reboot

Ubuntu Dell Repo

Linux, Service and Support submitted by tekhawk 07/20/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

basicly a simple idea dell to support the ubuntu community a little bit by running a repo for its laptops and desktop if nothing more to support the software that they install on the system and to provide driver updates theses repos should be setup on the machines before shipping so that the users can get the driver updates quick and easy and offer driver on there for all the drivers that there are for dell machines that are support on linux not just the shipping lines

so that user might find that other machines then the ones you ship with ubuntu can easly be made into power ubuntu operating machines


As matt_d has said below, we have repositories for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, Novell/SuSE Linux Enterprise Server, and a growing one for Ubuntu. Check it out here http://linux.dell.com.
76 Comments »

Matte high-resolution screens

Monitors and Displays submitted by programmer001 03/05/07

Dell unfortunately jumped on the TrueLife display for laptops.
These are good for gaming and movies because of the colors and brightness, but are bad for working because they are too much reflective. I am a programmer and the reason for which I used to buy Dell is because of the very high resolution screens (UXGA, WUXGA). In facts I would like to see high-resolution screens available in more laptop models, possibly even in the 15" ones, and in particular I would like to see MATTE high-resolution screens available, not TrueLife.

I guess movies/gaming customers probably buy low-resolution screens, while programmers like me buy high-resolution screens (UXGA, WUXGA) and these are the ones that would benefit from a modern matte screen. A good choice for Dell would probably be to provide the low resolution screens as TrueLife and the high resolution ones as matte, while now it is more like the opposite.

Please offer matte high-res screens at least as an option. 6 Comments »

Why can't we get multi-boot Linux systems?

Linux, Operating Systems, Software submitted by winoffice 06/06/07

Many people would like Linux on their PCs (I don't want it now, but I might consider it if it is multi-booted with Windows), but some must get it multi-booted with Windows, as they may need Windows at home (they may love the new Vista looks, for example), work (they may spend the money for Windows because of requirements at work, for example), etc., or just to run some Windows-only applications.

First: Thus, please have Dell offer multi-boots too.

But do not just offer multi-boots.

Let us get any version of Linux available (let us choose more than one), and any version of Windows available (again, let us choose more than one). Dell should offer the following operating systms in a fashion shown below, but do not force us to get Windows, and do not force us to get Linux either (in other words, people should be able to pick one from each group of operating systems):

Windows XP (choose one): None, Home Edition, Media Center, or Professional
Windows Server 2003 (choose one): None, Web Edition, Standard Edition, Small Business Standard Edition, Small Business Premium Edition, Enterprise Edition, or Datacenter Edition
Windows Vista (choose one): None, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate
Linux (choose one): None, Ubuntu Desktop Edition, Ubuntu Server Editon, or Other Linux (if applicable or available)

By the way, about Windows Server 2003, Dell offers it on compatible servers, and since most Dell PCs meet the requirements, Dell can certainly offer Windows Server 2003 on compatible PCs, for managing web sites on a local network, for example. But I still included the "None" option there if anyone does not need it or does not want it.

Second: Also, once Dell does offer the multi-boot systems, offer all the stickers too -- but make them optional. Of course, keep the processor sticker as one of them. However, add all of the relevant OS stickers as well. For example, if a user selects a choice other than "None" for all four operating systems, then include five stickers: the processor, XP, 2003, Vista, and Linux stickers. If a user selected only Vista and Linux, then include three stickers: the processor, Vista, and Linux. Finally, add a page to the "Build my system" wizard called "Choose your stickers". Only if a user did not select "None" for a particular OS should a user be able to get the sticker for that OS.

The "Choose your stickers" dialog box should look somewhat like this. I assume here that all four operating systems are included. If not, then the dialog box should be changed accordingly.

Do you want the processor sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows XP sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows Server 2003 sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows Vista sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Ubuntu (or other Linux if applicable) sticker? Yes No

And, finally, the stickers should be all be put in the same, and in a reasonable, area, where they always have been (if only, of course, the user said that he/she wants them). Examples: For desktops/servers, this means the bottom-left corner of the front. For notebooks, this means the lower-right corner of the keyboard/touchpad area.

