I recently read that Dell, accidentally, had several computers listed on their website with unusual hardware features for security. Dell removed those listings and explained that it was part of a Special Catalog for the certain organizations of the US Government. Not for the general public.
I read that one of the things on the high security computers was that the Intel ME had been neutralized.
I started a Chat with Dell sales, who I thought would not say anything. I suggested Journalists needed these options, and mentioned that thousands in Chinese Jail for trying to inform on the powers in their country. The individual I was on the Chat with said he would refer my question to his supervisor, and asked what options I was looking for.
Besides disabling the Intel ME I said ECC RAM. I did not know, but Dell already sells business laptops that offer ECC RAM as a more expensive option.
What I would have added is that Dell needs to use an Open Source Firmware and verification that the computer had not been tampered with. He said TPM. I asked, is that the TPM 2 that was broken in half an hour.
Still, if Dell has already engineered the options that are needed, I would hope enough requests might cause them to add something to the Dell public Line that might be useful, although, not completely trusted by me.
This all pretty much ended when he asked who I was, and where did I work that I would need such a computer. I am retired, on Social Security (In the US, that is old persons pension). Said they would send me Email. I have been inundated with Dell standard offerings. I am poor enough that I will not buy a another computer.
Anyone want to make a request to Dell for the Options that are needed for good implementation for Qubes?
Anyone want to write a generic letter with the options which are required?
