supergems

Work on resolution of Ubuntu hard drive issue

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Servers and Storage submitted by andrewc231 Apr 4

I have purchased an Inspiron 1420n preloaded with Ubuntu, and I am generally very happy with it. However, the hard drive it comes with is affected by Ubuntu's fairly well-known load cycle problem in which aggressive power management defaults can harm the hard drive's lifespan. You can read about it here:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=591503
And here, where it was featured on Slashdot last year:
http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/10/30/1742258

This is at least partially a software problem, I know, but it would be in Dell's best interest to avoid shipping systems with dangerous defaults like this, and work on a resolution of the problem. It would give me peace of mind to not have to worry about my hard drive killing itself. 17 Comments »

Let me replace the Windows Key for a Linux key in the keyboard

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux submitted by silencer Feb 12

It would be nice to be able to change the windows key for a linux key when you build your machine. Every linux user would love that! :)

This is the actual windows key,



Would be nice to have one like this



Vote for it! :) 31 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. 112 Comments »

Dell Ubuntu for Europe

Linux submitted by yesmathew 05/03/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dell announced to pre-load Ubuntu on Notebooks and Desktops for US market. What about for Europe? We want for Europe market too... users from Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, Austria, Spain, and others are requesting the same.


See the blog post in Direct2Dell re: Ubuntu in UK, France and Germany; Dell/Red Hat Solutions & More.
85 Comments »

Give the same discounts to open source models as Windows models

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by bashveank Mar 31

Why are there constantly sales on Windows machines but never any sales on the identical open source machines? 5 Comments »

Ubuntu in Oz

Desktops, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by goombadoolies37 Apr 16

I know this is an overstated idea (i.e "put Dell in my country"). But I want to put this on again for the following reasons:

1. It's been a year, and the kinks in the system should have been ironed out. Australia has been patient, now I want it.

2. I have purchased 3 computers from Dell in the last 2 weeks with Windows XP, because they offered an alternative to Vista. I work in a smallish firm, where I have significant informal influence over purchases of IT equipment. I have shifted my boss from HP to Dell.

3. I have purchased from Dell indirectly because of Ubuntu. Although aware of Dell as an option, I would not have considered purchasing equipment from Dell, but for the informal advertising caused by the Dell Idea Storm and Dell's decision to offer Ubuntu. Consider it "pre-emptive loyalty".

4. I want to buy a new laptop for my wife (her old Laptop is a compaq with XP wiped and ubuntu installed). I can buy it from pioneercomputers in Australia or Dell. I don't want to pay Microsoft Tax when I won't use Windows. If I cannot get one from Dell, I won't buy from them. That may open up an issue with item 3, because I may then move additional business away from Dell. 3 Comments »

Make Linux laptops match their Windows counterparts

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Laptops submitted by lengau Mar 31

I was comparing the 1525 and the 1525N today. Here's a list of what (as of 2008-3-31 18:39 CDT) the Windows laptop has that the Ubuntu one doesn't:

Processors:
Celeron 540
Pentium Dual Core T2370 (NOTE: The Ubuntu version has T2330 instead - perhaps it would be good to have both options on both laptops?)
Core 2 Duo T5750
Core 2 Duo T8300

The Windows laptop doesn't offer the Core 2 Duo T5450, but the Ubuntu one does.

Display:
1440x900 display (See: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/76248 )

Hard Drive:
80GB (5400 RPM)

The Windows laptop is missing:
250GB (7200 RPM)

Optical drives:
Combo drive
Blu-ray Combo
Blu-ray Burner

Note: This gives only one choice (DVD burner) on the Linux laptop.
Also, Nero for Linux (as well as DVD+RW-tools) burns Blu-Ray discs.
Blu-Ray support on Linux machines has been requested for quite a while now (see: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73129 )

Wi-Fi:
Dell 1505 (supported according to http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/Accessories/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&... )
Intel 802.11n (AFAICT, The 1505 is an Intel chip - can anyone tell me if these are the same chips?
Dell 1395

Mobile Broadband:
I'm not sure if these cards have Linux drivers, but this functionality should be available to Linux users.

Bluetooth and Wireless USB
Dell Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Bundle
Dell Travel Mouse (with Bluetooth Technology)
Dell Bluetooth Stereo Headset (w/built-in Mic)

Personally, I think that all three of those should be under the "Add my accessories" section, but they should still be available.

Battery:
I couldn't figure out any way to include a secondary battery with the Windows notebook.

Sound:
Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi® Xtreme Audio Sound Card

Whilst that difference is pretty big, I want to point out the few major problems (everything else is, to me, minor):

Processors:
I don't see any reason for the processor options to be different on the two laptops. Both OS's work on all of the processors (obviously - they're just x86 processors, after all)

Display:
Limiting Linux users to a lower resolution is counterintuitive to me. Linux users are generally more technically-inclined and thus more likely to buy a higher resolution display than Windows users.

Optical Drives:
The readers are just generic drives (writing is the only potential problem, but with the right programs, Linux can burn Blu-Ray as well). All that's necessary is a warning on the Linux laptops that they cannot play Blu-Ray movies on the systems.