Third: Since a user will almost certainly get both Windows and Linux this way, make three types of keyboards (keep the original Windows keyboards; the other one should be for Ubuntu Linux; the third should be for both):

One should bear only the Windows logo on both start keys (they are between the Ctrl and Alt keys), and should be used on systems on which only Windows is selected.
Another should bear only the Ubuntu logo on both start keys, and should be used on systems on which only Ubuntu is selected.
The last should bear both logos on both start keys, and should be used on systems on which both Windows and Ubuntu are selected. 27 Comments »

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 »

Removing an option in the Ubuntu order process.

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by devlin 10/14/07

I was on the configuration page for the Dell Inspiron Desktop 530 N (the Ubuntu desktop) when I noticed two things that while one was just annoying the other was just plain stupid.

1. The just plain annoying one was the banner at the top of the page where I'm configuring a LINUX system saying "Dell recommends Windows Vista® Home Premium."

2. The stupid one..... Okay now Dell took the Wine (Windows compatibility app) out of the Ubuntu they are pre-installing. The stupid thing is in the configuration area for the UBUNTU LINUX desktop they are offering to sell you Quicken Home & Business a *Windows* ONLY application!

Either leave the Wine app in or keep the Windows software out of the things you are trying to sell us when we are configuring NON-Windows systems. 4 Comments »

Make XP/Linux drivers available for all model even if only Vista is pre-installed

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Operating Systems submitted by vineets001 09/24/07 **REVIEWED**

There are good hardware models coming out. And only Vista is pre-install option. If people want to wipe off Vista and install XP or Linux, let them do that. Make a commitment to have the drivers available.


We're working on having drivers for the hardware we ship more widely available. Click here to learn more from john_h.





29 Comments »

No Limits! Make **all** choices available **anywhere** in the world

Sales Strategies submitted by mrw 09/16/07

First example: The Germans are second class customers, because they don't get the same choices for Ubuntu Laptops as in the USA. We here in Switzerland are even third class customers, because we do not get an Ubuntu Laptop at all.

Other example: The choices I can make for a notebook depends on how I walked through your shop! Sometimes for the same Model, I can chose a low end Harddisk, sometimes not. That's absolutely ridiculous! Please allow any possible hardware combination!

Allow to select any matching hard disk in any laptop (or desktop)! Allow to setup any kind of memory, especially e.g. one(!) 2GB module instead of two 1GB modules, give the choice for between either a mirroring display or an anti-glare display for any available display size and resolution. If technically possible, allow to choose between NVidia and ATI, and allow to chose the Memory of the card. Allow to completely deselect the operating system and all kind of installed software.

First: Make all offers available anywhere in the world!

Second: Do not limit the possible combinations!

Shouldn't the customer be king? Let us all choices! 34 Comments »

Put Ubuntu on a laptop with better specs

Inspiron products, Linux submitted by piratehead 10/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Offer an Ubuntu laptop (Inspirion or otherwise) with available discreet graphics, discreet audio, 8GB or more of RAM, a quad-core processor, bluetooth, next-gen WiFi, and integrated webcam.

I don't know how many of those are possible at this point, but each one is a step forward for people who are waiting on certain specs to bite on a Dell laptop.

Now that you offer laptops with Ubuntu on them, I really don't want to go to another company just to get the computer specs I want. I wish to vote for Dell with my dollars, paying for a laptop that has actually been tested and certified by the manufacturer to run Ubuntu. Please give me the opportunity!


Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about our Ubuntu offerings.
96 Comments »

make linux systems EASY TO FIND

Dell Web Site submitted by phubert 10/18/07

At other sites, I have seen comments by individuals who have BOUGHT Dell Ubuntu systems complaining about the difficulty FINDING said systems.

I think you'll get more sales if you improve the visibility! 30 Comments »

List Power Details when configuring a computer

Desktops, Sales Strategies, Servers and Storage submitted by rotthund 10/15/07

When ponding the power consumptions of a CRT vs LCD display, I saw the Dell confiugation doesn't list a desktop's power supply details, nor it's typical power consumption. Monitor specs list those details. List those details on Dell computers, and show the estimated effect the configuration has on the computer's power details. 5 Comments »

Linux Hardware Compatibility List

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by s3indiana 02/20/07 **IN PROGRESS**

Create a listing of Dell hardware that's compatible with the major Linux distributions (Fedora, OpenSuse, ubuntu, Freespire) providing compatibility with not just systems (desktops and laptops) but include peripherals (printers, camera's, flash drives, compatible routers, etc.). Include levels of compatibility so the reviewer can make an educated choice. This would provide the greatest assistance for those looking at alternatives...

