Did you get yours?(New DELL computers)

[czambran]

I just order a new dell laptop with ubuntu preloaded. The following are the specs of the one I ordered:

1 Inspiron E1505N, Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5300 (2MB/1.73GHz/533MHz)
1 320-4652 15.4 Inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WSXGA+, for Inspiron 6400/E1505
1 311-7353 2GB, DDR2, 533MHz 2 Dimm for Inspiron 6400/E1505
1 320-5630 Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950 GM
1 341-3316 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for Inspiron 6400/E1505
1 420-7153 Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
1 313-3959 8X DVD+/-RW Drive for Inspiron 6400/E1505
1 313-4217 Integrated High Definition Audio, Inspiron
1 430-1918 Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) for Inspiron 6400/E1505
1 312-0404 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 6400/E1505
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty
1 950-9057 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
1 985-3578 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year
1 980-2860 Type 12- Mail-InService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year
1 960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year
1 310-8314 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
1 80370972 Kensington Notebook Expansion Dock w/ Stand, Factory Install


Did you already get yours?

[Bachstelze]

No. Why would I get one ?

[Kingsley]

Nah. I decided to order an HP dv6000t last week instead. The specs on your laptop are strikingly close to mine. How much did you pay?

[czambran]

Nah. I decided to order an HP dv6000t last week instead. The specs on your laptop are strikingly close to mine. How much did you pay?

$1,150

How much did you pay?

[czambran]

No. Why would I get one ?

To make sure dell.com sees this as a worthwhile move. Dell can pressure hardware vendors to come up with better open drivers.

[Ateo]

Nah. I would never buy a Dell. They suck.

[earobinson]

I still have my old dell, + canada!

I will so make my next laptop a dell if they sell ubuntu in canada, but then I will probaly do the same even if they dont. There laptops are just so cheap!

[hardyn]

Nah. I would never buy a Dell. They suck.

you are entitled to you opinion but... would you care to qualify your statement?

[czambran]

Nah. I would never buy a Dell. They suck.

I have never bought a dell before, so I wouldn't know. But, boy are we a crowd that is hard to please.

Dell just made a bold move, and instead of getting support from us, they are just getting criticized.

[earobinson]

Nah. I would never buy a Dell. They suck.
and what would you get?

[czambran]

I still have my old dell, + canada!

I will so make my next laptop a dell if they sell ubuntu in canada, but then I will probaly do the same even if they dont. There laptops are just so cheap!

I also have a perfectly working HP laptop, but I see this as one of the few ways I can support Ubuntu and Linux in general.

[Footissimo]

I would love to buy one of the Ubuntu pre-loaded laptops, but as I live in the UK, it isn't going to happen..but I'm in no rush - I'll give it a few months and see if there is any talk of expanding the offer.

I have never bought a dell before, so I wouldn't know. But, boy are we a crowd that is hard to please.

Agreed

[PatrickMay16]

OH 5HIT yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh I would not buy a Dell with UBUNTU LINUX, because I just bought a new laptop a month ago (it had ubuntu preinstalled, BTW. it was from shafetech before they unfortunately closed their business) and Dell doesn't sell laptops with preinstalled linux in my country yet.

[juxtaposed]

No, I just bought a computer last year.

Though not having to pay for windows would be great for my next computer in a couple years. Id certainly consider dell much more that they have linux, though I don't know if they will have it in canada.

[hardyn]

. misread

[czambran]

OH 5HIT yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh I would not buy a Dell with UBUNTU LINUX, because I just bought a new laptop a month ago (it had ubuntu preinstalled, BTW. it was from shafetech before they unfortunately closed their business) and Dell doesn't sell laptops with preinstalled linux in my country yet.

Would you mind giving the specs?

[ButteBlues]

$1,150

How much did you pay?
I just built a customized dv6000t on HP's website matching your specs wherever possible, and the price came out to be:

$1,093.98


However, this was sans the following:

1 985-3578 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year
1 980-2860 Type 12- Mail-InService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year
1 960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year
1 80370972 Kensington Notebook Expansion Dock w/ Stand, Factory Install

Also, Windows Vista Basic obv doesn't come with an office suite or anything.

So I think you win the price war. ;)

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I am trying to read a thread about WHO bought a Dell. I am not trying to read about people arguing. I and sick and tired of threads going off on tangents.

Can we please get back on track?

PS: To the OP: thanks for supporting Dell's move. If I wasn't broke, I'd buy one of those systems.

[czambran]

I just built a customized dv6000t on HP's website matching your specs wherever possible, and the price came out to be:

$1,093.98


However, this was sans the following:

1 985-3578 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year
1 980-2860 Type 12- Mail-InService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year
1 960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year
1 80370972 Kensington Notebook Expansion Dock w/ Stand, Factory Install

Also, Windows Vista Basic obv doesn't come with an office suite or anything.

So I think you win the price war. ;)

:P I decided to give the extension Dock a try, hopefully it is a worthy investment.

[czambran]

I am trying to read a thread about WHO bought a Dell. I am not trying to read about people arguing. I and sick and tired of threads going off on tangents.

Can we please get back on track?

PS: To the OP: thanks for supporting Dell's move. If I wasn't broke, I'd buy one of those systems.

You are right, my bad. I will try to stick to the subject.

The only complain that I have is that I am going to have to wait about 3 weeks to get it. ;)

[noamsml]

Considering that my laptop just broke down, it's a definite possibility.

My config (if I'll buy one):
Dell Inspiron E1505 N
Intel® Pentium® dual-core proc T2080(1MB Cache/1.73GHz/533MHz FSB
Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7300 TurboCache™

Price: $728 :D

[czambran]

Considering that my laptop just broke down, it's a definite possibility.

My config (if I'll buy one):
Intel® Pentium® dual-core proc T2080(1MB Cache/1.73GHz/533MHz FSB
Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7300 TurboCache™

Price: $728 :D

The video card was one of the few things I didn't upgrade. Is it worth the upgrade? In other words can you give me your reasons for upgrading the video card to the NVIDIA?

[cwesks]

I bought on of the 6400/E1505 before the release. I saw it in eBay for 800. with a 1year warranty. Mine is something like the one that you described.

Inspiron 6400, Intel Core Duo processor T2250 (2MB/2x1.73GHz/533MHz)
15.4 Inch TrueLife Wide-screenWXGA
2GB, DDR2, 533MHz 2 Dimm
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950 GM
80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11b/g Mini Card (54Mbps),
(Which I replaced with an Intel Pro 3945, and can not seem to get it to work)
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (awesome battery life!! 5 to 6 hours of just surfing)

cwesks:D

[ButteBlues]

The video card was one of the few things I didn't upgrade. Is it worth the upgrade? In other words can you give me your reasons for upgrading the video card to the NVIDIA?
Well I like to, first of all, use things like Compiz. But by using a non-integrated graphics card, you free up your RAM to actually work on things besides rendering the display.

[noamsml]

The video card was one of the few things I didn't upgrade. Is it worth the upgrade? In other words can you give me your reasons for upgrading the video card to the NVIDIA?

Mainly so that I can run beryl smoothly and play more graphics-intensive games like Nexuiz, which I've never been able to play with my previous laptop, which had an onboard Intel card.

[czambran]

Well I like to, first of all, use things like Compiz. But by using a non-integrated graphics card, you free up your RAM to actually work on things besides rendering the display.

So with the Intel one I will not be able to use compiz? What about for having multiple monitors, Is the intel or nvida better?

[noamsml]

So with the Intel one I will not be able to use compiz? What about for having multiple monitors, Is the intel or nvida better?

No, compiz/beryl works OK with the intel one, it's just a bit jerky on the more complex stuff (3D effects, fire, etc).

[ButteBlues]

So with the Intel one I will not be able to use compiz? What about for having multiple monitors, Is the intel or nvida better?
You can use Compiz with the Intel one, but the Nvidia will be much smoother and open up the ability to use things like the Water and Blur plugins.

Nvidia would be better for multi-display.

[lahook]

I purchased one.
I was going to build a computer and install ubuntu on it. The Dell is about the same as it would have cost me to build. The parts I would have purchased may or may not have been better. (who knows for sure) The way I see it, I don't have to put it together, has a warranty, and I support the Linux cause. I'm excited and can't wait to receive it.
Here's the specs:
Dimension E520n Intel® Core™ 2 E6320 Duo Processor(4MB L2 cache,1.86GHz,1066FSB)

Memory 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs

Keyboard Dell USB Keyboard

Monitor 22 inch E228WFP Widescreen Digital Flat Panel

Video Cards Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Hard Drives 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™

Floppy Drive and Media Reader 13 in 1 Media Card Reader

Operating System Ubuntu Desktop Edition version 7.04

Mouse Dell® 2-button USB mouse

Network Interface Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet

Modem No Modem

CD or DVD Drive 16x DVD+/-RW Drive

Sound Cards Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio

Speakers No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)

Warranty and Service 1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor - Next Business Day


Miscellaneous Award Winning Service and Support

[salsafyren]

I would buy one if Dell sold laptops with Ubuntu in Denmark.

[PatrickMay16]

Would you mind giving the specs?

Sure no problem.
Intel Celeron M, 1.6 GHz. 1GB RAM. Intel 915GM graphics. 80GB hard disk. Intel wireless, Realtek 10/100 ethernet. DVD-R/CD-RW drive.
It cost me about $1100 including postage, I think.

[ButteBlues]

Sure no problem.
Intel Celeron M, 1.6 GHz. 1GB RAM. Intel 915GM graphics. 80GB hard disk. Intel wireless, Realtek 10/100 ethernet. DVD-R/CD-RW drive.
It cost me about $1100 including postage, I think.
That's a pretty bad deal... :/

For the same price, you can get a Dell laptop with a far better processor, twice the RAM, a far batter graphics card, a slightly larger HDD, and a solid warranty. :(

[matthew]

I'm very interested in these. I think I can get at least another year out of my current laptop, so I'm not in the market yet. That said, I would love it if some of you wrote reviews of your systems and experiences...maybe even with a new thread for each.

Sample title -- Review: Dell Dimension E520n with Ubuntu 7.04 preinstalled

Body -- your exact specs, shipping time, condition of all parts/pieces at arrival, ease or difficulty of setup, initial thoughts and impressions, etc.

Then maybe you could let people ask questions if they have them and perhaps comment further as time goes on.

No pressure, anyone, I just think this would be useful and enjoyable to read.

[lahook]

I'm very interested in these. I think I can get at least another year out of my current laptop, so I'm not in the market yet. That said, I would love it if some of you wrote reviews of your systems and experiences...maybe even with a new thread for each.

Sample title -- Review: Dell Dimension E520n with Ubuntu 7.04 preinstalled

Body -- your exact specs, shipping time, condition of all parts/pieces at arrival, ease or difficulty of setup, initial thoughts and impressions, etc.

Then maybe you could let people ask questions if they have them and perhaps comment further as time goes on.

No pressure, anyone, I just think this would be useful and enjoyable to read.


I'll try and write a review after I receive mine, but my estimated ship date is not until June 19th. I think the monitor is what pushed date back so far.
I hope the experience is better than when I purchased my first computer from Gateway. (not Gateways fault by the way). The computer came installed with Windows 98 and I crashed it in 3 days. I had to reinstall the OS through the help of tech support. My computer experience at that time was the 3 days.
I really expect this experience to be stress free.

