[ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Hello, Just got myself one of the new Dell Inspiron 15 laptops (unfortunately with Vista - they no longer do the Ubuntu pre-installed 1525). Thought I'd let the list know that Intrepid runs out out the box with no problems (wireless, bluetooth, compiz etc all work without any configuration). I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Ha! I will be amazed if that is true! Jon On Wed 04/03/09 08:12 , Andrew Turner acturne...@gmail.com sent: I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Just found this in the EULA:- By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft’s refund policies. See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm. 2009/3/4 Jon Reynolds maill...@jcrdevelopments.com: Ha! I will be amazed if that is true! Jon On Wed 04/03/09 08:12 , Andrew Turner acturne...@gmail.com sent: I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Andrew Turner wrote: Just found this in the EULA:- By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft’s refund policies. See www.microsoft.com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call (800) MICROSOFT or see www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm. 2009/3/4 Jon Reynolds maill...@jcrdevelopments.com: Ha! I will be amazed if that is true! Jon On Wed 04/03/09 08:12 , Andrew Turner acturne...@gmail.com sent: I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ Heh cool reminds me of the hordes of Linux users who went and gave Microsoft a visit asking to be reimbursed for their unused copies of windows (should be on youtube somewhere). -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Well I will be very interested to see how you get on with this, if you follow it up. Jon On Wed 04/03/09 08:44 , Andrew Turner acturne...@gmail.com sent: Just found this in the EULA:- By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not acceptthem, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft’s refund policies. See www.microsoft. com/worldwide. In the United States and Canada, call(800) MICROSOFT or see www.m icrosoft.com/info/nareturns.htm. 2009/3/4 Jon Reynolds maill...@jcrdevelopments.com: Ha! I will be amazed if that is true! Jon On Wed 04/03/09 08:12 , Andrew Turner acturner u...@gmail.com sent: I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ub untu...@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ub untu...@lists.ubuntu.comhttps://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-ukhttps://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Jon Reynolds wrote: Well I will be very interested to see how you get on with this, if you follow it up. Yes, indeed, do let us know. You may have to go back to Microsoft, though: I've certainly seen reports that when people have tried to get refunds from PC or laptop makers/suppliers, they have sometimes been told that they bought a package that was clearly described as 'XYZ-laptop with Win XP installed', and as these were in fact the goods supplied they could not have a refund. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 mac wrote: Jon Reynolds wrote: Well I will be very interested to see how you get on with this, if you follow it up. Yes, indeed, do let us know. You may have to go back to Microsoft, though: I've certainly seen reports that when people have tried to get refunds from PC or laptop makers/suppliers, they have sometimes been told that they bought a package that was clearly described as 'XYZ-laptop with Win XP installed', and as these were in fact the goods supplied they could not have a refund. This is exactly what I got told for my HP laptop, and when I rang MS I got told it was HPs problem. Unless you have the time and patients to take this as far as possible and you document you removing XP etc. then unfortunately I doubt you are going to get far. Regards - -- Jason Liquorish - ja...@dropshock.com -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.4.9 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iEYEARECAAYFAkmuTrUACgkQXWcKKTdi7Qt49ACfV4AclgrWHvWqvlRP7VhHmS06 4sIAmwW2QQRWCw8Ki3G3M3qRWS86DVdB =l4JO -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 9:49 AM, Jason Liquorish ja...