Direct2Dell

Also, what about the big "Dell recommends Windows Vista" right over the Ubuntu information video. You're doing just enough to tell people you offer Linux, but yet you are telling everyone new to beware.

 

Not to further mention this caption right on the front of the Dell Ubuntu page:

 
"If you’re here by mistake and you are looking for a Dell PC with Windows, please use the following link."

Isn't it funny how you have to go to http://www.dell.com/ubuntu to find out-dated hardware running Ubuntu... Yet http://www.dell.com takes you straight to the great new hardware with M$'s poor excuse for an imitation of Mac's Aqua interface and a poor SE-Linux type clone security software running on the same old garbage.

 No matter what gui you give it, underneath it all it's still Windows. Dell should stop hiding real free open source computing software from people and offer it proudly on their home page with up-2-date hardware like they do the Windows machines. Not only will it run better, but it will be $200 cheaper on identical hardware.
 

Not sure what the deal is and I'm not trying to make anyone mad, so please do not leave any bad inputs.  Just wanted to let you know that I have a Dell Latitude D420 with 1.5 Gig of Ram and it was running Vista Business and things were at a crawl.  Vista just needs more resources and that's OK. 

I purchased a Dell Latitude D630 with (Intel 2 processor with 2.2 Ghz) Vista Business and 2 Gigs of Ram and life is OK now.

 Now for the story, I went to the Ubunta site and downloaded the most current release for the desktop and everything works great.  The mouse, touch pad, email, wireless connection and on and on it goes, the bottom line is this is the fastest PC that I now have thanks to Dell and Ubunta. 

I hope that things work out for you PC experts, I'm just a low tech guy that found out that Ubunta and there programs work great on a Dell Latitude D420.  Thank you to Dell, Ubunta and all the open source guys that have made this work for people like me, it's a great program that will help many people around the world.

I will still pay Microsoft for their programs and some great tools that they offer and try to be a cool person without bringing people down or tearing them up for an issue that has no value.

Peace to all and enjoy this special time of year.  

Best Regards,

Ted

Very nice idea, to sell a preinstalled ubuntu notebook!

But it is still too little: you sell it only in Usa, U.K., Germany and France.

I guarantee you can sell a lot in Italy too.

I'm not the only one - in Italy - that is waiting you begin to sell one.

With regards to this post, the link to the Desktop Ubuntu workstations is not working, but the link to the 6400n is fine, is this another error?

Nick 

>Dell Still Committed to Ubuntu

And I still wait for  dell-ubuntu in Japan.

I work part-time at a server hosting company in Japan. We have been using Dell as our mid-range server solution. Unfortunately, our operational staff still using Windows XP. We're really looking forward Dell (or any other company) to sell linux (esp. ubuntu) for business.

I have been referring my friends and family members to Dell for computers.  When they choose to go with Microsoft Vista and get the computer they are disapointed with how slow it is (*regardless of what hardware they ordered*).  When they call Dell support (customer service, technical support, etc.) they are told that is just how it is.  I know this is a VERY, VERY common complaint with Vista.  My question is this.

Why is not Dell sales and/or customer support letting people know of their option about getting Linux instead of Vista?  In fact, would not letting the customer know be common sense for a business?  Would it not be to Dell's great advantage to let people know they actually have more choices with Dell in what OS goes onto their computer?

Sales should particularly let your customers know of this option.  If they fail to do so, then the slow performance problem appears to be Dell and the customer has with bad feelings toward Dell.  The problem is not Dell but Vista.  You are knowingly and willingly shooting yourself in the foot.  Technical support should also let your customers know they have another option of converting the support contract from Windows to Ubuntu.

If converting the support contract would be too difficult, then your true focus is not on helping the end customer and the fault lies with sales for not letting the customer know upfront of their options.  Regardless, the customer should know of their options either before their purchase or after their frustrations.

Hi, i know that you've been asked this a lot... but i need to buy a laptop i WANT to buy one with Ubuntu preinstalled, but at my country is not available.. I'm considering to buy a windows one but i DON'T really want to do that!! I want to sum up in Linux stats!!!.  So please RELEASE MORE MODELS and RELEASE AT ALL COUNTRIES!!!