[miceagol]

I need a new laptop soon. Have a 6 year old laptop at the moment that needs to be replaced, but there's no rush. I have the power in my new desktop, but lack the mobility of a modern laptop. I'd like one of those small 12" Dell laptops (http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/notebooks?~ck=anav&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&a=14~0~40&navla=14~0~40), so I hope Dell has started selling those with Ubuntu when Ubuntu on Dell comes to Norway.

That's a pretty bad deal... :/

For the same price, you can get a Dell laptop with a far better processor, twice the RAM, a far batter graphics card, a slightly larger HDD, and a solid warranty. :(

In some countries, things are generally more expensive. Take this Dell laptop for instance (Inspiron 1501):

AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-56
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife™(glossy)
2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHZ, 2 DIMM
120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 256MB HyperMemory™ (Integrated)
Integrated Audio
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card (54Mbps)

Cost is $1090 in USA, and $1500 in Norway.

[czambran]

You can use Compiz with the Intel one, but the Nvidia will be much smoother and open up the ability to use things like the Water and Blur plugins.

Nvidia would be better for multi-display.

I will see if I can still upgrade. I don't care about the compiz plugins but the ease for multi-display.

Thanks

[PatrickMay16]

That's a pretty bad deal... :/

For the same price, you can get a Dell laptop with a far better processor, twice the RAM, a far batter graphics card, a slightly larger HDD, and a solid warranty. :(

Ouch... It was the best choice at the time I ordered it. Dell hadn't announced that they would be selling computers with preinstalled linux, and I wanted something that was sure to work with linux.

What would the battery life be like for a dell laptop of the same price? I get about 3 hours with this one.

[imsorryidontdowindows]

I just orderd mine, Est Ship is June 5th. I will Update you on my delivery time and set up. I also had a nice coupon code, but most coupons expire 05/31 I am looking for one for the canadians and will let you know. I was not sure if I could post links, but I have them. Just im me. More expensive but I will use it for work and developement.

Intel® Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB), Ubuntu Edition version 7.04 $1,842.00 1 $1,842.00
Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife
Memory 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Hard Drive 160GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Operating System Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
CD ROM/DVD ROM 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Sound Options Integrated Audio
Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Warranty and Service 2Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor - Next Business Day
Protect Against Accidents Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service to 2Yr Lim Warranty
Environmental Options Free Recycling Kit
Processor Branding Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor

Save $500 off select Inspiron purchases of $1399 or more (before tax, fees, shipping & handling) - $500.00
Subtotal: $1,342.00



I just order a new dell laptop with ubuntu preloaded.
Did you already get yours?

[ButteBlues]

Ouch... It was the best choice at the time I ordered it. Dell hadn't announced that they would be selling computers with preinstalled linux, and I wanted something that was sure to work with linux.

What would the battery life be like for a dell laptop of the same price? I get about 3 hours with this one.
Roughly the same. You can get almost 6hr with a 9-cell lithium ion though. ^_^

[cody50]

for the longest time I was looking at the System76 gazelle, but now seeing how with dell I can get better stuff (bigger hd, nvidia graphics vs intel) for less money, I will most likely be going with dell. I had a concern with the build of the Dells but a friend of mine has the Insprion E1505 and he says that he likes it.

I will post a review when I get it.

[brim4brim]

Nah. I would never buy a Dell. They suck.

Every manufacturer makes a lemon at some stage. There is nothing wrong with Dell laptops/Desktops.

I'm very happy with my laptop which works almost flawlessly with Ubuntu (Modem Doesn't work and the lights for WiFi on/off don't work). I was knocked off my bike cycling home from college during final year, landed on it and it is still working perfectly to this day!

I recommend the Latitude range to anyone, reviews pending on the specific model.

[Kingsley]

$1,150

How much did you pay?

$999.99 before s/h and taxes

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5300 (1.73GHz)
15.4" WXGA BrightView widescreen display; 1280 x 800 native resolution
2GB DDR2 SDRAM (2 x 1024MB, shared)
120GB (5,400RPM) SATA Hard Drive
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7400 graphics
Microsoft® Windows Vista Home Premium
Built-in Altec Lansing speakers6-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g) WLAN
LightScribe 8x DVD±RW drive with Double Layer Support
1-year limited hardware warranty
1-year free hardware technical support
Free 90-day software support with product registration (from date of purchase)

[tajmox]

Unfortunately, I got my Dell E1505 before they offered the E1505N
But I love it and it works great with Ubuntu!

I could really use a driver for the synaptic touchpad, because the bottom scroller doesn't do anything (in gnome anyway)

[DJ Wings]

Five hundred and ninety-nine US dollars. Five hundred and ninety-nine US dollars. Five hundred and ninety-nine US dollars...
Kidding aside, it'll be an entry-level E1505N. Imagine, dual-core comes standard...

[earobinson]

I will say one thing about dell they have great support (they are providing hardware support for ubuntu computers). The battery on my lap top died. I call up dell and the very next day I have a new battery waiting for me as well as a self addressed package to send back the old one at my convenience (within 2 months or so or they will fine me)

It was by far the best experience I have ever had with customer support.

[trmiv]

Well I just ordered mine. Here's what I got

Inspiron E1505

Intel® Core2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
15.4 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen WXGA+ Display with TrueLife
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (I'm going to end up replacing this with the 667MHz ram from Newegg for cheaper than Dell wants for it. I needed to get the price to $1399 for the coupon and this was the best option)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7300 TurboCache
100GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
CD ROM/DVD ROM 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Integrated Audio
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

$1,418.00

then I had a $500 off coupon to bring the total to $998.34 with tax.

I'll be removing Ubuntu and putting PCLinuxOS on though, which I use currently on my old HP. Even though I'm wiping it clean I bought the Ubuntu based one instead of the Windows based one because I wanted to show support for Dell's decision to sell Linux based machines so they continue to do so.

[czambran]

How did you get a $500 coupon? Would you mind sharing it?

[trmiv]

I bought it on ebay. Search for Dell Coupon and it will come up. The seller actually posts the code in the auction, and wants you to use it and make sure it works first and then pay them. It worked, so I paid the 99 cents they wanted. Pretty good deal I think.

[bobbybobington]

Just ordered mine --ok actually 3 hours ago:lol:-- so here be the specs


Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5600 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB)

15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife(glossy)

1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm

256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 TurboCache

80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive

Operating System :popcorn:Ubuntu Edition version 7.04:popcorn:
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability

Integrated Audio

Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g

85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Total (after taxes): $1,046.57

Now I just have to wait for 3 weeks, while i wait nervously thinking all the scenarios of how something could go wrong.:roll: But more seriously this my first real machine of my own so I'm pretty stoked :guitar:

[daimaru]

since u asked i never buy prebuilt comps. build ur own thats how you can get the best performance...
dell alienware etc .. just want ur money for crappy cheap components that you could get way cheaper if u bought them yourself and assembled them :lolflag:=;
just have to add this ur gonna have fuń with ur intel wireless lol thas gonna take some tweaking.... and it wont inject packets so ur out of luck there.
+15 inch screen wtf do u want with that i mean damn where is it where?? its so damn tiny :) hehe just kidding have fun with ur lappi

[kamaboko]

I bought it on ebay. Search for Dell Coupon and it will come up. The seller actually posts the code in the auction, and wants you to use it and make sure it works first and then pay them. It worked, so I paid the 99 cents they wanted. Pretty good deal I think.

Here's an even better deal for those Dell coupons.

http://www.meancoupons.com/dell/

FREE!

[kidcharles]

then I had a $500 off coupon to bring the total to $998.34 with tax.

Thanks so much trmiv! I was going to order my laptop with just the standard $200 discount they were offering. Between the coupon you mentioned and the heads up about the cheaper RAM at newegg I was able to pretty much max the options out on the laptop and end up paying only $1050, RAM included.

[trmiv]

Thanks so much trmiv! I was going to order my laptop with just the standard $200 discount they were offering. Between the coupon you mentioned and the heads up about the cheaper RAM at newegg I was able to pretty much max the options out on the laptop and end up paying only $1050, RAM included.

No problem. I actually almost did the same thing. I had one in my cart with the slowest core 2 CPU, 512 megs of ram, Intel graphics, no dvd burner, and an 80 gig drive. Then I found the coupon and was able to get pretty much max specs for only $200 more than the relatively low spec'd computer I was going to buy. I ended up changing my order though. I swapped the 100gb 7200 rpm drive for the 160 gb 5400 rpm drive, and changed the 533 mhz ram to the 667 mhz ram. Same total price, but I like the faster ram and the much bigger drive (even though it's a slower drive).

[jgrabham]

Wouldn't buy a desktop, not just from dell, just never buy one; i'll build my own!

I'd buy a laptop if I could afford it! If I were to buy a laptop it would be a dell so I can get ubuntu easily.

[Das Oracle]

I have never bought a dell before, so I wouldn't know. But, boy are we a crowd that is hard to please.

Dell just made a bold move, and instead of getting support from us, they are just getting criticized.

Did anyone read the interview with mark shuttleworth recently posted on http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=732&num=1

I guess not because he has been very supportive of ubuntu and in return we should do the same. Not just to return the favor but to the very least take advantage of the pressure ubuntu can put on hardware vendors to open their drivers. I would buy one if I had the money.

[miceagol]

Earlier in this thread I said I wanted Dell's 12" laptop with Ubuntu. Well, I took the matter in my own hands and posted it as an idea (http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67851/Ubuntu_on_12_inch_laptops) on Ideastorm. :)

Feel free to vote or answer the foolish comments.

[xtang]

someones probably posted this already but if not heres a pretty interesting video by the dell guys themselves

http://media.dellone2one.com/dell/May2007/Linux.ogg

[rscheckler]

I just got mine today. It worked perfectly out of the box. The ONLY thing that does not work on the Inspiron E1505N is the MediaDirect button on the left of the power button. I am loving it right now. Wireless connection was a breeze and its running like a true champ.

[zoroko]

I bought it on ebay. Search for Dell Coupon and it will come up. The seller actually posts the code in the auction, and wants you to use it and make sure it works first and then pay them. It worked, so I paid the 99 cents they wanted. Pretty good deal I think.


You have no idea how much I love you right now...

I've been configuring the 1505n, and my budget is no more than $1200. So now with that coupon you so kindly shared with us, I can upgrade the processor to the best on the list, and still come under budget.

