teffluvium

Dual Boot/VM Support Option

Operating Systems, Operating Systems - Multiboot submitted by nobbewan 07/30/07

Offer Dual Boot as an option with GRUB. GRUB is getting a facelift via GSoC, and this would be nice to fight off boot camp for mac. Additionally you could offer VM support out of the box, maybe something like a VM of Vista/XP to run in (K)ubuntu or vice versa. This could be done through VM Player or one of the new VM options that were just introduced into the Linux Kernel.

Dell supporting linux is going to change a lot of things, and this is going to be very apparent for web developers soon with Safari just released on Windows and Webkit possibly making it into KDE 4.1. It will be essential that everyone can develop easily for these new possibilities. Comment »

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 »

Support for Open Document Format

Operating Systems, Software submitted by lordshipmayhem 06/12/07

Dell should encourage support for Open Document Format:
- provide a page listing the benefits of ODF over proprietary formats (OOXML and other Microsoft "standards")
- Link to the home pages of applications that support ODF (OpenOffice.org, StarOffice, KOffice)

ODF is designed to be both platform and application agnostic: anyone who wants to write one, can create applications that allow you to use any ODF file, without losing file formatting. The objective is to allow any user to keep access to their data even if the maintainer of the application the data was saved in ends up going out of business or ending support for the application in question.

I don't know about you, but I have some files that were written in word processing software that no longer exists, in a couple of cases on platforms that don't exist outside of the hands of museums and collectors. Those files are at best extremely difficult if not utterly impossible to open now. 32 Comments »

Same discounts available on Ubuntu and Windows

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by jonsmirl 06/12/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I'm ordering a Vista XPS 410 right now. I wanted a Ubuntu one but I'm going to throw away yet another copy of Windows. The Vista XPS 410 has $200 off today and free ship for a total of $869. The identical Ubuntu machine is $1019 plus $29.99 shipping. So today Ubuntu costs $170 more than Windows instead of $50 less. Why can't I have the same discounts on the Ubuntu machine? 50 Comments »

Keep Ubuntu computer on the selves for at least a year

Advertising and Marketing, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by zhinker 05/16/07

I don't know what your plans are Dell, but I know some companies often run experimental campaigns like your one with Ubuntu for just a couple months before deciding if it's a success or not. I'd recommend keeping Ubuntu available as an option for at least a year or more before shelving it (shouldn't cost you much to keep it) because that way you would give a better chance to plan on buying a Dell computer for their needs instead of some other one that they would have gotten otherwise, and it would allow more time for the word to spread to non-linux users about the "cheap new Dell computers," especially since it doesn't seem like you're trying hard to advertise them anyways 5 Comments »

Send Best Ubuntu Laptop (and Desktop?) to PC Magazine!

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by maccam94 05/01/07

PC Magazine is one of the most widely read computing magazines, and by sending your top Linux configurations to them for review, you will get the word out about your exciting new offerings, as well as generate awareness about Linux itself. 5 Comments »

Linux - Distribute Live Disks!!

Linux submitted by cosh 04/01/07

Earlier, I was trying to join the general support for Dell to do more computers with Linux pre-installed. But, reading the US Deparment of Justice Findings of Fact in the old Microsoft anti-trust case, I realised what a shockingly tight grip Microsoft have on OEM retailers. It's a long, confusing and scary read, but the important notion is this:

The more computers Dell (or any other OEM retailer) sell with Linux or without an OS, or the more they advertise Linux on their site, and the more they INCLUDE ANY OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE ON THEIR MACHINES WHICH COULD AT ANY LEVEL COMPETE WITH SOFTWARE FROM MICROSOFT, the higher price Microsoft can charge Dell for all versions of Windows that they want to sell. Thus, the cost of Windows PC's might go up for Dell.

How about, Dell do something different here. Just give away the live disks for a few different distros free with their computers. That way, you don't get into trouble with Microsoft at all. If Microsoft try to change the price they sell Windows at to Dell for just for bundling a simple free complimentary gift with their computers, it would be so blatantly illegal and anti-competitive and just what the Department of Justice is looking for - they would be on them in minutes. Maybe I'm being naîve but really I don't see how Microsoft could possibly retaliate...