Thanks.

PD:  Should i wait a few weeks??? any hint???

thanks! 

Thanks Lionel, yes, I know how to get to the Linux offering, but I doubt most visitors to the web site even know Dell offers preinstalled linux systems.

Scott. 

Unlike Jorge I am entirely happy that Dell is offering _a_ laptop with Ubuntu installed and am planning to place my order in January. I currently run Ubuntu Feisty on a Medion 96032 Celeron which gets about 3 hours off the standard battery.

Two things that would help me in advance of my purchase/spend more with dell are:

1> Add an option for a spare regular battery and a spare extended battery - I have been through the configure process a couple of times and, if it is there, then it is not so obvious.

2> I am a full-time student so for me battery life whilst at college is probably more important than choosing dual over single core processor. I know dell are working on power management optimisation with Ubuntu, but what would really help me make my decision for January is how many extra hours an extended battery would give - should I opt for the single core default option.

I am happy to wait for the battery life comparison, just now, hoping this information will be available soon, once, even more power optimised, Ubuntu Gutsy 7.10 is installation platform - but it really is a piece of information that will help me get the most out of the linux products dell offers.

Thanks again to Dell for supporting my freedom to use the best operating system during my college life.

Gary.
 

I just noticed something else that has disappeared.

If you go to Dell download drivers page, and enter your TAG, the only options for Operating system are:

• Vista 32 bit
• Windows XP
• Not applicable
  
• BIOS

So where is GNU/Linux Ubuntu option?  Dell must know my laptop TAG was pre-installed with Ubuntu?

Nick 

Dear Dell guys!

I just wanted to say, that I still love you for offering linux pre-installed on laptops that actually work! I have an Inspiron E1505 and it's such a sweet device, working like a charm.

On top of that you are even offering it in Germany!

So thank you for your innovative work! Keep on rocking!

Lionel,

I was the person that contacted the Inquirer (my fault ;-)  )

The link to the Ubuntu thread was started by somebody that ordered a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop and the order was returned that it was now discontinued.

Seeing as  I purchased one in September, I was surprised by this.  So checking the UK page, it was indeed stuck in a loop.  BUT, looking at the French and German sites, they did indeed say that this product is now discontinued (but checking now, they are back up again)

Now here is where the real rumour started: 

As I work for a large company that has a EPP with Dell, I called my account contact (name withheld here).  This is what he told me:

"He didn't know, but did know that laptops with pre-installed Ubuntu are now discontinued in the UK.  He will call me back with details."

 He did.

"Marketing tell me that the model has been withdrawn, but he didn't know why but suspected costs.  No, there are no plans to offer another model anymore.  If I wish to purchase a GNU/Linux laptop, he can sell me one with no OS so I can install GNU/Linux myself."

Now, going back to the thread in the Ubuntu forums, somebody else was told EXACTLY the same thing from Dell 'on line' chat thingy.

So, I put 2+2 together and made 4 - and was extremely sad as the Inspiron 6400 with Ubuntu is utterly SUPERB and I have been wowing people at work with it.

So, I apologise for what happened here, but if internal communications at Dell was more clearer, perhaps will wouldn't have been told the wrong information.

I am glad it is cleared up and Dell continue this - you are on a winner here. 

 Nick
 

My friends, it is not only Ubuntu that has been shelved "by accident." Where did the Vista 64 bit support go?  My E521 has a Vista logo on it not a Vista "32 bit only" logo.  One day the drivers are on Dell's download page, now they are not.  No where did I EVER read "Dell does not support 64 bit versions of Vista" on any page when purchasing my Dell, nor did I get that impression when logging in to the support page and locating the drivers for the last YEAR. 

You have cured me of my whimsical Dell ideas, I will pursue the #1 PC manufacturer's solution moving forward...We know that Dell is not the #1 today, don't we Michael.

So... the Inquirer calls Dell to ask what's up, is told that Ubuntu has been discontinued and now the Inq is "wrong"?

It's Dell which was spreading wrong information here. Don't shoot the messenger.