SWEET.. Now i'm sold... I'm buyin that mofo. :p

[bradford72]

So, I just ordered an Inspiron 1501. I know it's not the "officially sanctioned ubuntu on dell laptop," but, I am curious to see how I can make things work. Not a big fan of non-open source sw...but, I'm in college, and a LOT of my classes require windows, so big deal...I'll work a dual-boot (if I can). Also, living in Albuquerque, I know A LOT of the most recent "lay offs" from Intel (and have known several of them in the past) and so opted to go with the AMD processor. It should be here in about a week, and I'll let you know how it goes :)

Here's the specs of my ordered machine:Item Description Unit Price Quantity Total Price http://www.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifInspiron 1501
AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-60 (2.0GHz/1MB), Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium $1,133.00 1 $1,133.00 Inspiron 1501 AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-60 (2.0GHz/1MB)
[222-9568]
LCD panel 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife™(glossy)
[320-5173]
Memory 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHZ, 2 DIMM
[311-6695]
VIDEO CARD ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 256MB HyperMemory™ (Integrated)
[320-5127]
HARD DRIVES Size: 60GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
[341-4183]
OPERATING SYSTEM(s) Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium
[313-4910]
[420-5769]
[420-5924]
[420-6436]
[420-6481]
[420-6557]
[463-2282]
Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
[430-0493]
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08
[412-0917]
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
[313-5031]
[420-6464]
Sound Card Integrated Audio
[313-4783]
Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1490 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
[430-1954]
Office Software Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
[412-0915]
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription (Norton 30-day)
[412-0940]
Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
[312-0456]
Warranty and Service 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
[950-3337]
[950-9057]
[960-2780]
[981-1920]
[985-6197]
Dell On Call No Dell On Call
[986-9327]
Internet Access Service No ISP requested
[461-3063]
Power Adapter 4-Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Pocket Hub & Travel Surge Protector Bundle
[A0743333]
Miscellaneous Inspiron 1501
[465-9014]
Environmental Options Recycling Kit and Plant a Tree for Me
[310-5408]
[466-1830]
Dell Digital Entertainment No Entertainment software pre-installed
[466-3919]
Labels Windows Vista™ Premium
[310-8628]

Dell Home Customers: Save $100 on this E1501! - $100.00 http://www.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifCore Bundle: 2-outlet surge, 1GB flash drive, wireless optical mouse $60.00 1 $60.00 Subtotal: $1,093.00 Shipping and Handling: $24.98
Shipping Discount: -$24.98
Tax Total: $54.56 Total: $1,147.56

[cody50]

I just ordered my inspiron with that awesome $500 off coupon. was able to get it completely tricked out for just a little more than i was going to pay before.

[hanzomon4]

How do you apply the coupon? Will more be available after 6/8/07? If I can get that much off I could actually go for one of the laptops...

EDIT: It seems like the coupon is only for the windows systems...

[zoroko]

How do you apply the coupon? Will more be available after 6/8/07? If I can get that much off I could actually go for one of the laptops...

EDIT: It seems like the coupon is only for the windows systems...


No, it works with the e1505n. Put the laptop in your cart, then at the bottom you can apply the coupon. It worked for me, I saved my cart and plan on buying it tomorrow or the next day.

[earobinson]

Wow, I glad to see ubuntu doing so well, hope you all like your dells, Im looking forward to seeing a follow up post when you guys get yours!

[RussianVodka]

I just got mine today. It worked perfectly out of the box. The ONLY thing that does not work on the Inspiron E1505N is the MediaDirect button on the left of the power button. I am loving it right now. Wireless connection was a breeze and its running like a true champ.

Make another thread and write a good review! I want to buy one of those laptops, but I'm not sure how good they are.

[kidcharles]

Make another thread and write a good review! I want to buy one of those laptops, but I'm not sure how good they are.

I'll probably do that myself when I get mine, which might be in a couple of weeks.

[DJ Wings]

I'll blog about mine, link in sig.

[octathlon]

Earlier in this thread I said I wanted Dell's 12" laptop with Ubuntu. Well, I took the matter in my own hands and posted it as an idea (http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67851/Ubuntu_on_12_inch_laptops) on Ideastorm. :)

Feel free to vote or answer the foolish comments.

Done and Done ;)

[H.E. Pennypacker]

So, I just ordered an Inspiron 1501. I know it's not the "officially sanctioned ubuntu on dell laptop," but, I am curious to see how I can make things work. Not a big fan of non-open source sw...but, I'm in college, and a LOT of my classes require windows, so big deal...I'll work a dual-boot (if I can). Also, living in Albuquerque, I know A LOT of the most recent "lay offs" from Intel (and have known several of them in the past) and so opted to go with the AMD processor. It should be here in about a week, and I'll let you know how it goes :)



Even if you do need Windows for school, why not buy the Ubuntu system, and install Windows on your own at home? You would still be able to get what you wanted: Windows access at home, but you would be able to help out the cause.

If you went with AMD to get back at Intel, how is buying AMD going to help? If you wanted your friends to keep their jobs, support Intel. That tells them there is enough of a demand for Intel products, and they won't fire your friends or fellow citizens.

Besides, I consider AMD almost truly evil (not in the religious sense, of course). It is amazing how they have been evading Linux support. It is as if we have been pleading with them for support, but no luck. Open source drivers are coming out, but I'd rather support Intel than AMD, but I'll take open source AMD over proprietary NVIDIA.

Intel has been consistently in support of the Linux community (not everything Intel is open source, but considerably more than most companies).

[mojorising]

Ordered the Ubuntu-based Inspiron 1505n a few days ago with only 2 upgrades -- the DVD-RW and the "plant a tree" option. The total cost was $640 without tax. Shipping was free!

Only bummer is it doesn't ship until the 13th of June (estimated) and should arrive about 5 days later and I'm chomping at the bit to try it out.

This is perfect timing for me since we needed a new laptop. I'm going to install Kubuntu 7.04 (Feisty) after taking it for a spin with the stock set-up and post my experiences here.

Did anyone actually get theirs yet like the person who started this thread asked or are they all on back-order until around the same time?

Mike

[bapoumba]

Thread moved to "Ubuntu Dell Support" sub forum.

[Talon2]

Dell just made a bold move, and instead of getting support from us, they are just getting criticized.

There are reasons for people to be skeptical. I've had friends ask me to work on their Dell systems over the last few years. I've wondered if some of the old Packard Bell engineers found jobs at Dell. To say that I haven't been impressed is an understatement.

I will, however, give Dell a look next time I'm in the market for a notebook system. If I see good reports and what they are offering meets my needs I'll give it priority over products from vendors who aren't supporting Linux, Another issue that I'll be watching is whether some of the problem areas in Ubuntu are being fixed. Fiesty has simply been a disaster as far as I'm concerned. Power management no longer works on any systems I support and all I'm seeing is LOW prioity this and UPSTREAM that, none of which gives me any confidence that the bugs will be fixed anytime soon.

Quality is what I'm looking for. Will Dell meet my needs at some point? We'll see.

[macmatt]

I found a retail outlet where I can buy Dell laptops at cost price: POUNDLAND!.

So, Dell suddenly decide to team up with Ubuntu, and suddenly all the years of producing third-rate trash with diabolical support is forgotten, and all is right with the Dell world?. I think some people have become brainwashed; just because you can buy a Dellbuntu PC, that doesn't hide the fact that, underneath, it is STILL a mass manufactured scraping from the PC barrel!.

Guys - Ubuntu is FREE SOFTWARE. I just bought a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo pi1505 Laptop, and have Ubuntu installed on it like a dream. Do yourselves a favour, and buy a PC for it's own benefits, not JUST because it has Ubuntu installed on it. Unfortunately, unlike free software, the cheap prices of Dell machines do NOT mean quality. I can see a lot more people falling for this one... shame!

[el_poderoso]

I currently have a Compaq Presario 2200 that works well with Ubuntu, but the wireless card is Broadcom chip based (yes, I could replace the PCIMIA card easily enough, but I would be heart-broken if I erased XP and had nothing wireless to use.:( Wireless is a PITA with windows and trying to get a Broadcom to work requires a little more commitment than I am will to devote.

So very soon, I will have a Dell and a very nice, affordable Compaq on eBay!

I am planning on buying the base Inspiron with an extra 512k upgrade and nothing else. I will add VMware and run XP professional in a VM mostly for the benefit of my wife (WinXP and OSX user) if she needs the portability. She will probably use Adobe PS and AI in the VM. Am I getting enough memory? Should I pull the trigger for the Nvida card? These programs run well enough on the Presario with 1.4 g celeron and 512k, 40g drive. Acceptable for occasional use at school or on the road.

My preference would be a Toshiba Satellite A205-54577 on sale at Best Buy for $749. Believe it or not, I actually got a salesman who was a Gentoo nut. He put my Feisty CD in the drive, booted up and confirmed that the wireless card was recognized with a few terminal commands. I wasn't expecting that.

So I'll be back to see how yunz are liking your new Dells.

[mojorising]

OK. I bought a Dell laptop instead of a different brand because I got what I was looking for for less money with an operating system I want to support.

The fact is, on the inside, most PCs are the same (at least the Insperon I got is). None of the components are made by Dell. The mainboard, video, CPU, and NIC are Intel, and the other components (speakers, optical drive, etc) are made by other popular third parties. So if you buy an (insert any brand name here),what are you getting? Probably an Intel board with all the same components on it or in some cases a similar setup with an AMD CPU.

I have lots of experience supporting Dells in the enterprise as well as in homes and small businesses. My experience with them has been pretty much exactly the same the same as with other manufacturers (better in many cases). I also know some other techies like me who really like their Dell machines. If this were a desktop, I'd build my own as I always have but I need a laptop so I have to buy it from someone -- why not someone who is supporting Ubuntu?

So what did I (or anyone) lose by buying my shiny new Ubuntu powered Dell? Probably nothing. What did I get? A nice computer that does everything I want with the OS I want. I didn't pay the Microsoft tax and I even showed Dell that the market is willing to reward them for making smart decisions and giving customers what they ask for.

I think there is no winning for Dell in some people's eyes. If they only offer Windows like nearly everyone else, we bash them for that (and other things), and now that they are offering Linux as a desktop option, some people are bashing them for that. I'm not sure if anything could be done to appease the latter group.

As Mark Shuttleworth says, if we are to expect big companies to support Linux (which leads to more widespread adoption of the OS we love), we need to vote with our wallets. Fact is, Dell is a business and they have to make money to stay in business. They have listened to the community's demand for open source, the community shouldn't punish them for that (maybe some support would be beneficial to everyone).

After all, if this goes like many of us hope it will, lots of people will buy these PCs, more people will have Linux, Dell will expand Linux offerings, competitors will respond with Linux offerings of their own, and things begin to snowball. It may be wishful thinking, but I believe it is a matter of time before Linux reaches critical mass and this is one very significant step in that direction.

Mike

[blkno1]

Mine should be arriving this week. :D

1 223-0455 Inspiron E1505N, Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB/2.00GHz/667MHz) $1278.00
1 320-4652 15.4 Inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WSXGA+, for Inspiron 6400/E1505 $0.00
1 311-7357 2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm for Inspiron 6400/E1505 $0.00
1 320-5634 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 TurboCache, for Inspiron E1505N $0.00
1 341-3108 80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for Inspiron 6400/E1505 $0.00
1 420-7153 Ubuntu Edition version 7.04 $0.00
1 313-3958 24X Combo CD-RW/DVD for Inspiron 6400/E1505 $0.00
1 313-4217 Integrated High Definition Audio, Inspiron $0.00
1 430-1918 Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) for Inspiron 6400/E1505 $0.00
1 312-0404 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 6400/E1505 $0.00
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty $0.00
1 950-9057 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3 $0.00
1 985-3578 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year $0.00
1 980-2860 Type 12- Mail-InService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year $0.00
1 960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year $0.00
1 310-8314 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor $0.00

[macmatt]

OK. I bought a Dell laptop instead of a different brand because I got what I was looking for for less money with an operating system I want to support.