<u>Advantages of using Live Disks:</u>

- It lets people still try Linux even if they wouldn't go for the dual-boot option. This method will give so much publicity to Linux - like nothing else ever could.

- It makes an amazing tool for support. If Windows goes wrong, the support personnel can ask if the user has their Linux disks available and use one of those to boot up and fix the problem. It also lets you test if a problem is with the hardware or with Windows or an application.

- You don't have to install it. Just put in the DVD (or CD) and restart the computer. Instant and workable Linux with no-risk. It doesn't attempt to write to the hard drive and cannot damage anything. Run OpenOffice, Mozilla Firefox, etc., straight from the DVD.

- You can include a few different distros on different disks, instead of just one.

- There's no danger from not knowing how to use Linux, because Windows is still the main OS. You just have some free bonus software with your PC is all.

- If you hate Linux, break the disks as some kind of ritual of it. Or whatever. It's your choice.

- It's extremely quick and easy for Dell to start with, because not everything has to work right with regards to driver issues. The disks are extremely good at auto-detecting hardware on the fly, but if, for example, there's no sound support running off the live disk, it doesn't matter, because it's not the main OS. Including a couple of live disks is quick and cheap and they tend to be packed with software, so it lets everyone get a hellova lot more for their money when they buy a Dell.

- It can also hugely boost popularity for having Linux installed on future computers. Dell can use this as an advert for dedicated Linux machines. And then lots more major retailers, like Dell, will see the opportunity. This could be the start of a real change and new flexibility in the market.



Want to know more about the inflatable penguin above? They were giving out demo disks of Linux. Read the short story here and see the photos here. The funniest bit from it is this:

Dell: Supporting the new Ubuntu systems

Dell Web Site, Sales Strategies submitted by phubert 05/23/07

Dell can provide: a web 'forum', linked FROM the sales pages, dedicated to support for the new Ubuntu laptop/desktop system offerings. 17 Comments »

Support Drivers for older Dell models on Ubuntu

Inspiron products, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by bradyq 05/06/07

I bought my e1505 under a year ago. I installed ubuntu myself shortly thereafter. I have an ati graphics card and a draft-n wireless. I love linux and ubuntu, but to install linux I have to use some hacks to get everything working. If dell is going to be offering ubuntu now there should be downloadable drivers for those who purchased their computers within the last two years. In my case I b elieve that everything on my laptop is still offered on the e1505. Just an idea. 2 Comments »

Dell Linux Support Issues

Dell Community, Linux submitted by phubert 03/19/07

Can the community begin to list areas where they've had trouble with Linux on Dell machines???

Isn't this at least ONE place to speak up?? 9 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 »

Windows and Ubuntu pricing on equivalent systems is now identical?

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by jmxz 06/02/07

Just for fun I tried pricing equivalent configurations of E1505 and E1505Ns. I tried making the config as similar as possible - the only difference (except the OS of course) I'm aware of being that the same graphics card was not available on both.

E1505N has a "256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 Turbocache" and the
E1505 has a "256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1400 HyperMemory"

Both came in at $1133.

Yet earlier dell_admin1 wrote "On average, comparably configured Ubuntu systems will be about $50 less than Windows systems." http://ideastorm.com/article/show/67610

Can anyone else try a similar experiment and see if I did this right?




Note that I'm not really complaining. I personally think it is reasonable to see Ubuntu the same price as Vista Basic + adware (especially I still think Microsoft actually pays Dell for Vista Basic when you count co-marketing dollars).

But the Idea is that Dell said they expected the Ubuntu ones to cost less -- and not doing that damages Dell's credibility.

To regain credibility Dell should do one of 3 things. (a) say they expect Ubuntu to cost the same as Vista Basic; or (b) make Ubuntu cost less as Dell suggested before, or (c) look at my configurations and see if I missed anything. 23 Comments »

Allow choice of 3yr accidental coverage for Ubuntu E1505N laptop

Linux, Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by kenjennings 06/01/07

I just spec'd out the E1505N with Ubuntu and while the web site allows 1, 2, 3, or 4 year warranty/service coverage it only offers choices of 1, 2, or 4 years of accidental damage coverage. Where is 3 yr coverage? Whassup with dat? 1 Comment »

Dell + Opensource = Win!