@dropshock.com wrote: This is exactly what I got told for my HP laptop, and when I rang MS I got told it was HPs problem. Unless you have the time and patients to take this as far as possible and you document you removing XP etc. then unfortunately I doubt you are going to get far. Do you need to provide a stethascope or something to prove you've patients, or what? ;-) Seriously, I wouldn't really bother to try to get a refund for OEM Windows as (generally) laptops or whatever with Windows installed seldom cost much more than those without... I would imagine that any refund would be minimal, and there's probably better things to do with your time. PCs have virtually become disposable entities these days. I have a friend who runs a PC repair shop and he's struggling because you can buy a new base unit for about £150 whereas putting in a new motherboard will probably cost £100 once you factor in labour -- it simply isn't worth repairing the things. When you've paid £1,000 for a PC it's worth it, if you've only paid £200 it just ain't. Deflation in the PC market is alarming. Laptops at £250 in Tesco, what's that about? Sean -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Jason Liquorish wrote: -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 mac wrote: Jon Reynolds wrote: Well I will be very interested to see how you get on with this, if you follow it up. Yes, indeed, do let us know. You may have to go back to Microsoft, though: I've certainly seen reports that when people have tried to get refunds from PC or laptop makers/suppliers, they have sometimes been told that they bought a package that was clearly described as 'XYZ-laptop with Win XP installed', and as these were in fact the goods supplied they could not have a refund. This is exactly what I got told for my HP laptop, and when I rang MS I got told it was HPs problem. Unless you have the time and patients to take this as far as possible and you document you removing XP etc. then unfortunately I doubt you are going to get far. I read something a while ago about someone trying to get a Windows refund on an Acer. They did it although it was a long winded process which required the owner to send the laptop back to the Acer repair centre so they could remove the licence sticker and confirm the hard drive was wiped. Not sure what the process is with Dells but I'm sure a google search will throw something up (although IIRC the refunds were only something like £30, in my case with my Acer I just kept Vista and I dual boot now - I could have dropped my notebook off to the repair centre which is about 30 miles away from me in Plymouth but I couldn't be bothered with the hassle). Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Sean Miller wrote: snip Deflation in the PC market is alarming. Laptops at £250 in Tesco, what's that about? Guess it's about the marginal cost per chip when you're producing n*10^6 chips, and the cost of labour in Malaysia? -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Andrew Turner wrote: Do you know if the EULA allows me to resell it? Good lord, no! It doesn't belong to you: it belongs to Steve Balmer; he's just letting you borrow it, and you musn't mess with it, copy it, sell it or breathe on it heavily! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Andrew Turner wrote: Do you know if the EULA allows me to resell it? Nope, unfortunately OEM Windows licences are tied to the machine. You'll often find that OEM keys on branded (i.e. Dell, IBM, Acer etc) machines don't work anyway when used with a normal Windows disc. The only versions of Windows (and Office for that matter) than you can re-sell these days are retail boxed copies. Microsoft's argument is that the OEM copies are tied to the machine which makes them more money (and is really annoying when a machine dies, you can't transfer the licence). Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Nope, unfortunately OEM Windows licences are tied to the machine. You'll often find that OEM keys on branded (i.e. Dell, IBM, Acer etc) machines don't work anyway when used with a normal Windows disc. In that case, is there an Ubuntu testing team that would be able to put it to good use? -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Headsets VOIP
On Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 12:55 AM, Jai Harrison j...@jaiharrison.com wrote: Hey, I'm interested in talking with a friend who uses Windows over the internet. I'm going to have to buy a headset and use a service that's available on Windows and GNU/Linux (I'm thinking Skype). I also need a headset that works with GNU/Linux fine so that I can talk to and hear the person on the other end. They live in Sweden so talking to them over the internet seems like the cheapest option (as the only cost is me buying the headset). Can anyone point me in the direction of a headset they've used with Ubuntu and provide me with any tips setting something like this up? Thanks, Jai Hey Jai If you are also thinking about video calling with skype, then this is my recommendation, a Logitech E3500 [1]. It is usb and has a built in microphone, plugged it in and it just worked in 8.10 :-) --Michael [1] http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/devices/4267cl=gb,en -- _ Michael Fletcher Visit my website here - http://www.mgfletcher.com/blog Interested in Linux? Then visit - http://www.ilovemylinux.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