The fact is, on the inside, most PCs are the same (at least the Insperon I got is). None of the components are made by Dell. The mainboard, video, CPU, and NIC are Intel, and the other components (speakers, optical drive, etc) are made by other popular third parties. So if you buy an (insert any brand name here),what are you getting? Probably an Intel board with all the same components on it or in some cases a similar setup with an AMD CPU.

I have lots of experience supporting Dells in the enterprise as well as in homes and small businesses. My experience with them has been pretty much exactly the same the same as with other manufacturers (better in many cases). I also know some other techies like me who really like their Dell machines. If this were a desktop, I'd build my own as I always have but I need a laptop so I have to buy it from someone -- why not someone who is supporting Ubuntu?

So what did I (or anyone) lose by buying my shiny new Ubuntu powered Dell? Probably nothing. What did I get? A nice computer that does everything I want with the OS I want. I didn't pay the Microsoft tax and I even showed Dell that the market is willing to reward them for making smart decisions and giving customers what they ask for.

I think there is no winning for Dell in some people's eyes. If they only offer Windows like nearly everyone else, we bash them for that (and other things), and now that they are offering Linux as a desktop option, some people are bashing them for that. I'm not sure if anything could be done to appease the latter group.

As Mark Shuttleworth says, if we are to expect big companies to support Linux (which leads to more widespread adoption of the OS we love), we need to vote with our wallets. Fact is, Dell is a business and they have to make money to stay in business. They have listened to the community's demand for open source, the community shouldn't punish them for that (maybe some support would be beneficial to everyone).

After all, if this goes like many of us hope it will, lots of people will buy these PCs, more people will have Linux, Dell will expand Linux offerings, competitors will respond with Linux offerings of their own, and things begin to snowball. It may be wishful thinking, but I believe it is a matter of time before Linux reaches critical mass and this is one very significant step in that direction.

Mike

I'm not "bashing" Dell for supporting Ubuntu, I am simply making the very VERY well known point, that Dell consumer computers are built very badly, and 8 times out of 10, SOMEthing will go wrong with one, somewhere just outside the warranty period. People don't slate hardware for no apparent reason, without substantial cases in point, to back up the reputation (or lack thereof).

If you chose to buy a Dell, then that is your choice entirely, but people "voting with their wallets" is just another nail in the coffin of morality, sadly exhibited by most people in western society, regardless of whether or not their "vote" is undermined by the equipment taking a *fubar* turn for the worse.

We live in a society full of people who seem to worship money over anything else, so "voting with your wallet" hardly surprises me. Still doesn't make it right though!. As I said previously, just because Dell are bundling Ubuntu, doesn't mean that suddenly their build quality and ethics have changed, magically!.

I think that you are just whitewashing over the whole issue by saying that if we look inside any branded laptop/Desktop, the components inside will likely be constructed the same; this is very much NOT the case, and as an electronic engineer, there are certain subtleties which betray this difference between brands, which would not always become apparent immediately to the untrained eye.

I actually think that people will see that Dell are using Ubuntu (FREE SOFTWARE) and will think "oh well if Dell are selling it, it must be good - I'm gonna try it also" and download the FREE Ubuntu, without paying one penny into Dell's coffers. This debate could go on and on, and get quite tedious; Dell still make generic rubbish, and they most likely will do for quite some time.

I think that people should get together as a community, and start their very own Linux hardware manufacturing company, making motherboards with specially hand-picked chipsets and features which work hand-in-glove with Linux, seamlessly. If Linux is to be perpetuated in the way that we all dream of, then surely a worldwide community can raise enough capital between us, to start a project like this?. Hardware that is *specific* to Linux, but using chipsets that would equally as well be compatible with Win32 and BSD.

Some guy said to me the other night, that "People only use Linux to spite Microsoft"; it is precisely THIS kind of ignorance that needs educating.
DON'T BE BRAINWASHED!


[<PS>]

I'm just in the process of selling my Apple Mac Mini, due to various reasons, but one of the prevailing ones being that Apple seem to pollute the environment a great deal, and so far they don't seem to be doing a great deal about this, OR their recycling efforts. Morality *is* important mate, because it isn't ALL about £££'s and $$$'s - in fact money plays a significant role in life, because that is the way in which MAN has assumed happiness, but this is a dire mistake, the lessons of which are sorely unlearnt by the masses.

[chuckdashparkerdotnet]

mine (e1505n, stock, except for an upgrade to 1Gig RAM) ought to arrive today or tomorrow. :D

I must say I am shivering with antici......pation. This should be fun.

-chuck

[Sunflower1970]

I'm not "bashing" Dell for supporting Ubuntu, I am simply making the very VERY well known point, that Dell consumer computers are built very badly, and 8 times out of 10, SOMEthing will go wrong with one, somewhere just outside the warranty period. People don't slate hardware for no apparent reason, without substantial cases in point, to back up the reputation (or lack thereof).

Really?

Then, I guess my 5 year old Dimension 8200 should have died right after the 3-year warranty, but it's still going strong...and my two flat panel Dell monitors, one 6 years old, the other 5 years old should have died, but they look just as good now as they did then.

Every company is going to have a few "lemons," whether a computer, car, or whatever, everything possible will go wrong with it. I've heard horror stories about Apples, HP's, IBM's, Dells, Toshiba etc, etc. It doesn't mean that ALL their products are bad, just that particular one is bad.

[mifi]

I'm not "bashing" Dell for supporting Ubuntu, I am simply making the very VERY well known point, that Dell consumer computers are built very badly, and 8 times out of 10, SOMEthing will go wrong with one, somewhere just outside the warranty period.
Not my experience at all. I have an 8 year old tower sitting below the desk that only gave up on me last year when it was 37C in the room. I guess cooling could be better. But it is the BIOS that failed somewhere, so she is happily running Linux ever since. Windows will no longer run on it.

The other Dell dekstops I have seen all seem to be running without any problems at all. I used to work for a company that had lots of them, wihout major difficulties.

On the laptop side though, life is different. I have seen some horror stories there with very, let's say, unsatisfactory after sales support.


I actually think that people will see that Dell are using Ubuntu (FREE SOFTWARE) and will think "oh well if Dell are selling it, it must be good - I'm gonna try it also" and download the FREE Ubuntu, without paying one penny into Dell's coffers.
I certainly hope they do. There is little reason to buy a preinstalled Ubuntu. It is nice, though, that Dell offers a couple of configurations that they guarantee to work with Ubuntu. Sort off. No ATI video cards... i hope. Until ATI starts to support Linux properly.

cheers
mifi

[macmatt]

Sure, Dell make the point to the public, that Linux is out there and that it is here to stay, but to just sit back and rely on *Dell* of all people, is a disaster waiting to happen in my mind. The open source community *ITSELF* needs to setup their own company, and there is more than enough finance available for this, if we take into account the number of people who wish to promote Linux/donate to free software.

Pie in the sky it is not, but a battle against people who are not willing to take chances in life, and insist that "It can't be done" no matter how their instincts dictate otherwise, because they are scared of losing a little money in the short term, and lack long term vision, is what Linux is up against. Red tape and b*llsh*t is what perpetuates rumours and political correctness in the modern world, and it is just complete nonsense... but listen to those to try to dissuade you if you wish, and watch your plans dissolve into nothingness, as they lead you down the path of despair, where corporate scum rule.

:) It is all red tape people - people don't WANT to take risks, no matter what transparent excuses are given; Linux could take off properly in a couple of years, if everyone pooled their resources, but everyone is scared... and of what? this little thing ----> "£"

Shame on society!. If this were Africa or any other poor third world country, then this business model would be IMPERATIVE for survival. A fat cat only gets fat if you feed it!.

[korelogik]

I received my n1505 on Jun 1, way ahead of the scheduled delivery date listed on there website (the 15th). So far no problems. The MediaDirect button does not work as noted in other's posts. Not a show stopper. Jumped on to my AP without issue. Managed to transfer my Firefox and email configs over from the XP box. I dont have my hardware order list but I did order top-end on everything and when I get a chance I will post it. The one thing I did note is that when I ordered there was only the option for the Intel graphics card. Looks like they added the NVIDIA card as an option now as well. Beryl is running rather well on the Intel card and considering I wont be gaming this not a huge deal to me.

[Quzarx]

My E1505N laptop arrived today. Booted up fine, resolution is set to 1024x768. Suspend goes to black and doesn't come back. Biggest problem, did autoupdate, rebooted, and grub gives error 17, cannot boot from partition. I could not even load the recovery partition. But, dell put on there a partition to boot from that resets back to factory defaults, which allowed me to boot up again, however without any updates. Also, a 7.04 cd came with the laptop.

[jarocooke]

I found a retail outlet where I can buy Dell laptops at cost price: POUNDLAND!.

So, Dell suddenly decide to team up with Ubuntu, and suddenly all the years of producing third-rate trash with diabolical support is forgotten, and all is right with the Dell world?. I think some people have become brainwashed; just because you can buy a Dellbuntu PC, that doesn't hide the fact that, underneath, it is STILL a mass manufactured scraping from the PC barrel!.

Guys - Ubuntu is FREE SOFTWARE. I just bought a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo pi1505 Laptop, and have Ubuntu installed on it like a dream. Do yourselves a favour, and buy a PC for it's own benefits, not JUST because it has Ubuntu installed on it. Unfortunately, unlike free software, the cheap prices of Dell machines do NOT mean quality. I can see a lot more people falling for this one... shame!

Unless people that want Linux installed on their computers and hardware that's properly supported, buy computers with the OS installed, it will never happen. It is that simple. No one ever does anything they don't have to (well not in business anyway), when businesses think there is a market for Linux factory installed, they will install it, which will put tremendous pressure on hardware manufacturers to supply open source drivers.

I will hopefully be getting one for the mother-in-law once they are available in the UK.

BTW the last two laptops that I have bought both came with Ubuntu installed.

[jarocooke]

My E1505N laptop arrived today. Booted up fine, resolution is set to 1024x768. Suspend goes to black and doesn't come back. Biggest problem, did autoupdate, rebooted, and grub gives error 17, cannot boot from partition. I could not even load the recovery partition. But, dell put on there a partition to boot from that resets back to factory defaults, which allowed me to boot up again, however without any updates. Also, a 7.04 cd came with the laptop.

http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/GRUB_%22error

Follow the instructions on the link above and it should sort it out.

Basically as I understand the problem, when you do a kernel upgrade, grub is updated to think that hda(0,0) is partition with Ubuntu installed, when in fact it is hda(0,2), because of the restore partition, etc....

Hope this helps.
:p

[Quzarx]

Ah, sounds exactly like my problem, shall do. I've been meaning to force myself to get into linux, so I bought the ubuntu laptop to force myself to...

[teetree]

Same thing here:(

[ButteBlues]

Same thing here:(
http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/GRUB_%22error

[czambran]

Not yet. I decided to do some upgrades after I placed the order so that pushed the shipping date a couple of days. I will write a review once I get it.
Ordered the Ubuntu-based Inspiron 1505n a few days ago with only 2 upgrades -- the DVD-RW and the "plant a tree" option. The total cost was $640 without tax. Shipping was free!

