Joe Panettieri_

Dell's IdeaStorm: Social Network Driving Business Innovation

No need to thank me, Dawn. I dish out praise when companies deserve it. And I am quick to pile on the criticism when that's warranted, too.

Where's My Dell Ubuntu Linux PC?

Well, the good news is the system has actually shipped. (Thank you for the update, Richard.) I've updated my personal blog over at TechIQ magazine to let readers know the system is nearing my office.

But I wonder how things are going within Dell. This particular order was not a train wreck. Just a small delay. But in the world of instant satisfaction during a visit to the Apple Store, I wonder how Dell will continue to enhance the customer experience -- whether online or at Wal-Mart ... ... ...

I'm fortunate that I'm in a position where my company purchased the Apple MacBook for business use and I was able to spend my own dough on a Dell/Ubuntu system for personal use. For me, it wasn't either-or. And I didn't require a rush delivery.

I have to admit: I'm dying to know if Dell is experiencing stronger-than-anticipa... demand for the Ubuntu Linux systems. Or are people like me spending far too much time writing about a niche product that will represent fewer than 1 percent of Dell's consumer PC sales for the foreseeable future?

I suppose we'll have our answer in a few short weeks. If sales are strong, it's safe to bet that Dell will issue some sort of press release recapping initial sales over a 30, 60 or 90-day period.

Cheers,
-jp

Are Dell and Red Hat Discussing a Desktop Linux Deal?

Thank you for pointing out Mr. Dell's investment in Red Hat. I had forgotten about that piece of info and will check the status.
-jp

Dell Prepares to Polish Its Brand, Hires First-Ever Chief Marketing Officer

Richard: Good to hear Dell is listening. I've got a Dell plasma, a Dell 26-LCD and Dell computers all over my house. But I haven't spent money with Dell, as I mentioned, since about 2005. As my blog indicates, I've been down on Dell. But that doesn't mean I'll quit on Dell. I do see room in my house for Dell/Linux with Apple/MacOS.

And our business runs a combo of Dell and Apple. I will let you know ... honestly ... if Dell is meeting my expectations. You used to exceed them. And it sounds like Dell is determined to exceed them again.

By the way, you did managed to exceed my expectations in one area: Your open dialog on your blog about Dell and the possibility of offering Linux on desktops/mobile systems. The survey about Linux customer requets was welcome. And your follow-up was certainly timely.

I'm not here to bash Microsoft. But I am here to say the world wants alternatives. Good to hear Dell is listening.
- Joe Panettieri (The VAR Guyt)
techiqmag.com

Memo to Michael: 10 Ways Get Dell Back on Track

The blog's author is a Mac user who was previously a Dell customer. He strongly doubts that Apple would consider a partnership with Dell. Apple's brand is all about quality and the user experience. Dell's brand is all about high-volume sales and built-to-order. The two brands don't go together.