2009/3/4 Andrew Turner acturne...@gmail.com: Nope, unfortunately OEM Windows licences are tied to the machine. You'll often find that OEM keys on branded (i.e. Dell, IBM, Acer etc) machines don't work anyway when used with a normal Windows disc. In that case, is there an Ubuntu testing team that would be able to put it to good use? You could use it yourself for testing. For example tools like wubi (windows ubuntu installer) and the live installer which allows migration of data from Windows partitions to Linux partitions could all do with testing :) Cheers, Al. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
You could use it yourself for testing. For example tools like wubi (windows ubuntu installer) and the live installer which allows migration of data from Windows partitions to Linux partitions could all do with testing :) That's true. If the OEM version of Vista is tied into a particular set of hardware, can I run it in a virtual machine? I don't want to dual boot this shiny new machine ;) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] Fwd: [InterLUG] Global Linux Meeting March 7 Sat BerkeleyTIP -Global - For Forwarding
May be of interest to some of you.. -- Forwarded message -- From: john_re john...@fastmail.us Date: 2009/3/4 Subject: [InterLUG] Global Linux Meeting March 7 Sat BerkeleyTIP -Global - For Forwarding To: inter...@mhvlug.org Join with us individually, or use this meeting as a resource for your local group - Create a local simultaneous meeting. IF you create a local meeting, THEN email the BTIP Global list tell us about your meeting. :) Ekiga(Gnome meeting), Asterisk, Xen, Virtualbox, Debian 15 Years, Free and Open Future, Amarok, ZFS, FreeBSD, Python, OLPC = SCHEDULE Schedule: All times Pacific Std Time = GMT -8H ex: 10A PST = 1P Eastern ST 10 A Begin: Set up. Get on IRC VOIP 11 A Ekiga3 talk LIVE INSTALLFEST begin 12 N Asterisk, OLPC; PROGRAMMING PARTY: VOIP Conference client server 1 P Xen, Virtualbox; GNOME 2 P KDE – GUI; Macintosh 3 P Debian; BSD; College University groups 4 P Free Open Future; Culture; Hardware 5 P LIGHTNING TALKS Python; INetWebDev; Local Simultaneous Meetings Arrangements = PHYSICAL LOCATION: UC Berkeley FREE SPEECH CAFE At Moffitt Undergrad Library. http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8t=hll=37.872558,-122.260795spn=0.001776,0.002529z=19 http://sites.google.com/site/berkeleytip/directions BART: Berkeley Downtown Station. Caltrain: Berkeley Station, bus up University to campus. Car: 880 Freeway, University Exit. = IRC VOIP Join IRC freenode.net #berkeleytip, we'll help you get on VOIP http://sites.google.com/site/berkeleytip/remote-attendance = Come to the: Great global meeting planned for this Saturday! :) Yes! You can join in with the friendly global BTIP people - get a headset join the VOIP conference, from home, or wherever. Hey - invite your friends over you can haz parte. ;) Be the first in your state - or country - to join in. Since Chaitanya joined from India in February, we have now officially moved up to global. :) BerkeleyTIP - Global Monthly GNU(Linux), BSD All Free SW HW Culture meeting. Talks, Installfest, Potluck ProgrammingParty Educational, Productive, Social http://sites.google.com/site/berkeleytip/ = TALKS: 11A LIVE, - DOWNLOAD WATCH VIDEOS BEFORE Ekiga 3 on KUbuntu 8.04 - Chaitanya Mehandru, LIVE 11AM PST = GMT -8H Asterisk Free Software Telephone System - Paul Charles Leddy, NYLUG-08 Xen Virtualization - Ian Pratt, FOSDEM-08 Virtualbox, Achim Hasenmueller, FOSDEM-08 Debian, Bdale Garbee, FOSDEM-09 Free and Open Future - Mark Surman, FOSDEM-09 Amarok v2 - Akademy-08 Debian: 15 Years and Counting - Steve McIntyre, Debconf-08 - Keynote ZFS for FreeBSD - Pawel Jakub Dawidek, MeetBSD-08 Python on the OLPC laptop - Ed Cherlin, BayPIGgies-08 Links to the videos more info here: http://sites.google.com/site/berkeleytip/talk-videos Suggestion: Download watch the videos _you_ are interested in _before_ the meeting, so you can spend the scheduled topic time _discussing_ that talk. All the talk/video speakers are invited to join in for QA discussion. [Please pass that word on to the speakers, because I probably wont have time to notify them individually.] Thanks to all the speakerz, videographerz, sponsoring groupiez. :) doubble plus big thanks to David Fox, r noo talk/vid finder/scheduler. :) == LIGHTNING TALKS - 5PM - Sign up anytime. = PROGRAMMING PARTY: 1) Help get Ekiga 3 compiled, running packaged for KUbuntu8.04 2) Help get a local Asterisk VOIP conference server working. 