Only bummer is it doesn't ship until the 13th of June (estimated) and should arrive about 5 days later and I'm chomping at the bit to try it out.

This is perfect timing for me since we needed a new laptop. I'm going to install Kubuntu 7.04 (Feisty) after taking it for a spin with the stock set-up and post my experiences here.

Did anyone actually get theirs yet like the person who started this thread asked or are they all on back-order until around the same time?

Mike

[phr0ze]

I got a good deal too. Under $800,

1.86 Core2 4MB
22" Flat Panel
2GB Ram
250GB Drive
13in1 media drive
DVD-RW Drive
etc


I'm going to sell the monitor for like $250 and bring my cost under $550

I'd post the Dell specs but the Dell website will not show me my current orders. Also I have a very long wait time. I ordered it the day after it went up, and I'm projected till June 20th. YUCK!

I bought Dell to encourage the hardware manufacturers. It would have cost me at least $850 for the same stuff from newegg. And no I am not talking about POS $65 motherboards.

[CaptainTux]

I wanted to buy one...heck, they even took my money for one, but we hit a snag (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=464446) .

[BoyOfDestiny]

Ok it just arrived! It's for my dad, he's been using Ubuntu, so no worries there. Dual-core, 1 gig, dual layer dvd burner, e1505n with the truebright 1680 x 1050 res.

The only downside, they didn't install i915resolution, so the full res was not by default. Intel wireless and modem driver only "restricted". Desktop effects worked perfectly (intel video chipset)

Everything else was great, dell user license agreement, then a few questions to put in time zone, user name and pass. And that's it.

Anyway, I think I will do a fresh install on it (I prefer to put /home on it's own partition) but the best part. No windows sticker to be found, and for the first time in a long time unwrapping a machine and powering it on, no MS logo. Felt like the sun shine after a storm.

Overall I'm glad and impressed. Not sure what inroads this will make, besides better driver support, I hope more companies offer Linux preloaded or at least a no OS option.

Now time to use rsync and ssh to get all the old data moved.

Screenies attached

P.S. Really cool to see an official Ubuntu CD! I've always just burned the .iso. Has that nice software libre stuff, "opposite" of the kind of software I see bundled with that other OS ;) Also, as the pic shows, it's kind of funny the sticker covers that dude's head.

[mifi]

Unless people that want Linux installed on their computers and hardware that's properly supported, buy computers with the OS installed, it will never happen. It is that simple.
I believe the important point Dell is making is not the fact that Ubuntu is preinstalled, but that they officially support it.

I have seen a story here, that someone had installed Ubuntu on their HP laptop and loosing the manufacturers guarantee by doing so! Outrageous!

As long as they are selling hardware that they state is supported with some linux distro, it is fine with me and much more important than the fact that it is preinstalled.
A sticker "Made for Linux" would be enough for me.

However, if Linux is to be accepted by a larger public, it has to be preinstalled. It is sending out a message of confidence in Ubuntu. And I am glad they took Ubuntu as their distro of choice.

mifi

[terenjac]

I bought a Dell Inspiron 6400 [with Vista installed] from an online auction site. The Dell is OK but I'm having heaps of trouble with Vista. Before anyone asks - I bought this one because it was $300 cheaper than identical Laptops with XP installed. I should have forked out the extra dollars and got the XP equipped machine.

Anyway, I thought I could remedy the situation without spending any more money by installing Ubuntu. WRONG! When I try to run Ubuntu from the CD I keep getting this error message : [17179656.016000] BUG : soft lockup detected on CPU#0.

I looked up this error message on the Ubuntu forum but the responses were not particularly helpful. Many people said they had the same problem. A few gave highly technical possible solutions that were way beyond my capabilities.

I would love to install and use Ubuntu but that does not seem possible unless I can find a more computer literate neighbour who can sort out my machine. As I live in a small country town that is unlikely.

So, with great regret I am resigned to buying and installing Windows XP. It looks like Bill Gates wins yet again.

[mifi]

So, with great regret I am resigned to buying and installing Windows XP. It looks like Bill Gates wins yet again.
Will it run? Good luck!

It sounds to me you should go back to the vendor and get Vista to work first. He is supposed to sell a working product, is he not?

mifi

[Sunflower1970]

Anyway, I thought I could remedy the situation without spending any more money by installing Ubuntu. WRONG! When I try to run Ubuntu from the CD I keep getting this error message : [17179656.016000] BUG : soft lockup detected on CPU#0..

Try doing a google search for "BUG : soft lockup detected on CPU#0" I came up with lots of links, and a couple of possible solutions:

https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-source-2.6.17/+bug/64125

another possible solution: switch the 64-bit version out with the 32-bit version
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread195456.html

Other links:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-source-2.6.20/+bug/108355

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/3654

[danielandrews]

I've ordered my notebook from Dell, and was told yesterday that it should ship by the end of this week. We'll see.

[jtp51]

@ Kingsley.

Just a warning. I have a HP dv6000t sitting in it's box because I couldn't get Ubuntu to install once. I hope you have better luck than I did.

[loathsome]

Ok it just arrived! It's for my dad, he's been using Ubuntu, so no worries there. Dual-core, 1 gig, dual layer dvd burner, e1505n with the truebright 1680 x 1050 res.

The only downside, they didn't install i915resolution, so the full res was not by default. Intel wireless and modem driver only "restricted". Desktop effects worked perfectly (intel video chipset)

Everything else was great, dell user license agreement, then a few questions to put in time zone, user name and pass. And that's it.

Anyway, I think I will do a fresh install on it (I prefer to put /home on it's own partition) but the best part. No windows sticker to be found, and for the first time in a long time unwrapping a machine and powering it on, no MS logo. Felt like the sun shine after a storm.

Overall I'm glad and impressed. Not sure what inroads this will make, besides better driver support, I hope more companies offer Linux preloaded or at least a no OS option.

Now time to use rsync and ssh to get all the old data moved.

Screenies attached

P.S. Really cool to see an official Ubuntu CD! I've always just burned the .iso. Has that nice software libre stuff, "opposite" of the kind of software I see bundled with that other OS ;) Also, as the pic shows, it's kind of funny the sticker covers that dude's head.

Pretty sweet :popcorn:

Dell is SO going to be my next laptop, only because of this.

[loathsome]

I bought a Dell Inspiron 6400 [with Vista installed] from an online auction site. The Dell is OK but I'm having heaps of trouble with Vista. Before anyone asks - I bought this one because it was $300 cheaper than identical Laptops with XP installed. I should have forked out the extra dollars and got the XP equipped machine.

Anyway, I thought I could remedy the situation without spending any more money by installing Ubuntu. WRONG! When I try to run Ubuntu from the CD I keep getting this error message : [17179656.016000] BUG : soft lockup detected on CPU#0.

I looked up this error message on the Ubuntu forum but the responses were not particularly helpful. Many people said they had the same problem. A few gave highly technical possible solutions that were way beyond my capabilities.

I would love to install and use Ubuntu but that does not seem possible unless I can find a more computer literate neighbour who can sort out my machine. As I live in a small country town that is unlikely.

So, with great regret I am resigned to buying and installing Windows XP. It looks like Bill Gates wins yet again.

I had this bug as well when I used the default module for the RT61 wireless chipset.
I wrote a small guide on how to fix this issue: http://ubuntu.loathsome.us/doc/rt61 - but only if you're running the RT61 chipset. To find out, do something like $ dmesg | grep -i rt61 :)

Best of luck!

[dfreer]

I have seen a story here, that someone had installed Ubuntu on their HP laptop and loosing the manufacturers guarantee by doing so! Outrageous!


I was one of those people. The hard drive on my HP laptop started acting up after about 3 months. I called them, and after dealing with customer support for about an hour the subject that I use linux came up. They told me that they cannot work on the laptop because I have linux installed and it voided the warrenty. I told them that this was unacceptable, I bought the laptop specifically to put linux on it, and then here comes the best part: They told me that if I shipped the laptop back to them, they would REFUND my full purchase price! I ended up getting the brand new hp dv6000t laptop for about the same price I paid on the original laptop, with a shiney new core 2 duo 2.00 Ghz processer :D

[ccfiel]

Dell said they is an system glitch and they will put back the warranty options for ubuntu laptops. :)

http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/06/05/17450.aspx

[caro]

Yes, I got my Dell. And I'm quite happy with it.

First of all, I wanted to support Dell since they are supporting Linux. Who needs to pay for licenses to run an OS that is intrusive, hardware demanding, and susceptible to viruses and spyware?

Secondly, I've had good luck with both Dells and computers I built myself, but since this was my first foray into Linux, I wanted a machine that was compatible without having to search for drivers, etc.

I got an e1505 laptop with basic specs since I'm just learning Linux and I don't do programming or gaming. It's been very easy to configure and it works flawlessly.

[joe dude]

Ordered a E520N for my 12 year old May 25. Got it May 31.

Took an hour to get it set up - a little futzing with NVIDIA driver, getting java and flash on, and printer hooked up to a print server - and done! - a complete operating pc.

Same process took several days on my wife's hp vista machine to get it correct, with all the uninstalls of craplets and installs of office, adobe, etc.

I'm running a NSLU2/mt-daapd music server (learned a bit of linux) and decided to try Ubuntu on my old pc - liked it alot.

When I saw the price for the dell (~$500 w/no monitor), I jumped.

I'm terribly pleased - very quiet, fast, rock solid!

[coppertrail]

I didn't get one, but I installed 7.04 as a dual boot on my 2+ yr. old Inspiron 6000. It's running great, and I was amazed that I was able to connect to my home AP (SSID hidden using WPA2) effortlessly!! I'm very impressed thus far.

But, when I do purchase my next Dell laptop, I'll get it with Vista and dual boot it with whatever build of Ubuntu is current at that time :)

Since it worked so well on my I6000, I dual booted my Dimension 8400 with 7.04 and it too is running great.

[loathsome]

I was one of those people. The hard drive on my HP laptop started acting up after about 3 months. I called them, and after dealing with customer support for about an hour the subject that I use linux came up. They told me that they cannot work on the laptop because I have linux installed and it voided the warrenty. I told them that this was unacceptable, I bought the laptop specifically to put linux on it, and then here comes the best part: They told me that if I shipped the laptop back to them, they would REFUND my full purchase price! I ended up getting the brand new hp dv6000t laptop for about the same price I paid on the original laptop, with a shiney new core 2 duo 2.00 Ghz processer :D
That's just awesome.

Maybe HP didn't want to help you out because they don't know squat about Linux, and then just refunded everything.

:KS

[_atle_]

And I see they did not remove the windowskey, thanks Dell.

atle

[loathsome]

And I see they did not remove the windowskey, thanks Dell.

atle
Hahaha. They should replace it with the Ubuntu logo.

Ikke sant, Atle? ;)

[mifi]

That's just awesome.

Maybe HP didn't want to help you out because they don't know squat about Linux, and then just refunded everything.

:KSThat is fine too, but I really wonder what there is you would need to know about Linux if it is obvious the disk, mousepad or screen are broken.

Oh well.

I guess these guys have been so grown into MS that they can no longer see the difference between hardware and software ;)

m

[dfreer]

That is fine too, but I really wonder what there is you would need to know about Linux if it is obvious the disk, mousepad or screen are broken.

