Dell getting slammed by Linux users

As many of you know I'm sure, Dell opened a new website a few weeks ago called the Dell IdeaStorm, where Dell users or potential users can make suggestions directly to Dell. I went there today and found myself amazed at the amount of Linux suggestions there were. In fact, 5 of the 15 on the first page are related to Linux, and the number one promoted idea on the entire website is entitled "Pre-Installed Linux|Ubuntu|Fedora|OpenSUSE|Multi-boot."

In addition, many of the other top 10 suggestions include requests like Pre-installed OpenOffice, pre-installed Firefox, No OS preloaded, and No Windows option. Whether or not you own a Dell, I encourage you to join the site and vote up these things. If Dell were to become a supporter of Linux, that would give the community huge leverage against hardware manufacturers that refuse to create open source drivers (or driver for Linux in any form).

Link.

 

I've been there and voted. It's great to see the FOSS community getting behind this. And great to see Dell open to suggestions. Hopefully this is one they can implement.

 

http://digg.com/linux_unix/Dell_open_source_computer_costs_53_more_than_identical_Vista_machine
This isn't helping anything though.

 

$53 more? I'd pay it in a heartbeat.

 

Read the latest newsbits here. Dell are going to expand their Linux lineup on their business lines. Unfortunately, no Linux Inspirons yet, and they're teaming up with Novell in the beginning. It's a start, but we need to keep the pressure on.

 

Sweet. I really need to read that. I'm sure the MS/Novell deal has something to do with this, but as you said, it's a start. If Dell started offering Ubuntu on their low end machines, say the Inpsiron 1501 or the B130 series, it would be an even better start, and something I'd look forward to. Not to mention if they gave support for those systems... we could see a real change in the computer market.

 

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/ideastorm/ideasinaction?c=us&l=en&s=gen

The official Dell news release. Quote:

"In addition to working with Novell, we are also working with other distributors and evaluating the possibility of additional certifications across our product line. We are continuing to investigate your other Linux-related ideas, so please continue to check here for updates."

 

Yeah, I'm hoping Mark Shuttleworth will jump in at this point. I'm sure he'd love to see his distro front-lined by one of the world's biggest PC distributors.