3) Whatever _you_ are interested in - Email the list inviting us to join on your project. :) = PEOPLE ARE TALKING: Chris said: the meeting went very well for Feb. 7. Windsor said: I am interested in Jack's idea of focusing a group on promotion of Linux as a desktop operating system and targeting perspective Linux users. I'm enthusiastic about doing something to this effect, like hosting an install night, standing in Sproul Plaza near a card table, etc.. David said: the USB headset I ordered and will pick up at the post office tomorrow - Markt9 (from virtual lug) told me that it was a very nice one. I can't wait until I get the chance to try it live. Windsor says: I posted some guidelines for people editing the web page. Also, (and I'm not trying to be a kill-joy) I think the smilies should be left in IRC and private e-mails. Every time I see one on the site I think of myspace.com or icanhazcheeseburger.com. john_re says: Thanks for the tipz, everyone. - I'll keep 'em in mind. ;) ps: more doubbble pluz big thanks to Windsor, for the new website design. :) [Someone, call the doctor, got a case of love bipolar. Staccato, roller coaster, can't get off this rde.] http://equine-ranch.com/horseinfo.php?horseid=240482 = JOIN THE MAILING LIST say Hi, where you're from, what you're interested in, whatever project you invite others to join in on. http://groups.google.com/group/BerkTIPGlobal Click Join
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
2009/3/4 Andrew Turner acturne...@gmail.com: You could use it yourself for testing. For example tools like wubi (windows ubuntu installer) and the live installer which allows migration of data from Windows partitions to Linux partitions could all do with testing :) That's true. If the OEM version of Vista is tied into a particular set of hardware, can I run it in a virtual machine? I don't want to dual boot this shiny new machine ;) I don't own any machines that have an OEM Vista license so I don't know. Cheers, Al. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
On 04/03/2009 13:31, Andrew Turner wrote: You could use it yourself for testing. For example tools like wubi (windows ubuntu installer) and the live installer which allows migration of data from Windows partitions to Linux partitions could all do with testing :) That's true. If the OEM version of Vista is tied into a particular set of hardware, can I run it in a virtual machine? I don't want to dual boot this shiny new machine ;) Nope, chances are it'll detect that it's not the right hardware and ask to activate. You *MAY* be able to convince Microsoft to give you a valid key (I'm not sure what their policy of virtualisation of the OS on the original machine is) but I wouldn't hold my breath. By all means, give it a try, if anything you'd get 30 days grace anyway to be able to do any testing before the activation is forced. Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Free PDF of latest Linux Format magazine
It's OK Sean, I did the same! A day before this email, too. -- Simon Wears munkyju...@gmail.com | http://MunkyJunky.com MunkyJunky on irc.freenode.net -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
On 04/03/2009 13:31, Andrew Turner wrote: That's true. If the OEM version of Vista is tied into a particular set of hardware, can I run it in a virtual machine? I don't want to dual boot this shiny new machine ;) I'm pretty sure that is explicitly forbidden in the EULA. Not 100% though. -- Josh Holland j...@joshh.co.uk -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
2009/3/4 Josh Holland j...@joshh.co.uk: On 04/03/2009 13:31, Andrew Turner wrote: That's true. If the OEM version of Vista is tied into a particular set of hardware, can I run it in a virtual machine? I don't want to dual boot this shiny new machine ;) I'm pretty sure that is explicitly forbidden in the EULA. Not 100% though. Seriously, does anyone really care? Most licence agreements are completely unenforceable and not binding contracts anyway. OK, so, take your copy, crack it, duplicate it start selling it on eBay, you are possibly going to get your collar felt. But take your own copy which you've bought and run it on your own machine but not on the bare metal? Who will know, who will care? You're not doing anything illegal or breaking any laws! Myself, for use in VMs, I used to recommend TinyXP (hunt for it on the torrent search engines, e.g. IsoHunt) - but it's run into problems with Windows Genuine Authentication now. Shame, because it was very handy. -- Liam Proven • Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/liamproven Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk • GMail/GoogleTalk/Orkut: lpro...@gmail.com Tel: +44 20-8685-0498 • Cell: +44 7939-087884 • Fax: + 44 870-9151419 AOL/AIM/iChat, Yahoo Skype: liamproven MSN: lpro...@hotmail.com • ICQ: 73187508 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
