboot
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linuxbios<

An Example:
- http://wiki.laptop.org/go/LinuxBIOS 95 Comments »

No Extra Software Option

Software submitted by ootleman 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Would love the ability to have a clean Vista install. No AOL software, no earthlink software, no google software - just a clean, original OS.


Check out jeremy_f's update on our current software options.


596 Comments »

Linux 2.6.16 ready (sticker)

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by chiuchu 02/19/07

Hello,
How about a sticker like windows' which show that the PC is fully compatible with Linux ? A sticker with "Linux 2.6 ready" or "Ubuntu 6.10 Capable" or something like this. Thanks. 113 Comments »

Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office

Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

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



Dell is constantly reviewing options to offer to customers. As this is available for free today, we do not currently plan on offering this as an option to factory install.
.

582 Comments »

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 »

Enable us to change an existing idea vote, if we make a mistake

IdeaStorm submitted by cosh 05/01/07

A few times I've accidentally clicked on the wrong button, or voted after reading the title of an idea but wanted to change it once I read the whole thing. Could you make it so we can still click the promote button after demoting or the demote button after promoting?

Better than having inaccurate vote counts because of clumsy people like me!

Thanks! 131 Comments »

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!
527 Comments »

Axim - future and WM6

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by kbachler 05/01/07 **REVIEWED**

1. I'd like to see a WM6 upgrade to the Axim X51v.
2. I'd like to see this line continue. I'm a former HP user and came to Dell because of the Axim. I am now looking at Fujitsu or HTC for my next device - probably a year from now.
3. I use the Axim nearly as a UMPC, and have looked at similar HTC devices. I'd like to see the following in a future Axim:

a) Continue with 2 memory cards, but both could be SDHC or 1 miniSDHC. I currently use 8 GB CF and 4 GB SD.
b) Cell connection with HSDPA
c) Bluetooth 2.0
d) Slightly larger device ok. mini keyboard nice, not required. Better way to attach extended batteries. Slightly lower voltage for charging if possible
e) Focus on being a UMPC. Add print drivers if needed. I use Softmaker, Textmaker, Westek Presentation (allows editing of PowerPoint also use Conduits pocket slides, Softmaker may come out with a new slide program - they could still be better than Conduits or Westek
f) Memory: 256 ROM, at least 128 RAM, prefer 256 if possible.

This would be a handheld UMPC. And it should be borderline doable now.


Please see jackie_c's comment
2 Comments »

Upgrade installed Windoze to Ubuntu on supported laptops

Linux, Laptops submitted by bluevoter 05/01/07

I have a year-old Inspiron E1505 that came with Windoze XP and various craplets preinstalled. It's under a Dell service contract. I'd like to send it back to Dell and get a fresh install of Ubuntu on a wiped disk. I suspect that there are others in the same situation who might even pay a nominal fee (under $100) for this service. 3 Comments »

Offer Ubuntu PC's by Dell to Wal-Mart.com and other Retailers

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by josmar52789 05/01/07

Don't make it hard to get the Ubuntu PCs. Offer them in retailers like Wal-Mart, CompUSA, OfficeMax, whatever, even if they're just sold on their respective websites.

It's time Dell took a stand. Anyone could pre-install Ubuntu, but be bold and offer it to the mainstream consumer. 2 Comments »

Offer Notebooks with integrated web cams & integrated tv tuner cards.

Laptops submitted by amrit_goenka 05/01/07

Dell must provide full flexibility to the customers for choosing & customizing their notebooks.
Like for instance, the Inspiron series offered by dell has no option for choosing webcams and t.v tuner cards. This leaves the customer with lesser option and the customer is bound to see other companies for his/her requirements. 3 Comments »

Sell the Retail instead of OEM version of Vista Ultimate for customers who want the very latest and greatest of Windows.

Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 05/01/07

For Vista customers who really want the latest and greatest Microsoft has to offer, how about selling them the Retail Vista Ultimate instead of the OEM build.

Among the advantages of Retail vs OEM:

• The Retail Version of Vista Ultimate includes both the 32 and 64-bit versions.[3]
• You get the Vista install disks.
• You get the full Vista manuals and documentation
• The user can take the license with them if they upgrade their hardware beyond what Microsoft Activation thinks is the "same machine" [4]
• Apparently more patches have been available for Retail versions than OEM versions [1]
• Historically, there have been many little-documented differences [2]
• The Retail Software License is different (friendlier?) in quite a few subtle ways

Sure it'll cost more - but Vista Ultimate customers want the latest and greatest that Microsoft has to offer - and that's Vista Retail, not Vista OEM. They're already a customer segment that says they're willing to pay more. Let them go all the way and get the full advantages of Vista Ultimate Retail instead of the not-quite-latest-and-greatest-Vista-Ultimate-OEM.

5 Comments »

Sell discounted Ubuntu CDs to Dell customers who didn't get the option.

