Comments on: Is Linux What Dell Needs?

By: Fred

Fred — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:55:04 +0000

Dell hasn’t been listening to their customer until now. to be on the top for some time got to their heads thinking they were always right, like cheating on the special offer I surf their web site many times as I saw special offers but for some reasons only the first page were showing their special offer and was then dispearing through the order process. And this was not a mistake, I tried many times and the same thing happen… I even send them emails about the problem, but they ignored them… since then I stop going to their site, how can you trust dishonnest people…

By: ben

ben — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 17:20:15 +0000

i think that linux would definatly turn dell around windows is a hassle compared to it linux also would free much room for the hard drive and having that much more free space making more speed i think its genius

By: Ogy Wan Kenoby

Ogy Wan Kenoby — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:32:11 +0000

I must agree with the fact that it is only neccessary for Dell to prove the ability to fully support with drivers Linux OS. I dualboot on my XPS Win and Kubuntu with no problem and the power of the system on kubuntu is truly fascinating. Magnificent! And I am complete newbie for Linux. You cannot imagine how much time it took me to install new nVidia driver:) But it’s cool, I enjoy it!

By: Sal Cangeloso

Sal Cangeloso — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:20:55 +0000

That’s a cool idea Rich, though I don’t know if Microsoft would be as amenable towards the subsidies if a dual boot was involved… Also there would not be much impetus for people to starting using the Linux OS if they are already accustomed to Windows.

BTW, I think it could run into the same issues as Apple’s Boot Camp in that many people would rather solve this through virtualization instead of dual booting.

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 23:30:04 +0000

Maybe the solution would be for Dell to offer dual-booting machines. Dell would still be getting its kickbacks from Microsoft, customers who would want Windows, would boot into it and it would be a gentle introduction to Linux by booting into it at startup and it would satisfy those who want to use Linux. A transition mechanism.

By: curtis

curtis — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 22:45:51 +0000

linux needs to be on a dell… but more importantly how do you get one of those vehicles that are pictured at the top of this post?

-C

By: robotgus

robotgus — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 19:56:23 +0000

Why sales are slumping isn’t because of what OS it can come with and as commented above, they do have the option of installing Linux with the N series CPU’s.

It always comes down to customer service. Since I run a part time CPU repair center out of my home, I sometimes have to deal with their phone support and when some of their pre-installed SW that origionally came with the system doesn’t work on a restore and they want you to format the drive a second time and reimage the drive, or check for virus’s or update your BIOS, it just leads me to believe that they are throwing out easy answers to tougher questions.

What makes them MONEY isn’t the hardware. It’s the services that people pay for AFTER they buy it. I mean, IBM wouldn’t be around if back in the 80’s they didn’t supply their customers with GREAT service! We would all be using Macs or Amiga systems instead, because back then IBM’s werent the latest and greatest, or the best priced system, but why customers bought it because they KNEW someone would be there to help them through their computer needs if something wasn’t working right.

When it comes down to it, every failing business has failing service because they skimp out on their investments such as people that know alot about their system. When they hire some DeVry rejects to man their help desk systems well… you get what you pay for. Companies can buy the latest and greatest, but if you don’t invest in a good staff, then you’re just getting what you paid for. Dumb.

By: Tabish

Tabish — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 17:55:54 +0000

People who think that most people will not need windows, are living like a frog in the well!

Let the linux pre-installed machines replace the ones which are sold with no OS.

A machines which comes with a spanking new OS, which plays music and all the nice glitter, at no extra cost, will be a pleasure to have, even for a newbee.

BUT, the option of installing Windows should be left open, and the user should also be advised on how to go about it. Maybe 10 GB of partition could be left for it in anticipation.
AND (very important) a linux boot CD should be provided to make a new bootloader once the newly installed Windows has stupidly overwritten the MBR.

By: Sal Cangeloso

Sal Cangeloso — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 17:47:14 +0000

What do you guy’s think of this:
http://hardware.seekingalpha.com/article/29688?source=feed

Dell teaming up with Apple?!

By: Eduard

Eduard — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 15:57:09 +0000

I think you (and DELL) miss a point here. A very important point.

You think DELL’s ability to sell Linux able computers should drop prices. I don’t agree.

I thing the bright move here is the next one:

Put a select list in dell online shop :

No linux filtering
Show only hardware that runs with kernel 2.6.10
Show only hardware that runs with kernel 2.6.14
Show only hardware that runs with kernel 2.6.18
Show only hardware that runs with kernel 2.6.20

And then a check box:

X Don’t show hardware that needs linux propietary drivers.

And then improve your database to include that info.

Last change: Make it able for all computers to remove the operating system from being bought.

And here comes my point:

It will be desirable to pay a little bit more for a system that you certainly know is going to work with your OS that go to Carrefour and buy the same system 50$ cheaper but with the possibility that some hardware doesn’t work on Linux.

Even if you never used linux and you anyway buy Windows with it.