I bought an inspiron 6400 with ubuntu preloaded back in the ubuntu feisty days (about 1.5 years ago). I'm afraid I'm gonna have to agree - their build quality is poor, as is their support. I'm not going to deny that my laptop does take a bit of a beating being carried to and from school every day, but this is a bit ridiculous: the left speaker doesnt work, I've had to replace the keyboard after several keys stopped working, the clip at the top of the screen jams, the screen's hinges wobble, the CD drive keeps falling out, the xD card reader doesnt work, the power cable fell apart (had to buy a new one), the hard drive failed once - devouring my maths coursework (luckily i had an only slightly out of date backup), the battery's at 63% and falling of its nominal capacity (55.3 Wh compared to the 86.6 Wh that i payed for), the bluetooth doesnt work, the carry bag's disintegrated, and the heatsink has a kinder bueno wrapper in it. Ok maybe the last one's my fault, but you get the idea When i phoned customer suppeort for a replacement hard drive, i think i spent a total of about an hour on hold, and got sent from department to department... ubuntu support, hardware support, ubuntu support again, back to hardware support, please hold, ubuntu support... etc etc Eventually the replacement hard drive came, in a cardboard box sandwiched between two bits of foam. Good thing i'm a techie sort of person. I know a lot of people who, if they were given a hard drive in a box, wouldnt have a clue what to do with it. Perhaps thats because its an ubuntu laptop? The idea that all linux users know how to replace a hard drive, upgrade ram, reformat a disk or whatever needs to stop if linux is to be accepted by the wider community, and not just geeks. 2009/3/4 David King linux...@avoura.com: It is a real shame that Dell no longer sell the 1525 with Ubuntu. I bought one for a friend and she loves it. Now it is either a mini laptop or a much more powerful one, with the mini one being about the same price as the old 1525. Also, off topic, why has Dell gone all American on their UK site, putting lots of weights of laptops in lbs? Everywhere else vendors are describing theirs in kilograms. I doubt if I will ever buy a Dell laptop again. David King Andrew Turner wrote: Hello, Just got myself one of the new Dell Inspiron 15 laptops (unfortunately with Vista - they no longer do the Ubuntu pre-installed 1525). Thought I'd let the list know that Intrepid runs out out the box with no problems (wireless, bluetooth, compiz etc all work without any configuration). I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Wow that's had a beating! Also the UK hasn't conformed to the EU metric system - 'we' still use imperial measurments. Dell build quality is awful. The repair shop I work at gets more Dell PCs than anything. I haven't dealt with support yet, thank God! James On 4 Mar 2009, at 22:49, Alec Wright ale...@gmail.com wrote: I bought an inspiron 6400 with ubuntu preloaded back in the ubuntu feisty days (about 1.5 years ago). I'm afraid I'm gonna have to agree - their build quality is poor, as is their support. I'm not going to deny that my laptop does take a bit of a beating being carried to and from school every day, but this is a bit ridiculous: the left speaker doesnt work, I've had to replace the keyboard after several keys stopped working, the clip at the top of the screen jams, the screen's hinges wobble, the CD drive keeps falling out, the xD card reader doesnt work, the power cable fell apart (had to buy a new one), the hard drive failed once - devouring my maths coursework (luckily i had an only slightly out of date backup), the battery's at 63% and falling of its nominal capacity (55.3 Wh compared to the 86.6 Wh that i payed for), the bluetooth doesnt work, the carry bag's disintegrated, and the heatsink has a kinder bueno wrapper in it. Ok maybe the last one's my fault, but you get the idea When i phoned customer suppeort for a replacement hard drive, i think i spent a total of about an hour on hold, and got sent from department to department... ubuntu support, hardware support, ubuntu support again, back to hardware support, please hold, ubuntu support... etc etc Eventually the replacement hard drive came, in a cardboard box sandwiched between two bits of foam. Good thing i'm a techie sort of person. I know a lot of people who, if they were given a hard drive in a box, wouldnt have a clue what to do with it. Perhaps thats because its an ubuntu laptop? The idea that all linux users know how to replace a hard drive, upgrade ram, reformat a disk or whatever needs to stop if linux is to be accepted by the wider community, and not just geeks. 2009/3/4 David King linux...@avoura.com: It is a real shame that Dell no longer sell the 1525 with Ubuntu. I bought one for a friend and she loves it. Now it is either a mini laptop or a much more powerful one, with the mini one being about the same price as the old 1525. Also, off topic, why has Dell gone all American on their UK site, putting lots of weights of laptops in lbs? Everywhere else vendors are describing theirs in kilograms. I doubt if I will ever buy a Dell laptop again. David King Andrew Turner wrote: Hello, Just got myself one of the new Dell Inspiron 15 laptops (unfortunately with Vista - they no longer do the Ubuntu pre-installed 1525). Thought I'd let the list know that Intrepid runs out out the box with no problems (wireless, bluetooth, compiz etc all work without any configuration). I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] Learning Ubuntu....