Oh well.

I guess these guys have been so grown into MS that they can no longer see the difference between hardware and software ;)

m

Then again, they may have just refunded my money because I was quite, um irritated when they told me my manufacturer's warranty was voided :D

"He's one of those crazy liiiiinux users, he's gonna hack us omg!!!1!!1"

On topic, I would like to support Dell by buying a ubuntu laptop, but i have no money after buying my last laptop :(

[mifi]

"He's one of those crazy liiiiinux users, he's gonna hack us omg!!!1!!1"
(
LOL :D:D:D

Talking about consumer/hacker power....

[Crafty Kisses]

There are reasons for people to be skeptical. I've had friends ask me to work on their Dell systems over the last few years. I've wondered if some of the old Packard Bell engineers found jobs at Dell. To say that I haven't been impressed is an understatement.

I will, however, give Dell a look next time I'm in the market for a notebook system. If I see good reports and what they are offering meets my needs I'll give it priority over products from vendors who aren't supporting Linux, Another issue that I'll be watching is whether some of the problem areas in Ubuntu are being fixed. Fiesty has simply been a disaster as far as I'm concerned. Power management no longer works on any systems I support and all I'm seeing is LOW prioity this and UPSTREAM that, none of which gives me any confidence that the bugs will be fixed anytime soon.

Quality is what I'm looking for. Will Dell meet my needs at some point? We'll see.

I'm getting one soon.

[kerristallax]

I got mine Monday. I had wanted to get a laptop for some time, and wanted nothing to do with Windows Vista. When I heard that Dell was finally offering one w/ Linux, I jumped on the chance. I don't regret buying it. It hasn't been perfect (kernel upgrade issue, seems to be a common problem) but nothing is. It arrived almost two weeks earlier than they said it would, which was nice.

The other reason I bought one right away is because I know a lot of people clamored for Dell to offer Linux, but I wondered how many were actually willing to "put their money where their mouth is." I did. I think it is good for the name brands to offer choices. If this succeeds, it could mean a lot of good things for the community.

[d0n7bl1nk]

I just ordered my E1505N last night using one of those wonderful $500 off coupons, and I'm really excited! It's my first computer I have ever bought on my own, and I'm hoping that it will last me through college. It's supposed to ship by June 19th. Anyway, here are the specs:

Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)

15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife™(glossy)

2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHZ, 2 DIMM

256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7300 TurboCache™

160GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive

Ubuntu Edition version 7.04

24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive

Integrated Audio

Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g

85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service

Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor

All adding up to a total of $1002 plus taxes. I wish I could have afforded the DVD burner, the 667 MHz RAM, and the WXGA+ 1440x900 screen, but alas! I could not. Such are the woes of being a college student, I guess.

This summer is going to be all about learning that BASH code and getting my sudo on.

[mifi]

Reading through the postings here, I am stunned on how many people are buying laptops. My feeling is that laptops are terrible to work with. Bad keyboards, screen too low on the desk. Clearly a compromise for those who need to work mobile.
Do not get me wrong, I have one too, but I use it only if I have to. I prefer my desktop with Ubuntu.

Perhaps I did not realise how many people are on the move on a dayly basis...

mifi

[NeoLithium]

I was thinking of a desktop from them since I'm getting a new one anyway, though a) I want to build my own with my bare hands (Insert Tim Allen grunt, but nerdier) and b) They don't offer Ubunutu from Dell Canada yet :(

[czambran]

Reading through the postings here, I am stunned on how many people are buying laptops. My feeling is that laptops are terrible to work with. Bad keyboards, screen too low on the desk. Clearly a compromise for those who need to work mobile.
Do not get me wrong, I have one too, but I use it only if I have to. I prefer my desktop with Ubuntu.

Perhaps I did not realise how many people are on the move on a dayly basis...

mifi

Have you used one lately? I have been using my laptop for 3 year and I find it as comfortable as my desktop.

Disclaimer: I always use my laptop with an external mouse.

[jtp51]

Reading through the postings here, I am stunned on how many people are buying laptops. My feeling is that laptops are terrible to work with. Bad keyboards, screen too low on the desk. Clearly a compromise for those who need to work mobile.
Do not get me wrong, I have one too, but I use it only if I have to. I prefer my desktop with Ubuntu.

Perhaps I did not realise how many people are on the move on a dayly basis...

mifi

@ mifi

The workplace is going mobile. I much rather be able to sit at home or Starbucks to get some work done, rather than be forced to come in to the office to get work done.

;)

[Sunflower1970]

@ mifi

The workplace is going mobile. I much rather be able to sit at home or Starbucks to get some work done, rather than be forced to come in to the office to get work done.

;)

I would do ANYTHING to be able to work at home, or at a restaurant, or somewhere else besides the office.

[ScottLij]

Ordered a 520N on 5/31/07. Here are the specs:

Dim E520N, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6420 (2.13GHZ,1066FSB) with 4MB cache $529.00
1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz $0.00
Dell USB KEYBOARD $0.00
Video ready option w/o monitor $0.00
256MB nVidia GeForce 7300LE TurboCache $0.00
250GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM) $0.00
No Floppy Drive Requested $0.00
Ubuntu Desktop Edition version7.04 $0.00
Dell USB 2-button mouse $0.00
Integrated NIC card $0.00
No modem requested for Dell Dimension $0.00
48X Combo Drive $0.00
Integrated Audio $0.00
No Speaker Requested $0.00
1 Year Limited Warranty $0.00
No Warranty, Year 2 and 3 $0.00
Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year $0.00
Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year $0.00
Warranty Support,Initial Year $0.00

Should be here Friday :p

[d0n7bl1nk]

Reading through the postings here, I am stunned on how many people are buying laptops. My feeling is that laptops are terrible to work with. Bad keyboards, screen too low on the desk. Clearly a compromise for those who need to work mobile.
Do not get me wrong, I have one too, but I use it only if I have to. I prefer my desktop with Ubuntu.

Perhaps I did not realise how many people are on the move on a dayly basis...

mifi

Personally, I really wanted to get a desktop with a nice nvidia 8800 GTS video card and a large, sweet monitor. However, the advantage of portability convinced me that a laptop is the only way. Currently, I live in California, but next year I'm going to college in Pennsylvania. The ability to bring my computer on the plane and make sure that it is always safe and not roughed up by some postal service employee was paramount in my decision. Additionally, the increasing availability of wireless hotspots means that I can do awesome computing tasks outside (a place I rarely visit, haha). Desktops are definitely awesome for their performance and usability, but laptops are quickly becoming the standard, in my opinion.

[jfoobar]

Just ordered mine last Saturday. I had been planning on getting my own laptop for quite some time (always have at least one from work) and the release of these systems just caused me to move it up a few months.

If memory serves, I got the upgraded video card (mostly out of Beryl concerns) and 1GB of RAM and I think that was it over the basic model.

[DarkStarAeon]

I covered the Windows sticker with one of these....

http://system76.com/index.php/cPath/53_64

[Kingsley]

I covered the Windows sticker with one of these....

http://system76.com/index.php/cPath/53_64
Thanks for the link. I'll send out an envelope tomorrow morning.

[Matt0001]

My two-year old, basic, budge Toshiba laptop started acting up about six months ago. I was a little too happy when it finally broke down in hacking coughs and died earlier this week, as that gave me the chance to actually buy one of the new Dell laptops. I got the basic 1505N with absolutely no upgrades, except for an extra two dollars for Dell to plant a tree for me. (Why not?)

I was disappointed to see my initial shipping date estimate to be June 20, but it looks like everyone here has gotten these long estimates and actually received them earlier. I hope that happens for me. (I kind of need the laptop NOW, but i might be able to revive the Toshiba on life support for the next two weeks.)

I decided against upgrading to 1 gb of ram because I'm cheap. My home-built desktop and old laptop run Ubuntu fine with only 512mb. I hope it will be enough in the long run.

I can't wait.

[el_poderoso]

512m will be more than enough unless you run virutal machines (VMware, which needs a patch to run properly in Feisty anyway) or if you are scanning at 1200dpi or more. These are the ONLY two instances in which MY Ubuntu box needed more that 512m. Otherwise, it hums along nicely, rarely needing more that 400m. That's been my experience,, but I've only been windows free for 3 months, so your experience may vary.

[DarkStarAeon]

Thanks for the link. I'll send out an envelope tomorrow morning.

No problem :)

I should mention they have some nice pre-installed Ubuntu computers there too. lol

[petrov]

Hehe, i got a month or two before Dell started offering Ubuntu. The spec is

Core2Duo 2ghz (4mb cache)
2gb ram
nvidia geforce 7300
15.4" wsxga+ (1680x1050)
80gb hdd
dvdrw
intel high def audio
intel 4965abgn wireless

anyway. had to install xubuntu on my own instead of Dell installing for me :).

so far, everything except the microphone is working :)

[kidcharles]

And I see they did not remove the windowskey, thanks Dell.

I put that key to good use as a modifier key to control Amarok (e.g. 'win+p' for play/pause, 'win+right arrow' for skip track, etc.)

[caro]

My two-year old, basic, budge Toshiba laptop started acting up about six months ago. I was a little too happy when it finally broke down in hacking coughs and died earlier this week, as that gave me the chance to actually buy one of the new Dell laptops. I got the basic 1505N with absolutely no upgrades, except for an extra two dollars for Dell to plant a tree for me. (Why not?)

I was disappointed to see my initial shipping date estimate to be June 20, but it looks like everyone here has gotten these long estimates and actually received them earlier. I hope that happens for me. (I kind of need the laptop NOW, but i might be able to revive the Toshiba on life support for the next two weeks.)

I decided against upgrading to 1 gb of ram because I'm cheap. My home-built desktop and old laptop run Ubuntu fine with only 512mb. I hope it will be enough in the long run.

I can't wait.

My Dell laptop came more than a week earlier than promised. And I was cheap too and didn't upgrade anything; I've had no problems.

[luckyd]

Yes, I found a coupon for the dell dimension desktops, and I am finally getting one :)

[imsorryidontdowindows]

Ok, my ship date got pushed because I had the acident on it, and I can't get that in florida. But it did ship yesterday and I got it today!

Everything working out the box wireless, etc..

I just orderd mine, Est Ship is June 5th. I will Update you on my delivery time and set up. I also had a nice coupon code, but most coupons expire 05/31 I am looking for one for the canadians and will let you know. I was not sure if I could post links, but I have them. Just im me. More expensive but I will use it for work and developement.

Intel® Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB), Ubuntu Edition version 7.04 $1,842.00 1 $1,842.00
Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife
Memory 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Hard Drive 160GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Operating System Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
CD ROM/DVD ROM 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Sound Options Integrated Audio
Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Warranty and Service 2Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor - Next Business Day
Protect Against Accidents Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service to 2Yr Lim Warranty
Environmental Options Free Recycling Kit
Processor Branding Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor

Save $500 off select Inspiron purchases of $1399 or more (before tax, fees, shipping & handling) - $500.00
Subtotal: $1,342.00

[phr0ze]

Give Dell a break over the windows key... That would cost them a lot to change for so little end value. Although if they made some standard stickers for the windows keys, they could give you a pair with every machine so you can use it with any keyboard. It would be cheap to do stickers.