We're working to add something like this to our linux.dell.com wiki. Click here to see what john_h has to say.




30 Comments »

Dell Include a Ubuntu CD with every purchase of a Non-Ubuntu OS System for every System you sell.

Dell, Operating Systems, Software submitted by jorge 08/14/07

Dell Include a Ubuntu CD with every purchase of a Non-Ubuntu OS System for every System you sell.



Your other non-Ubuntu OS offerings are hurting due to viruses, Trojans, e-mail bombs, worms, random system errors, un-reproducible memory handling errors, the list goes on. Offering them a second option once they experience the pain and agony is the best thing Dell can do.

Show your customers you care and provide them with a Ubuntu OS install CD (which can run in Live mode as well). 15 Comments »

ubuntu in japan

Linux submitted by jdelidc 08/24/07

enough said 1 Comment »

Easy access to fans for cleaning on laptops

Laptops submitted by celticgibson 04/22/07

As we all know, the inspiron laptops get hot once dust builds up on the CPU/GPU grills and it's impossible to clean them without having to resort to taking the latop apart. It would be awesome if you could put blank plates on the bottom of the laptop, where the fans take in air, to allow for easy access for removal of fans and hence the cleaning of the grills. This would save many a problem with overheating hardware and endless tech support problems. 17 Comments »

With Ubuntu PCs dell should...

Linux submitted by kevintrooper 07/05/07

provide an Ubuntu CD!

10 Comments »

Ubuntu PCs with Quad Core processors

Desktops, Linux submitted by nkmhutirv 08/19/07

I would like to buy a desktop with a Quad Core processor (Intel Q6600 for example).
Dual core is just not enough for me!
On a more general note, you should offer more systems running Ubuntu, as just 3 models can not fit every taste for hardware. 11 Comments »

On the models available, all hardware options should be available to Ubuntu users.

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by kulpret 08/31/07

I am a more advanced user of Ubuntu Linux. I can get the propietary NVidia driver running, the webcam running and the Bluetooth working. Please don't prevent me the opportunity to ship me a 1420N with these additional hardware choices. I want only the best possible for my laptop. That means 4GB ram, fastest hard drive, processor, and graphics card. I can get the other peripherals working on my own. For the sake of the less advanced Ubuntu users, you could put a disclaimer that indicates limited or no functionality will be available with these peripherals unless you know how to install additional drivers (restricted) in Ubuntu Linux.

One alternative is to work with Canonical and the Ubuntu community to have these drivers pre-installed, and thus you can get the extra revenue out of a growing market segment that wants a top of the line Dell, Ubuntu laptop.

I also wouldn't mind the option to buy any of your computers (XPS laptops) with Ubuntu installed. I currently trash any windows software or license I receive.

Thanks,
Jon 7 Comments »

Dell Web Site should be 100% W3C compliant

Dell Web Site submitted by yesmathew 08/12/07

Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international consortium where Member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards. W3C's mission is:

To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.

W3C primarily pursues its mission through the creation of Web standards and guidelines. Since 1994, W3C has published more than ninety such standards, called
W3C Recommendations.

As Dell hardwares are OS independent, Dell Web Site should be 100% W3C compliant. To validate your site please proceed to http://validator.w3.org/ and make it 100% compliant. Also consider validating your CSS style sheet at http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/

Other important references:
- W3C Q&A Blog: http://www.w3.org/QA/
- The Web Standards Project: http://www.webstandards.org/

Offer English language OS and software

Operating Systems, Software submitted by rat 09/04/07

Please offer English language OS and software even for non-English speaking countries. Now I have choice of French and German where I leave. I prefer my OS to be pre-configured in English. 3 Comments »

Sell Linux PCs in Canada.

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by sorooros 08/14/07

How hard can it be to ship boxes north of the border? Dell.ca needs Linux option! 12 Comments »