I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but I was just wondering, are there any websites or books that are Ubuntu specific, that are easy to read and understand. I want to try using my Terminal more, and I think I'm now ready to start learning. Thank you. John -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 10:54 PM, James Milligan lak...@lake54.com wrote: Wow that's had a beating! Also the UK hasn't conformed to the EU metric system - 'we' still use imperial measurments. Dell build quality is awful. The repair shop I work at gets more Dell PCs than anything. I haven't dealt with support yet, thank God! James On 4 Mar 2009, at 22:49, Alec Wright ale...@gmail.com wrote: I bought an inspiron 6400 with ubuntu preloaded back in the ubuntu feisty days (about 1.5 years ago). I'm afraid I'm gonna have to agree - their build quality is poor, as is their support. I'm not going to deny that my laptop does take a bit of a beating being carried to and from school every day, but this is a bit ridiculous: the left speaker doesnt work, I've had to replace the keyboard after several keys stopped working, the clip at the top of the screen jams, the screen's hinges wobble, the CD drive keeps falling out, the xD card reader doesnt work, the power cable fell apart (had to buy a new one), the hard drive failed once - devouring my maths coursework (luckily i had an only slightly out of date backup), the battery's at 63% and falling of its nominal capacity (55.3 Wh compared to the 86.6 Wh that i payed for), the bluetooth doesnt work, the carry bag's disintegrated, and the heatsink has a kinder bueno wrapper in it. Ok maybe the last one's my fault, but you get the idea When i phoned customer suppeort for a replacement hard drive, i think i spent a total of about an hour on hold, and got sent from department to department... ubuntu support, hardware support, ubuntu support again, back to hardware support, please hold, ubuntu support... etc etc Eventually the replacement hard drive came, in a cardboard box sandwiched between two bits of foam. Good thing i'm a techie sort of person. I know a lot of people who, if they were given a hard drive in a box, wouldnt have a clue what to do with it. Perhaps thats because its an ubuntu laptop? The idea that all linux users know how to replace a hard drive, upgrade ram, reformat a disk or whatever needs to stop if linux is to be accepted by the wider community, and not just geeks. 2009/3/4 David King linux...@avoura.com: It is a real shame that Dell no longer sell the 1525 with Ubuntu. I bought one for a friend and she loves it. Now it is either a mini laptop or a much more powerful one, with the mini one being about the same price as the old 1525. Also, off topic, why has Dell gone all American on their UK site, putting lots of weights of laptops in lbs? Everywhere else vendors are describing theirs in kilograms. I doubt if I will ever buy a Dell laptop again. David King Andrew Turner wrote: Hello, Just got myself one of the new Dell Inspiron 15 laptops (unfortunately with Vista - they no longer do the Ubuntu pre-installed 1525). Thought I'd let the list know that Intrepid runs out out the box with no problems (wireless, bluetooth, compiz etc all work without any configuration). I seem to remember a thread a while back about getting a refund from Microsoft for unwanted OEM copies of Windows - can anyone enlighten me? Andrew -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ Dell build has improved recently, apart from the odd cockup. I have a vostro 1400 that I have had for quite a while now, compared to the 640m I had before (Smaller inspiron 6400), it is much better. The base feels like a thick metal, and the plastic top is pretty sturdy. The only issue that I have had, shared with pretty much every dell I had, the keys go shiny far too quickly. Dell's business support is good in my experience, I have never used the consumer support though. The build still isn't quite as good as my thinkpad, but isn't that far off, and certainly better than many. Mj. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Learning Ubuntu....
