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6240

Make A Wireless Dell

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Monitors and Displays submitted by reg 08/07/07 **COMING SOON**



Apple has a real, valid point: Too many cables in a typical PC setup.

I think Dell could make a combo cable, or a unified display (display/camera/stereo speakers).

Dell should work on a nice clean design - like Apple's clean design - less cable rat nests, more computing power. 220 Comments »

310

To pursue GREEN, promote LINUX (or XP) over Vista

Environment, Linux, Servers and Storage submitted by phubert Jan 17

Linux is greener than Vista

[Microsoft] will try to force its customer base to migrate onto Vista, but moving to Linux instead might be a greener and more cost-effective alternative.

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/01/17/linux-greener-alternat... 102 Comments »

11750

Ubuntu on all models where it works

Linux, Operating Systems, Small Business submitted by jonsmirl 08/01/07 **IN PROGRESS**

I'm still throwing away copies of Windows. Recently I have ordered some Dimension 9200s from Small Business. All of these machines are running Ubuntu today without problem. They're being used to replace some PE400SCs that are starting to die. A 2GB quad core for $649 was too good a deal to pass up. It makes a great small server.

Please offer Ubuntu as a choice on all configurations where it works. I would have still paid $649 for the box and you could have kept the money you're sending to Microsoft.
We continue to explore different Linux opportunities on our systems. Check out daniel_j's comment below.




40 Comments »

120

Unified Drive

New Product Ideas, Servers and Storage submitted by badblood Feb 13

Dell should make a great big stand-alone hard drive, that includes USB and firewire inputs/outputs, s-Video, SD slots, bluetooth, etc. It should have a small OLED display on the front, inbuilt software and controls so you can manage file transfers, backups, multi-media, etc without having to plug it into a computer.

A nice 'unified drive' if you like......

I am not sure if such a thing is already available from Dell, please let me know if it is and I will delete this idea. 13 Comments »

9740
1740

Ad Campaign: What can you do with Ubuntu?

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by limulus 09/04/07

There are currently ideas under review, such as "make ubuntu shine" which relate to advertising Dell's Ubuntu systems. If Dell decides to do some ads, here's an idea for an ad campaign:

"What can you do with Ubuntu?"



Find one or more people who have bought a Dell Ubuntu system and have them show off what they can do with their systems; string the clips those together into a commercial. Some themes that should become obvious:

* easy software installation and updates

* command line not necessary (Ubuntu is very much a GUI OS)

* compiling software not necessary

* full range of applications

* 3rd party proprietary apps, like Flash and Google Earth

* all the little games you could ever want (e.g. Sudoku)

* 'it just works'

* "wobbly windows" and other spiffy cool effects for fun :)

[see also my other ad campaign ideas: Families Switching to Ubuntu and Meet Mark Shuttleworth ] 26 Comments »

340

Provide Drivers for ALL OSs

submitted by ryan100 Jan 27

As the title says.

If you offer a notebook or desktop with XP or Vista, Sometimes only the 32bit drivers are available, I find this very very frustrating as I regularly change my OS to something other than the one that is installed (generally because dell only give me one OS to choose from at buy time).

As it is I have a dell vostro 1500 with vista 32.. The machines hardware is all 64bit compatible but can i find *ANY* 64bit drivers from dell for the laptop. I am now not so happy about upgrading the laptop to vista 64 as it will mean a prolonged search in order to find working drivers, and being honest hunting for drivers is not the highlight of my day. Comment »

1000

Vostro 1000-1700 Ubuntu Systems

Linux, Small Business, Vostro products submitted by tekhawk 07/18/07 **NOT NOW**

the Vostro 1000-1700 line looks like a perfect fit to the ubuntu/linux os show your support in getting ubuntu office computers and hopfully these will be good options as low cost school computers to for students with ok graphics power and performance 20 Comments »

4840

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. 68 Comments »

11420

Make the dell ubuntu models available through the main webpage

Dell Web Site, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by rajeevbhatta 06/19/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Instead of having the model listings on a different webpage ( www.dell.com/open) have these models available from the product search you have on the main page or a link available through the main page (www.dell.com)

When I go to dell.com and I search for the product model numbers I never can find them I have to go to the other page and then I see it. The only thing I saw on the main page is a small flash ad which then takes you to the page.

Why cant you place these models with the other models on your page.........





30 Comments »

10280

Ubuntu on 12.1 or 13.3 inch laptops

Linux, Laptops submitted by miceagol 05/31/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Preload Ubuntu on your 12.1 (XPS M1210) or 13.3 inch (XPS M1330) laptops. As it is now, there's only one choice for a laptop, and that choice is not a light laptop. The 12.1 inch and 13.3 inch laptops are much better to carry around than heavy 15 inch++ laptops.




Check out the Idea in Action update.
73 Comments »

3180

Why Can't Dell Put Linux On Their Really Serious Notebooks?

Linux, Service and Support, Laptops submitted by kenjennings 08/09/07

These guys can do it...

http://www.emperorlinux.com/mfgr/dell/rhino/


Dell Latitude D830 or Precision M90

# up to 17" WUXGA w/ X @ 1920x1200
# Full Linux support: 1667 - 2333 MHz Core 2 Duo
# Full Linux support: 512 - 4 G RAM, expands to 4 G
# Full Linux support: 60 - 160 GB Hard Drive
# Full Linux support: DVDROM Drive, or CDRW/DVD Drive, or DVD+/-RW Drive
# Specification: 6.3 - 8.6 pounds
# Full Linux support: 10/100/1000 Mbps ethernet
# Full Linux support: 802.11a/b/g (54Mbps) WiFi
# Specification: Linux Pre-Configured (dual boot available)
# Specification: EmperorLinux user's manual
# Specification: Three year warranty & One year tech support

They've got everything working on Linux. Maybe Dell should partner with these guys to get a better selection of Linux-able Dell notebooks.
25 Comments »

84417

Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware

Linux submitted by gergnz 02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**

I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.




