inspiron 14 without optical drive

Yes you do need it even if you never use it. It is essential for troubleshooting--system repair disk that acts as a boot disk, reinstalling windows from disk. If you didn't have it and need to install windows or another program from disk, you would need to buy an external drive. Disasters do happen. Think of it as an insurance policy. You also need to buy an external hard drive to store system images and backups.

Check the specs of the system you want to buy to see the available ports.  One year warranty is standard, but Dell would love to sell longer warranties. You can select what length and type of warranty when you customize your selection.

Most Inspiron 14s come with a vga port. The XPS 14 does not.

I don't want an optical drive either. Nor do I want to pay for Windows, as I have a licence already.

What is wrong with USB for disaster recovery? Sorry Mary, I don't agree with your analysis. USB slots will do the trick. If things get totally SNAFU-ed and USB does not work, pull the drive, connect it to a working computer with an external connector ($20 if you don't have the wires), and do your disaster recovery or reinstallation from there.

I know they sell optical drive bay replacements that house another hard drive. Does Dell not sell these?

I wish the option to get a laptop without Windows existed. A few years ago there was a big PR campaign about Dell selling laptops loaded with Ubuntu. Can't see that option anywhere, but would prefer not to pay *another* $100 for a Win7 licence. The OS is fine, but I already own it! Anybody know if there is customization beyond what the website offers? Could this be accomplished by ordering over the phone?

Dell and most OEM's only support the OS that is installed.   If you own a Retail version of windows 7 you can get WINDOWS support from Microsoft but hardware support will not be available.  You cannot buy windows on a USB flash drive like you can with MAC OS 10.7

If you choose NO OS then you will get ZERO support for any OS that you install.

Some Models do have Battery Bay or Hard Drive Bay for the Optical Drive but this is not Guaranteed across all models all years all lines.

UBUNTU and REDHAT and RHEL are not supported if they are not installed with the unit.

Support for Windows, Linux, etc is available but it is Not free.

To purchase a Dell pre-installed with Ubuntu, please contact your local Dell sales office.

Available machines are the Inspiron 1525 laptop and the Inspiron 530n desktop computer.

Dell is also continuing to sell its Ubuntu Linux-powered Mini 10 netbook and

a 15-inch mainstream Inspiron 15 laptop.

Dell still offers an ultra-thin laptop targeted at small businesses (Vostro V13) and a Latitude netbook (Latitude 2100).

These two both run the older Ubuntu 9.04 distribution.

Dell Red Hat Linux Solutions | Dell

Dell - Dell Linux - Community Web

Dell partners with Red Hat, Novell / SuSE, and Ubuntu

Canonical and Dell continue to work together to deliver the best machines running the best of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is now available in a wide range of configurations for a variety of use cases. For cloud computing see Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud on Dell Servers. For PC users whether at home or for business you can find links to various Dell online stores below.

The machines available vary by region:

• USA

• Canada

• UK, France, Germany, Spain

• Latin America

United States

Visit www.dell.com/ubuntu for a list of currently available products

Canada

Visit www.dell.ca to see the products available to Canadian customers

Ubuntu on Dell now available in the UK, Germany, France and Spain

To purchase Ubuntu on Dell in these countries follow the links below.

UK

www.dell.co.uk/ubuntu

France

www.dell.fr

Germany

www.dell.de/ubuntu

Spain

www.dell.es

Latin America

To purchase a Dell pre-installed with Ubuntu, please contact your local Dell sales office. Available machines are the Inspiron 1525 laptop and the Inspiron 530n desktop computer.

Certified Systems

Working closely with Dell's engineering team to pre-install Ubuntu, Canonical has fully tested and certified a range of notebook and desktop systems from Dell. These certified solutions are fully supported by the Canonical Support Hub based in North America, offering a choice of support options for your particular needs.

Support Offerings

A variety of on-line and professional support offerings are available for Ubuntu, from community forums through to professional support support services provided by Canonical.

On-line help forum

Ubuntu has an extensive and vibrant community who work through on-line forums to provide guidance and help for beginners and experts alike. For details, visit the help forum.

Canonical Support Packages direct from Dell

Dell has also arranged exclusive professional support options in conjunction with Canonical, the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu. Available at time of purchase of your Dell product, a variety of support options from Canonical that suit your particular needs, each offering support from 9AM to 9PM every business day from the Canonical Support Hub based in North America.

Starter Pack

To get you off to a great start this pack covers your first month. With support for all the issues from initial set-up to printer installation, right down to how to use the applications. Phone, E-mail and Web coverage will see your initial experience with Ubuntu a smooth one. Order exclusively direct from Dell at point of purchase.

Basic Pack

Ensuring you've got assistance whenever you need it, the basic pack provides annual coverage. We'll be there as you expand and grow your use of Ubuntu, with the reassurance of Ubuntu experts to turn to who can help you maximise your system usage. Order exclusively direct from Dell at point of purchase.

Standard Pack

The standard pack is an essential for the power user. Immediate access to Ubuntu experts means that you get the fastest resolution to any issue, with coverage of advanced networking and application use.

hi,

I am looking forward to buy a Dell laptop. Can anyone tell me the model number and price (In Indian Rupees)

Requirement in Dell laptop :

Processor : 2.5 Ghz

Ram : 2GB

HDD : 320 GB

Graphics : Integrated HD 3000 / Customised 1TB

Optical Drive : No optical pleaseeeee!!!! (Optical drive not reqired...wil be happy with USB Ports). Reason of not wanting to have a optical drive would reduce the weight of the laptop.In my opinion I think.

Other Specifications as standard.