There are books on Ubuntu (such as Ubuntu Kung Fu, and I think there's Ubuntu For Dummies) available in book shops. I've only seen them in the (for lack of a better term) BIG Waterstones - in particular the one in Manchester city center. If your looking for a dead-tree type of thing, I suggest having a look in your local bookshops for one on the shelf, and having a flick through to see if they have what you want. I'll take a guess (since I haven't read them) that these kind of books arn't CLI orientated books though, as they're aimed towards beginners who need to know GUI stuff too. Not too sure about websites. The way I learnt was to start using Terminal for things such as installing programs with apt-get, or dpkg,and unpacking archives etc., and whenever I did something I would look for a way to do it in the CLI. I've managed to pick up a few things doing only that, and it's given me a basic understanding of how terminal works. You could always try things that way (or if your system can run a virtual machine of Ubuntu, you may want to do it in there so as not to break anything accidentally!). Hope that helps a little! -- Simon Wears munkyju...@gmail.com | http://MunkyJunky.com MunkyJunky on irc.freenode.net -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
2009/3/4 Matt Jones m...@mattjones.me.uk: On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 10:54 PM, James Milligan lak...@lake54.com wrote: Wow that's had a beating! You're not wrong there! :-o I do think that apart from the benefits of SSDs in laptops, once the price:capacity ratio is a bit better, that there is a market for armoured laptops. Not as massive as the full-spec Panasonic Toughbooks, like these ones: http://sterlingxs.co.uk/scpages/panasonictoughbooklaptopcf27.html ... But a slightly less mil-spec but still tougher-than-average one. Laptops are taking more more of the PC market they tend to lead very hard lives. Just something a bit more like the executive Toughbooks: http://www.microanvika.com/product.asp?PNO=PAN14402 indeed all these: http://www.microanvika.com/search.asp?keywords=toughbook Look more or less like a standard notebook PC, but can take being dropped, hit, liquid spills, closed with objects inside and so on. -- Liam Proven • Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/liamproven Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk • GMail/GoogleTalk/Orkut: lpro...@gmail.com Tel: +44 20-8685-0498 • Cell: +44 7939-087884 • Fax: + 44 870-9151419 AOL/AIM/iChat, Yahoo Skype: liamproven MSN: lpro...@hotmail.com • ICQ: 73187508 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
2009/3/4 Matt Jones m...@mattjones.me.uk: Dell build has improved recently, apart from the odd cockup. I have a vostro 1400 that I have had for quite a while now, I thought the Vostro range were quite recent? So it can't be /that/ old. The build still isn't quite as good as my thinkpad, but isn't that far off, and certainly better than many. Well that's what I was going to compare it with. I'm on my 3rd Thinkpad now. #1 was a 701C, the famous Butterfly model with the folding keyboard. 486DX75, 40MB RAM. Apart from me stupidly storing it with batteries fitted, so that they rotted corroded its contacts, it is still perfectly intact, after a long, hard and heavy life - I got it 2nd hand and it was my main laptop for about 4-5 years. That was 8-9yr ago. Too many manufacturers do stupid things, like screen hinges screwed into the plastic lid, rather than a metal frame. Apple are better than most and even they don't age anywhere near as well as Thinkpads. A laptop need not be build of unobtainium and cost £4K to be robust - it just needs a bit of thought at the design stage and slightly better choice of parts. At the end of the day, if it costs £50 or £100 more but doesn't require a few hundred quid's worth of spares over its life, it's a better deal. -- Liam Proven • Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/liamproven Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk • GMail/GoogleTalk/Orkut: lpro...@gmail.com Tel: +44 20-8685-0498 • Cell: +44 7939-087884 • Fax: + 44 870-9151419 AOL/AIM/iChat, Yahoo Skype: liamproven MSN: lpro...@hotmail.com • ICQ: 73187508 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Learning Ubuntu....