186 Comments »

500

Offer Ubuntu on the XPS 1530

Linux, XPS products submitted by zero79 Feb 17

I want a 15" laptop. I want to run Ubuntu. Please offer the two in combination. 6 Comments »

440

DELL shouldn't charge $150 more for their (PRODUCT)RED model and only donate $50 to Africa

Dell submitted by jaylus12 Feb 16

*** UPDATE: ***
I didn't look close enough. The (PRODUCT)RED model includes Windows Vista Ultimate. The other model comes with Home Premium, and costs $150 to upgrade to Ultimate. So DELL is not actually charging more for the (PRODUCT)RED, they are just forcing a Windows upgrade on you...

-------------------------------------------------------------...
While all other companies charge the SAME price for their (PRODUCT)RED model, and donate a percentage of the proceeds to fight diseases in Africa, DELL charges $150 more -- the specs are identical mind you, and only donates $50.

So where is the other $100 going?

You can see this here:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1330?c=us&cs=...~ 22 Comments »

5750

The most requested feature...

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by xivulon 09/26/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

There are several proposals that basically ask the same thing: SHOW UBUNTU IN THE LIST OF OPERATING SYSTEM ON ALL MACHINES [subtract $50]. And why not, add XP to the list as well. There are also many more proposals that would be made redundant IF the above was implemented. If you add them all together that is probably the most requested feature at the moment. Yes I think many of the ideas below can be merged.

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73206/Make_Linux_and_no_Operating_syste...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72962/Put_Ubuntu_on_the_list_of_operati...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72880/Dont_make_it_difficult_for_people...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68182/Add_all_the_OSs_you_sell_to_the_H...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68515/Ubuntu_on_all_dells

Proposals that would be made redundant:

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68294/Same_discounts_available_on_Ubunt...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72902/Why_Cant_Dell_Put_Linux_On_Their_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73961/Make_Ubuntu_laptops_cheaper_than_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68567/Make_the_dell_ubuntu_models_avail...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72525/Ubuntu_on_all_models_where_it_works
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67851/Ubuntu_on_121_or_133_inch_laptops
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72748/Better_selection_of_Linux_notebooks
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67631/Make_an_efford_to_includ_UBUNTU_i...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73954/bDell_Just_Give_Choice_a_Chanceb_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67867/Shop_Dell_PCs_with_Linux_Require_...
http://www.dellideastorm.com/article/show/67692

...and many more...

Of course not all hardware choices will go down well with Ubuntu, but you have a conflict resolution system in place to notify users that make incompatible choices, and that could easily be extended to address conflicts between hardware and operating system. The only reason not to have Ubuntu is when there are fundamental incompatibilities that cannot be addressed by swapping wireless card or video card (suspend/hibernation...). In this case show "No operating system" (no point in having "No operating system" when a free operating system is available).

So, don't hide Ubuntu in some dark corner of your website only known to geeks, give customers a REAL choice...





28 Comments »

690

Have AMD CPUS As an option for the Ubuntu Line

Linux submitted by timberwolf753 Feb 8

Give the people choice of CPU's to use in your Ubuntu Line. I want to buy one but I don't use Intel CPU's becasue they suck up power and that is why I use Energy Efficient AMD CPUs. So please, Let us choice if we want an AMD or Intel CPU in our computers. 2 Comments »

5620

Dell: Support Open BIOSes for Linux

Dell, Linux submitted by phubert 10/10/07 **REVIEWED**

An Open BIOS for Linux would free it from the DOS legacy code and speed boot times.

The current BIOS is a legacy throwback... it's time to replace it!






Our current priority is to expand Linux availability by bringing more platforms and languages to market. Read what daniel_j has to say.





26 Comments »

12540

Tell us what WiFi chipset a laptop has.

Broadband and Mobility, Dell Web Site, Linux, Laptops submitted by tonyb2006 08/29/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Tell us the WiFi chipset used in a laptop before we buy it so we know if the WiFi chipset supports a feature we want, or if it supports Linux or another operating system that we intend to use. The WiFi chipset being like "Intel ipw2200" or "Broadcom BCM4306", or "Ralink rt2500".







19 Comments »

1740

Offer HighResolution screens for your consumer Laptops as you do for the business Latitudes

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by rseibel 04/22/07

Please offer the highresolution screen for you consumer Inspiron and XPS laptops as an option as you do for the business line of Latitudes. It is not much more effort, but makes them much more attractive.

Now you offer 1280x800 i.e. 1 Megapixel aka. WXGA Resolution on 15,4" screens of your Inspirons, that might be fine for some people. But it is not appropriate for others like me.

I suggest to offer 1400x900 i.a. 1,26 Megapixel aka. WXGA+ or even 1680x1050 i.e. 1,76 Megapixel on your 15,4 " screens that is 26% respectively 76% more usefull screen space.

You offer higher resolutions for your Latitude laptops, why not for the regular user also? Apple is using HiResolution screens also..

Pros:
- One have more space on ones desktop and can be more productive by using the applications more effectively such as office, photoshop, movieediting, mindmaps etc.
- Your screen is fit for HiDefinition movies coming to the market now.
- Windows Vista has a vector based graphic user interface able to scale fonts appropriately and should be made able to adjust them as the user demands.

Cons:
- Sure it is more expensive to produce/assemble, but I am willing to pay some extra $ for that.
- The fonts might be too small for some people, but there is a solution for that with Vista.

Just an idea, fell free to comment! 6 Comments »



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