Linux submitted by jmxz 05/01/07

Now for all us unfortunate Dell customers who got Windows when we would have preferred Linux during the years after you stopped selling Linux notebooks (2002?) - how about selling a discounted Ubuntu DVDs.

Yes, I know I could download them or get CDs sent to me from

for $0 ; or buy the disks for a few dollars from one of many online retailers

But I might want it from you for a number of reasons.

• I would expect the version from you to have the appropriate drivers for Dell machines.
• shipit.ubuntu.com "takes up to ten weeks" to send the disks for $0. I trust you could send them faster.
• I might not want to download and burn CDs; perhaps a slow ISP or I might not have a CD burner.
• You already made me give you cash for an OS I didn't want. Perhaps you could use some of these dollars to give me a few dollar discount below what the alternatives cost.

7 Comments »

Stop selling Substandard and Overpriced products in Dell India /AsiaPac...produce/assemble locally to reduce prices

Sales Strategies submitted by pagux 05/01/07

Hi ,
My friend and also my cousin wanted by a decent laptop here in India (my friends and family members usually consult me buying any computer) I went to apple and dell india site was bit disappointed ....we have low config laptops at higher price and there is HUGE price differential in US and Indian site ...and decent ones are just too expensive to buy ....I would rather buy HP or Acer laptop than lower config overpriced stuff displayed in Dell India site .....you folks are neglecting asia pac like apple and lenevo with their substandard over priced entry level stuff ....only folks who buy ur stuff rich cooperate sector (when not in cost cutting phase ) ....so ur sales will low and you will invest less and hence a vicious cycle... We got 150 to 200 million potential customer users in India/asiapac is to less to ignore .......i want dell to start assembling stuff in india rather than importing it from malaysia ....cut down cost and win market share till there is still space ...you got a year or so to it other wise HP , Acer, HCL, Shara will eat it ur space (and ur hire as consultant ...just kidding ;-) )... for now i am NOT BUYING DELL IN INDIA also dont recommend any doing so in India ...atleast your prices should match or come near to Hp or acer products which have webcam and good processor at decent price !!
Regards,
gaurav 2 Comments »

Computer manufactures should be required to accurately list each component, the parts manufacture, model#, and the parts specs.

Service and Support submitted by jakerivers 05/01/07

Computer manufactures should be required to accurately list each component, the parts manufacture, model#, and the parts specs. This would allow for better product comparison, support, and the manufacture of peripherals, etc. There are several manufactures who already do this, mostly manufactures of high quality FreeBSD, and Linux servers.
Jake Rivers 2 Comments »

Gaming

Gaming submitted by whitedove59 05/01/07

I love to play solitaire and casino games. I'd like to see more of these kind of games through Dell. 6 Comments »

In areas of poverty, such as Fresno, Ca. Dell should provide free computer centers for children, and teenagers.

Desktops and Laptops submitted by jakerivers 05/01/07

In areas of poverty, such as Fresno, Ca. Dell should provide free computer centers for children, and teenagers. Dell would staff these centers with screened community volunteers, and paid employees who supervise the children as they learn in a safe environment. Here the children could work on their home work, learn how to build desktops, make video games, etc.
Jake Rivers 6 Comments »

OS vitrualisation built into preload Linux as standard.

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by smah 05/01/07

Preloading Ubuntu or other Linux distribution with KVM as standard built in and ready to go, with VNC clients for Windows and Linux and a Windows OS install script included on the standard install, would allow users to install and reuse old OSes like Windows. There is a market for PCs with no OS, and I believe that much of the demand for them is to allow customers to install old versions of Windows.

Providing hardware accelerated KVM virtualisation with preloaded Linux will overcome most objections of users who might buy Dell PCs preloaded and be dissapointed that they can't run a particular Windows application that they want to. It will also appeal to those who would otherwise have bought an OSless PC, since they can have a modern, security update supported OS with a 3D desktop, and still run Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/Vista Pro in a sandbox. Dell might even sell new boxed sets or OEM Windows disks for running as virtual machines, particularly from businesses.

I would complain also about the Microsoft EULA which allows the most expensive version of Vista to be run as a virtual machine (which is the best for a virtual machine due to it's small footprint, low cost, and the fact that it runs in a virtual sandbox means poor security isn't so much of an issue), but prevents the home edition from being used in the same way. This seems to me to be interference with business, and an abuse of monopoly. After all, what business does Microsoft have to tell users what system (physical or virtual) they can run Microsoft's OS on? What right does Microsoft have to dictate that you can run other OSes on Vista, but you can't run Vista on other OSes? 4 Comments »

Why is Windows XP not available on the Dimension 9200 Series?

Dimension products, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by sparksflyhi 05/01/07

I applaud Dell's decision to offer Windows XP on many computers for those of us who choose not to go with Vista. Why isn't the Dimension 9200 included in the models available for purchase with XP? Comment »