Wi-Fi:
I mention this here tentatively. I understand that wi-fi chips aren't the most Linux-friendly hardware at the moment, but an 802.11n option would be nice. 4 Comments »

Stripped down, fast Linux Box

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by pawprintz 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

How about a fast, Internet ready Linux desktop. Small form factor, pretty monitor, mouse & keyboard, the O.S., OpenOffice & Firefox. Cheap'n'fast


Dell sees the value of this idea, and is keeping the sugestions for a Linux small form factor on the radar. john_h will let the community know of any new information as it comes.




130 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 92 Comments »

Help Customers to a Better Internet experience - TELL them about UBUNTU!!!

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by phubert Apr 21

Dell can HELP its customers have a better Internet experience by openly PROMOTING Ubuntu!

As Mark Shuttleworth, of Canonical, points out:

"...if people think of their daily experience as a sit down on the web, we know that people can have a very compelling experience on Linux.

"In fact, we know it is a better web experience because they can do it without spyware, without viruses."

Mr Shuttleworth said he believed there were about eight to nine million users of Ubuntu worldwide. " ****

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7358483.stm 10 Comments »

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 »

Get GNU/Linux Machines in Retail Stores

Linux submitted by dpic Feb 14

Imagine how successful Dell's Ubuntu offering could be if just one Dell Ubuntu machine was put in retail stores. If people knew of an alternative to Windows, they would go for it! So what do you say, Dell? Why don't you try to put at least one of your Ubuntu machines offered in retail stores? 736 Comments »

Contrbute to Ubuntu

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by darkproteus66 Apr 24 **ALREADY OFFERED**

Dell should actively contribute to Ubuntu and other open source projects either financially or through software.


Please see matt_d's comment
13 Comments »

Small LOW COST Linux Laptop

Linux, Laptops submitted by burnetga Apr 8

13.3 1152 x 720 screen
Sempron 3600 2ghz, 256 cache,25 watt
80gb hard drive
dvd-cdrw combo drive
10/100 ethernet
Wireless ethernet
1gb ram
53wh battery
Linux

No Options/Fixed Platform

$429 USD

It does not have to be ultra light
or ultra thin, just can't be a brick.

Pretty much a scaled down Vostro 1000
with a more linux friendly wifi card.

Right now 04/08/2008 you have to spend
at least $999 to get a 13.3" screen. 5 Comments »

Dell's Website must work with Firefox running on Linux

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by qgonjon 07/16/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

It's discouraging to have a Tier 1 vendor (Dell) selling Linux products and yet not really tailoring to Linux. Don't get me wrong Dell, I am not trying to take away all the good you have done. Offering Linux is a step in the right direction and I would like to see more steps taken in a monthly or quarterly basis. But, it seems that the basis for your current Linux promotion is for the Open Source enthusiast like me. I use Linux at home and at work as my main operating system. I use Firefox as my browser and I'm trying to order a Dell Inspiron 1420N. However, it seems that the embedded flash script that shows the different colors choices for the Inspiron is not working under Linux. It also shows that I can't see the different images thereafter. It works with Windows running Firefox as my vmware machine verified. But that is not the type of user that will most likely purchase a Linux laptop.

My request is simple. Can someone fix and verify that this page works well with Linux browser technology? So, that users can enjoy purchasing your Linux products and demonstrate that Dell really cares about their customer's operating system preference.

Dell I wish you the best in this venture as your success in this territory will help the Linux Desktop become a reality to the open source community.





73 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 »

No OS Preloaded

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by agreer 02/17/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I have a XP Pro retail copy, will soon buy retail vista, I also like Linux: Make WINDOWS-FREE, and OS-Free an option for more than just expensive business lines.


Dell has systems available that do not have an OS pre-loaded called N-Series line. You can check them out at www.dell.com/nseries.

459 Comments »

Provide ubuntu's next LTS iso, 100% compatible with Dell

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by shaikailash Apr 10 **REVIEWED**

I'ts going to be release the long term support (LTS) version of ubuntu, Hardy Heron 8.04. It will be supported by the community for 3 years.

It could be useful and appreciate (I think) if DELL will customize this distro to be compatible with the hardware of Dell's laptops and desktops, and permit to download the official iso from the website.

It could be fantastic to download the iso, install it and have an operative system perfectly working.
Many people could be convinced to buy a Dell with Linux, without go crazy with the hardware compatibility.
Thank you


Please see matt_d's comment
9 Comments »

Allow operating system CHOICE

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by rahbm Apr 9

Please make the operating system a priced option on EVERY PC, so that people know how much they are paying, and for what.

This will allow Ubuntu users to buy any system, as opposed to the limited range now, increasing sales.

This will not disadvantage Windows purchasers; they can simply tick the box for XP or Vista, and have a choice not available now.

This will also open up sales to those who want NO operating system, so that they can load their own. So far I have always bought 'white-box' PCs, but would like the ability to buy a real brand-name PC with support and warranty.

Simplified ordering (just pick the PC), with more potential customers!

Thank you for your consideration. 2 Comments »

Order linux on Dell from any part of world

Linux, Laptops submitted by zigcatus Apr 11

Dell Can Australia have a Ubuntu OS Laptop

Why not let any one in any part of the world order ubuntu operating system on a Dell laptop we in Australia seem to be out of luck with no listing on the Australian Dell website that give us a linux OS link. Orders are made online I think we would wait the little bit more time if a ubuntu Dell laptop has to come from US or UK just get the power supply right for Australia that all, not that hard you think. And go for the Apple power plug it just a great idea smart and simple.

Allan 6 Comments »