[kc5goi]

I received mine today. I got the 2GHz 2 gig ram, WXGA+ (this is where I goofed). The only thing I had to do was run the 915resolution patch so I could get past 1024x768. I am now getting 1440x990 (that is the spec). Wireless was quick and easy, 71 megs of updates. So far so good. When I get it home, it is time for DVD goo. :)

Guy

[Matt0001]

I placed my order for the basic, nothing-added 1505N laptop last Wednesday, June 6. My initial estimated ship date was 6/20. It shipped Monday, 6/11 and I received it the next day! So far, everything is fantastic.

Evidently the GRUB error has been resolved, the initial update of 54 packages, including an updated kernel, installed and re-booted with no problems at all. The screen resolution issue is still there, but after installing 915resolution, the widescreen looks great--bright and clear just as advertised.

The wireless works great. Or, at least it does with my router about ten feet away--I'll try it out at the coffee shop tonight. The desktop effects work great with the basic on-board Intel graphics card with no noticeable impact on RAM or the processor. (I keep them turned off, though. Just a personal preference.) So far, both Suspend and Hibernate have worked with no trouble, but I've only tried both once.

As others have noted, there is little difference between the Dell-installed Ubuntu and a self-installation. On first boot, there is a Dell EULA and the same set-up screens to set time-zone and create a user account from the standard Live-CD install. Also, all software sources, including Restricted and Multiverse are enabled by default. (This, along with Feisty's codec helper, will certainly help a new user get through the initial why-won't-my-MP3s-play? shock)

Again, I have the basic 1505N with 1.75Ghz dual core processor and 512MB RAM with on-board graphics. Everything works great and fast. I couldn't be more pleased more--with both Dell's service and the machine I'm typing on.

[iMav]

There is nothing wrong with Dell laptops/Desktops.
I STRONGLY suggest that before someone buys a laptop from Dell, they try out the keyboard on one. That is my biggest knock on Dell laptops. They have THE worst laptop keyboards. And they use that same crap keyboard across their entire line of laptops.

I would not hesitate to recommend their desktops (or servers, for that matter). Great product and great support.

[ScottLij]

I STRONGLY suggest that before someone buys a laptop from Dell, they try out the keyboard on one. That is my biggest knock on Dell laptops. They have THE worst laptop keyboards. And they use that same crap keyboard across their entire line of laptops.

I agree that some Dell laptops have horrible keyboard layouts. However on my 600m that I got last year I have no problems with the keyboard. I've used a 700m before and that was the worst keyboard layout I have ever used. The period and question mark button are about half the size they are on normal keyboards and every time you go to end a sentence you hit the wrong button. I don't know about the keyboard layout on the new 1505N.

[D00mM4r1n3]

I really like the keyboard on the E1505N. It's firm and the keys spring back easily. I've had it less than a week though, so I don't know how ell it will hold up. So far, I like the keyboard more than any other laptop I've used, including my MacBook.

[guitodd]

Well... I did something I thought I'd never do.. I bought the E1505n laptop.. Still waiting for it to show up. I upgraded the video and went with a gig of ram. I have always built my computers, and never would have considered buying a boxed computer from a big company. But, I need a laptop now, had the cash, and thought I'd support the cause. I also did a lot of research on what people said about the pros and cons of different laptops. The Dells seem to be pretty beefy. And while I coulda probably got a better deal on another machine, I felt the price was fair.

My only experience with laptops is the Inspiron 8200 that I have at work. It's been rock solid and I am not easy on equipment that isn't bolted to my desk.. I think I'm on Cell phone #10.. lost count. I have Ubuntu running dual-boot with XP (for work) and was able to get my Cnet wireless card working in linux. Again rock-solid. So I pulled the trigger. Hopefully I will have a good experience with it.

The waiting is killing me a bit. Ordered it on the 8th and Dell says it will ship the 19th.. we'll see.

[danielandrews]

May I just rejoice publicly for a moment - my computer finally shipped yesterday!

[cprofitt]

I noticed that if you want one year of standard support you need to pay $275 for Ubuntu. If I buy the same hardware with Windows Vista I get that support in the price.

I spec'd out two machines -- one with Vista one with Ubuntu.

The Ubuntu machine cost $1003
The Vista machine cost $778

Should not the "free OS" actually cost me less?

[czambran]

I noticed that if you want one year of standard support you need to pay $275 for Ubuntu. If I buy the same hardware with Windows Vista I get that support in the price.

I spec'd out two machines -- one with Vista one with Ubuntu.

The Ubuntu machine cost $1003
The Vista machine cost $778

Should not the "free OS" actually cost me less?

Actually, NO.

When they sell a computer with windows they get kick-backs from Microsoft, and on a windows machine they can install crapware which is another revenue source for them.

[phr0ze]

I noticed that if you want one year of standard support you need to pay $275 for Ubuntu. If I buy the same hardware with Windows Vista I get that support in the price.

I spec'd out two machines -- one with Vista one with Ubuntu.

The Ubuntu machine cost $1003
The Vista machine cost $778

Should not the "free OS" actually cost me less?

You think dell support is going to solve advanced windows problems for you? I'm willing to bet that after a few minutes they will have you reinstall the OS from the recovery. Even common problems like spyware. They are going to refer you to another product. Beyond, 'did you plug it in', that support is useless.

Essentially you are comparing apples to oranges. Support from microsoft is free for 90 days, then $59 per request. Even for email or chat support.

[phr0ze]

Back on topic. I got my PC 10 minutes ago and I noticed dell is starting to work out some kinks. The only windows logo I could find was on the back of a printed 'how to plug a computer' poster, and that was on a picture of a media center remote. Ofcourse the throw away keyboard had the windows key.

Some people reported getting a windows sticker and a windows serial number on their cases. Mine had neither. I have a 'n Series' sticker where the windows sticker should be. Although the n series sticker is very plain.

I did get my Ubuntu disk too. So in all, I feel they have moved enough away from windows with the packaging of the 520n.

Gotta go, time to boot it up.

[cprofitt]

You think dell support is going to solve advanced windows problems for you? I'm willing to bet that after a few minutes they will have you reinstall the OS from the recovery. Even common problems like spyware. They are going to refer you to another product. Beyond, 'did you plug it in', that support is useless.

Essentially you are comparing apples to oranges. Support from microsoft is free for 90 days, then $59 per request. Even for email or chat support.

Personally given the technical knowledge shown by Dell support technicians I have worked with I would doubt they could support Ubuntu or Microsoft properly. At $59 per request I could call them five times and still be under the charge for Ubuntu.

Personally while it is nice to see a manufacturer offer Ubuntu it appears that Dell is just increasing their profit margin.

[danielandrews]

Personally given the technical knowledge shown by Dell support technicians I have worked with I would doubt they could support Ubuntu or Microsoft properly. At $59 per request I could call them five times and still be under the charge for Ubuntu.

Personally while it is nice to see a manufacturer offer Ubuntu it appears that Dell is just increasing their profit margin.

You thought Dell would offer Ubuntu just to be nice? Companies are only going to offer and support Ubuntu if it helps their bottom line.

[ewarmour]

I bought mine today

Inspiron E1505N, Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB/2.00GHz/667MHz)
15.4 Inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WSXGA+, for Inspiron 6400/E1505
1GB, DDR2, 533MHz 1 Dimm for Inspiron 6400/E1505
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950 GM
80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for Inspiron 6400/E1505
Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
8X DVD+/-RW Drive for Inspiron 6400/E1505
Integrated High Definition Audio, Inspiron
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) for Inspiron 6400/E1505
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 6400/E1505
Module,Case,Carrying,Nylon Backpack,Inspiron
3 Year Limited Warranty
Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
Warranty Support,2 Year Extended
Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year
Type 15- Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Week ends, 24x7 Technical Support, 2 Year Extended
Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
Type 15- Third Party At HomeService with Nights and Weekends, 24x7 Technical Support,Initial Year
Warranty Support,Initial Year
CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 3 Year
Soft Contracts - Consumer Complete Care
Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
State Environmental Fee for display 15 inches, less than 35 inches

Est. Ship Date: 6/29/2007 :(

[czambran]

You thought Dell would offer Ubuntu just to be nice? Companies are only going to offer and support Ubuntu if it helps their bottom line.

And there is nothing wrong with that.

[danielandrews]

Agreed. Everyone wins, in my opinion.

[gulmer]

I helped a friend order a Dell laptop Inspiron E1505 N from Dell. We ordered it on 6/4 and she got it on 6/12, cost her $600+tax, a great deal.Here's what is inside:Intel® Pentium® dual-core proc T2080(1MB Cache/1.73GHz/533MHz FSB
Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife™(glossy)
512MB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 DIMM
80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
With ubuntu OS you do not need a lot of memory or a large hard drive, at least my friend or I
have no need for more then what the base unit comes with.Of course you can request more memory and a larger hard drive and pay more for them.I've been using ubuntu for a year now on a Dell Demension 4550 desktop W/2 hard drives,one with XP(40G) and the other with ubuntu(80G). The XP os came installed.I added the 2nd hard drive so I could install and use ubuntu and keep XP for certain apps. I rarely open the XP, use ubuntu as the primary os.

[larryhowe]

Yes, got mine, it's what I'm using to post this. No complaints. Ordering was easy, price was right, came ahead of schedule, works as expected. A LOT less tweaking than when doing a bare-metal linux install. I was up and running in minutes. I'm a longtime Suse user but Ubuntu is a nice experience also. I'm glad I did this because now I know of two awesome open source linux distros.

[danielandrews]

Got mine today! So far, so good. Very zippy, the battery says it will last for 6 hours on a full charge (I got the larger battery), and all the window effects seem to run fine.

:popcorn:

[the_rajah]

I ordered within a half-hour of the order page coming online. I got the base E520N with pre-installed Ubuntu and have added another Gig of RAM. Just now I added a DVD-RW drive, but it doesn't seem to be recognized. Time for some digging.

It's been really great. I've been running Ubuntu since version 4 and it's really nice to run it on a newer machine. Before this I was using an old Dell P-III-550 with 256 Megs of RAM. Not a screamer by any means, but very usable. It's a real pleasure with the Core2 Duo processor and plenty of RAM. :D

[jaybuntu]

I've had my E1505N for over a week now. It's an excellent machine that doesn't appear to have any of the little quirks you sometimes see with Ubuntu on other hardware. Only down side is that with the integrated Intel graphics the screen is shipped configured at 1024X768 resolution (there are multiple posts about this if you want details), but that was a pretty easy thing to rectify. Over the last few years I've used notebooks from HP/Compaq, IBM and Dell and I'll take a Dell every time. This machine runs fast, quiet and cool. Add Ubuntu and what more could you possibly ask!

[imsorryidontdowindows]

I am still enjoying mine.

I know some folks had concerns with complete care etc...



Extended Warranties on Ubuntu Systems Back Soon
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/category/1021.aspx

hth

[whistle]

Yay! I got mine today. I spent four hours trying to figure out a suitable partitioning scheme, then proceeded to trash it all and do a generic install with generic partitioning... what a waste of four hours!

Then I tried to install more memory, and the laptop didn't like me "changing the amount of memory" and decided to not boot. After some googling it turns up that's what it says every time, and I had to wait 30 seconds to access my computer - some good info for anyone who's looking to upgrade their ram.