Linux, Operating Systems, Software submitted by jpe2000 05/30/07

I'm not really into pre-built but when my grandma got her $400 Dell I was impressed.

I am a user of Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS.

Anyway, I think that Dell needs to start making ads about their new Linux and FreeDOS systems. I think that Dell should look into more than just one Linux distro and at least look at two or more.

First (what I started out with) was PCLinuxOS. I was amazed at the difference it was between Windows. It was, however, one of the easest distros I've ever used (easer than Ubuntu). I think that Dell should offer PCs with Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, and Gentoo.

Sure, maybe Gentoo is taking it a bit extream for the average user but the user could learn from the ground up from using Ubuntu or PCLinuxOS (or even BOTH!).

As for Dell's Windows PCs, I believe that Dell should enforce opensource software for Windows. For example, new Dell computers should come with Firefox (along with Internet Explorer), OpenOffice, and many more. 1 Comment »

easier way to find ubuntu system in dell site

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by luis1717 05/24/07

i would be a good idea to put at the principal page that dell now have the option to select between ubuntu and windows for theirs systems. And the Inspiton E1505 N it's very difficult to find starting from the principal page. 21 Comments »

An endorsement for Ubuntu over Microsoft

Dell, Linux submitted by phubert 05/10/07

For those who have advocated Ubuntu on Dell systems, here's a VERY PRACTICAL endorsement

FON Abandons Microsoft, Adopts Ubuntu

http://blog.fon.com/en/archive/technology/fon-abandons-microsoft-adopts-ubunt...< of today Fon will disengage from Microsoft and adopt Linux in the Ubuntu form as our operating system of choice. 17 Comments »

Make all parts optional

Sales Strategies submitted by yank 05/20/07

Plenty of people spend a LOT of time shopping around on Dell's site for a great deal. They trust the brand and haven't the time or interest to build there own PC so when they see a good deal they try and buy that new Dell PC with as few options as they can manage.
Let them!
Allow them to remove:
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Hard Drive
Video Card
Etc.
Keep just the minimum basics and allow them to pick and choose what they want! 12 Comments »

By Openly OFFERING and Supporting Linux, Dell will CREATE new demand!

Linux, Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by phubert 03/17/07

ONE principle I am convinced is true is that, should any well-established, industry-leading company back and offer a product with well-demonstrated advantages to a market where it is relatively unknown, that product will immediately gain visibility and credibility to a wider audience.

In other words, although Linux has MORE than proved itself, on most desktops, especially outside large enterprises, it is largely unknown, facing an uphill battle for mindshare against the defacto standards, Microsoft Windows and Apple OS.

Should Dell openly offer a broad selection of systems with Linux, while increasing support for the platform (even if that support is only (1) ensuring drivers are available and (2) a web site for customers with minimal direct involvement FROM Dell), I am convinced Dell will CREATE a new and fast-growing market FOR desktop/laptop Linux!

In fact, I expect they will create multiple markets! 13 Comments »

Stay ahead of Toshiba's Linux notebook/desktop plans.

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jmxz 05/02/07

Looks like Toshiba's also pre-announcing Linux

http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/05/02/toshiba.considers.linux/
http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS9644921792.html< be interesting to see how this plays out. Ideas for Dell to stay in the lead:

• Have Linux across your entire product line like you did in the past. Personally, I want a Latitude D620 with Ubuntu.
• Support Linux better than Toshiba.
• As Michael Dell suggested (http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66001) Dell can work with it's hardware suppliers to ensure working Linux drivers with hardware Dell ships.

no nvidia-glx?

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux submitted by lordxale 06/04/07

I've read in a few places that nvidia-glx is not installed by default on Dell Ubuntu installs.

Yes, I know you can install it with the touch of a button, but come on. I understand that nvidia-glx is a binary and whatnot, but if you can include binary Nvidia drivers on your Windows installs, why couldn't you save the user some trouble on Linux?

If Ubuntu is to succeed, everything within reason must be done to make the transition as smooth as possible. If not, we are doomed to failure. 3 Comments »