Hi There is a Unbuntu Linux for dummies that been wrote with 8.04 in mind however try to download unbuntu pocket guide it free, I can't think of top my head where I got it from I am still learning so enjoy and get to a LUG group with question wrote down and fire it at them or go to unbuntu irc and do same there! Simon Wears wrote: There are books on Ubuntu (such as Ubuntu Kung Fu, and I think there's Ubuntu For Dummies) available in book shops. I've only seen them in the (for lack of a better term) BIG Waterstones - in particular the one in Manchester city center. If your looking for a dead-tree type of thing, I suggest having a look in your local bookshops for one on the shelf, and having a flick through to see if they have what you want. I'll take a guess (since I haven't read them) that these kind of books arn't CLI orientated books though, as they're aimed towards beginners who need to know GUI stuff too. Not too sure about websites. The way I learnt was to start using Terminal for things such as installing programs with apt-get, or dpkg,and unpacking archives etc., and whenever I did something I would look for a way to do it in the CLI. I've managed to pick up a few things doing only that, and it's given me a basic understanding of how terminal works. You could always try things that way (or if your system can run a virtual machine of Ubuntu, you may want to do it in there so as not to break anything accidentally!). Hope that helps a little! -- Simon Wears munkyju...@gmail.com | http://MunkyJunky.com MunkyJunky on irc.freenode.net http://irc.freenode.net -- 15 Stanley Place, Lancaster, LA1 5PN rik_bol...@btinternet.com - 07866439588 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
Dell build has improved recently, apart from the odd cockup. I have a vostro 1400 that I have had for quite a while now, As I said in my original post, the build quality of my new Inspiron 15 is very good. Admittedly I've only had it 2 days, but it feels very solid. Unlike my old Evesham, on which everything wobbled from day one. Mind you, it did run Gentoo for two years without suffering any compiling-induced hardware problems ;) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop
On Wed, 2009-03-04 at 22:49 +, Alec Wright wrote: I bought an inspiron 6400 with ubuntu preloaded back in the ubuntu feisty days (about 1.5 years ago). I'm afraid I'm gonna have to agree - their build quality is poor, as is their support. I'm not going to deny that my laptop does take a bit of a beating being carried to and from school every day, but this is a bit ridiculous: the left speaker doesnt work, I've had to replace the keyboard after several keys stopped working, the clip at the top of the screen jams, the screen's hinges wobble, the CD drive keeps falling out, the xD card reader doesnt work, the power cable fell apart (had to buy a new one), the hard drive failed once - devouring my maths coursework (luckily i had an only slightly out of date backup), the battery's at 63% and falling of its nominal capacity (55.3 Wh compared to the 86.6 Wh that i payed for), the bluetooth doesnt work, the carry bag's disintegrated, and the heatsink has a kinder bueno wrapper in it. Ok maybe the last one's my fault, but you get the idea I have had one of those since they came out and it's still fine. Mine was a bit more of a base model, no bluetooth and so on, but the only problem I've had was a HD failure, and that was a HD I bought to upgrade the one that it came with. (Oh yeah, and I no longer have an x key, but that's because I took it off to get something out from under it and broke the little metal clips that hold the key in) I do agree that the build quality isn't as good as a Thinkpad, you just have to treat them that little bit more respectful. I got a laptop backpack to carry mine in, and it's suffered no damage at all being carted around the country, back and forth into Uni and so on. Oh, and the battery in mine is now saying Capacity 79% (Fair) which is 68.9 Wh instead of 86.6 Wh. But I expect that kind of degredation from a laptop battery of this size anyway. Come a year or so when that drops a bit more it'll probably be new computer time anyway. -Matt Daubney -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