Anyhow, I love my new computer!

[hasimir44]

I got a maxed out (except for the hd) E1505N yesterday. I used a $500 dell coupon (just google for one) so it was only $980. I'm very impressed. It's super fast, resolution is 1280x1050 (i think - i'm at work right now), wireless connected right away (even saw a network that my dlink card w/ an external antenna doesn't pick up).

This thing is gonna be nice at the ubuntulive conference next month..

[guitodd]

Whhhhhyyyy me! Happens every time.

I ordered my E1505n on 6/8. The estimated ship time was 6/19... It's now 6/20 and they moved the ship date to 6/26.. "waiting for parts" Damn!

[guitodd]

OK Finally got it. Shipped Saturday and got to me Monday.. not bad. So far so good! Really liking it.

[defishguy]

I've had mine for about three days now, and I can say that Dell got it right. Okay not perfect but considering how quickly they got this thing to market it's impressive. I've used Ubuntu or a flavor of it on several different models of laptop and this is the very first time that there was a zero tweaking curve for things like power management.

If you're thinking about getting one of the Ubuntu Dells I'd advise you that you can expect everything to just work and do it at a fair price.

[v-dub]

bought a E520 desktop and have been using it for about a week with no problems.
got a good deal and was not even planning to use ubuntu as I am not that well versed in a different OS, but I think I can do it and I like it! My learning curve is a big one but so far so good.

[Red0z]

Nah. I would never buy a Dell. They suck.


I must say, that's some statement.
I have a Dell Inspirion 5160, and it works just great.. Only problems i've had is when i installed virus on purpose to figure out how to remove them, except for that, i've never had any problems with Dell.

So i think that you should tell why you think so.

[dkd903]

Nah. I would never buy a Dell. They suck.

get a life dude, dell has taken a step in d rite direction by introducing ubuntu pre-installed laptops., nd dell is a US#2 hit brand, it can easily call for better linux driver support from d companies it gets its hardwares .. nd ppl lyk u are naver happy

[rabideau]

I've been running mine for several weeks... if you look in my posts you'll see the only problems I've experienced are with the nv video drivers and hibernate. Otherwise the machine is quite nice.

However, the beryl nv drivers and hiberate problems are a bit daunting.... but good for learning Linux!

[fjgaude]

Whhhhhyyyy me! Happens every time.

I ordered my E1505n on 6/8. The estimated ship time was 6/19... It's now 6/20 and they moved the ship date to 6/26.. "waiting for parts" Damn!

Seems Dell is doing better than expected in selling Ubuntu-installed machines. In fact they are coming out with three additional models with Ubuntu installed on July 15. Wow, that's good news.

My e1505n works in all respects, just as it should.

frank

[radeon21]

Seems Dell is doing better than expected in selling Ubuntu-installed machines. In fact they are coming out with three additional models with Ubuntu installed on July 15. Wow, that's good news.

My e1505n works in all respects, just as it should.

frank

Where did you hear this? If this is true this is great news.

Speaking of which, has Dell released any sales figures for the n series yet?

[rabideau]

I just checked the web and dell. I find no comment on Dell plans to increase models yet... but I did find this:

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_linux&thread.id=7772

Perhaps the message is embedded in there somewhere.:popcorn:

[guitodd]

Ok.. had it almost a week now.. never having a laptop before to compare it to, I really like it. I think the keyboard feels good, the screen is nice and crisp. I bought the base model with the glossy screen and added ram from Newegg. I'm into it less than $650 and it seems plenty fast. Wireless was a breeze on the home connection... Have Beryl running just fine on the Intel graphics card. So far no complaints. Going camping this weekend... wife won't let me take it!

[loserboy]

had mine for about a month now, my first laptop and i like it alot. I don't use it as much as I was hoping to, but oh well.
I put ubuntu studio on it but screwed something up so now I get to test the restor image thing

[fjgaude]

Where did you hear this? If this is true this is great news.

Speaking of which, has Dell released any sales figures for the n series yet?

Try clicking on this:

http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS6756576859.html

Gosh, Dell is really on the move, and with eight colors... Ubuntu must really be selling like hot cakes.

Their new 1420, 14.1" laptop is the "ticket to ride", huh?

frank

[jacob01]

yea since we are giving our opinions about dell ill give mine

yea i prefer dell over hp and gateway heres why

dell has better components = better performance
better components at a better price that other companies (hp, gateway)

example better memory standard mem speed for dell is 667 vs. 533 for hp

more choice of components(processors, drives,acessories

[dj 2501]

that fast cpu and all that ram isnt going to do a thing with a 5400RPM hard drive. its gonna read/write so slow. sorry dude but personally i think dell is way overpriced for what they deliver.

[odin1965]

Anybody got one of the Dell 1420's yet?

[sgrady11]

I ordered on July 16th. Ship date is shown as July 27th.

[tashmooclam]

I ordered the vostro 1500 because I strongly dislike glossy screens, and it has other features I like.
They charged me $10 to make a windows partition, 20gb is windows, so 100gb is free for ubuntu linux.
I also chose the intel wireless card over the Dell, based on reading this forum.
One source of confusion was I didn't know that the Intel core duo=64 bit. This was for ordering my ubuntu disc.
I'll update when the thing arrives and we'll see how easy it really is to load ubuntu.
I commented to Dell they needed to be loading ubuntu on their whole "business" line of laptops and computers.

[harzack]

My 6 year old laptop crapped out suddenly so I figured buying the ubuntu laptop would support dell's business decision and linux at the same time. So far I've been very happy with my new linux box.


Item Description Unit Price Quantity Total Price
E1505N
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB), Ubuntu Edition version 7.04 $1,403.00 1 $1,403.00
Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
[223-0455]
LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
[320-4652]
Memory 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
[311-7357]
Video Card 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7300 TurboCache™
[320-5634]
Hard Drive 160GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
[341-4224]
Operating System Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
[420-7153]
CD ROM/DVD ROM 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
[313-3958]
Sound Options Integrated Audio
[313-4217]
Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
[430-1918]
Primary Battery 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
[312-0404]
Warranty and Service 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
[950-3337]
[950-9057]
[960-2780]
[980-2860]
[985-3578]
Processor Branding Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
[310-8314]

Save $350 off select Inspiron notebook purchases of $1399 or more (before tax, fees, shipping & handling) - $350.00
Subtotal: $1,053.00
Shipping and Handling: $19.99
Shipping Discount: -$19.99
Tax Total: $0.00
Total: $1,053.00

[smithno]

Got my 1420N on Friday. I am still excited about it! Spent the weekend getting it set up. Dell did a GREAT job on this computer!!!

[misfitpierce]

Dell made a great bold move... I had a friend of mine order one and she is very excited to learn ubuntu. I support their move to ubuntu and once this HP dv8315nr laptop of mine is used a bit more, ill order a Dell laptop.

[timseal]

I ordered my 1420N on July 12th, but the ship date isn't until August 10th! Very frustrating.

[Finthen]

I just recieved my new Dell with ubuntu preloaded, ordered on June 28 , arrived today July 23, $298 shipped!:)

Inspiron Desktop 530 N
Intel®Pentium® dual-core processor E2140 (1MB L2,1.60GHz,800 FSB)
Ubuntu Desktop Edition version 7.04
512MB1 Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 1DIMM
160GB2 Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™

Simply to be used as a surf machine and music server transport to my Squeezebox3 :)

BTW, for those waiting and reading on the Dell site their delivery date, you might expect that original time to be the worst case senerio, as my machines ship date wasn't suppose to be until Aug 2 IIRC and here it is delivered on the 23 of July ... Hope this helps~


Mmmm, smell the coffee ;)


Did you already get yours?

[notwen]

Inspiron 1420, Intel Core 2 Duo T5450, 1.66GHz, 667Mhz, 2ML2 Cache
Basic Black Matte LCD back color
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TL LCD for Inspiron 1420
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 Inspiron 1420
160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron
8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive for Inspiron
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card
No Camera
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 1420
1 Year Limited Warranty
Warranty Support,Initial Year
Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year
Type 12- Mail-InService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year
No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod
Free Recycling Kit
Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor


Came out to be just over $1000, right around what I was wanting to spend, the free RAM and HDD upgrades clinched it. Hopefully they'll get some drivers for the Intel GFX worked out so I can run Compiz-Fusion on it, other than that I'm looking forward to a laptop where all works "out of the box" s'posedly. Should be arriving around August 20th. =]

[Shay Stephens]

Anybody got one of the Dell 1420's yet?

My 1420N just showed up today and I am writing this message with it :-)

It looks to pulling about 4 or 5 less watts than my everex laptop. It looks to be averaging 21 to 22 watts. A big difference over the hog of a desktop I have been using at 125 watts. So I look forward to saving some electricity there.

The keyboard feels very nice, the screen looks great. The only thing I had to setup was my wireless password and DNS server. I need to spend the afternoon getting it all setup for working, so my full thoughts won't be known till tomorrow sometime. But initial reactions are very positive.

[kamaboko]

I got one of the new Vostro 1400 laptops. Great deal too!

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5470 (1.6GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic edit
LCD PANEL 14.1 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display with TrueLife™ edit
MEMORY 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM edit
HARD DRIVE 120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive edit
OPTICAL DRIVE 8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability edit
VIDEO CARD 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS edit
WI-FI WIRELESS CARD Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card edit
SOUND OPTION Integrated High Definition Audio

$599 shipped

[errfunction]

1 223-0535 XPS 410n, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6420 (2.13GHZ,1066FSB) with 4MB cache
1 311-5121 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
1 310-7963 Dell USB Keyboard
1 320-5212 22 in (22 in viewable) E228WFPWide Aspect Digital Flat Panel
1 320-4944 NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE
1 341-3257 250GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
1 341-3867 Dell 13 in 1 Media Card Reader
1 420-7143 Ubuntu Desktop Edition version7.04
1 310-7966 Dell Optical USB Mouse
1 313-3607 No modem requested for Dell Dimension
1 313-4422 16X DVD+R/RW CD-RW Combination Drive
1 313-2758 Integrated Audio
1 313-4514 No Speaker Requested
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty
1 950-9797 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
1 985-3668 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
1 980-7990 Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
1 960-8700 Warranty Support,Initial Year
1 310-5408 Free Recycling Kit
1 466-1829 Thanks for supporting reforestation to offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated to power your system

I have built my own rigs in the past, but I wanted to vote with my dollar and vote for Linux and buy from Dell. Not that I am independently wealthy, but to not show my support for the Linux movement......I would probably lose some sleep over that.

[prince_niceguy]

I would rather buy one with basic and then decline the license and install linux.

The reason being that some how dell laptop with same config with ubuntu is priced higher. I have heard that dell returns the money for the OS if the license is declined. If we do they might bring the linux laptop at par or lesser to the M$ OS laptops.

[kamaboko]

I would rather buy one with basic and then decline the license and install linux.

The reason being that some how dell laptop with same config with ubuntu is priced higher. I have heard that dell returns the money for the OS if the license is declined. If we do they might bring the linux laptop at par or lesser to the M$ OS laptops.

I've read mixed reports on that. Some get a rebate, others have been asked to send the PC back and Dell will issue a refund.