andrewakid

If you preinstall Ubuntu, please change the colours to something fresher than that bright brown.

Linux submitted by cosh 05/16/07

That brown is gonna put a hellova lotta of people off. Put something bright and airy and fresh and modern on it instead.

Okay I know some people like that colour, but something more universal would be a better choice for the mass-market, maybe something Dell-themed. 27 Comments »

Nerd Discount + Support Option

Advertising and Marketing, Sales Strategies, Service and Support submitted by dino 05/16/07

If a customer scores high on an optional technical quiz reward them with a nerd discount. Since Dell will be saving all that money on not having to support this type of user. Also the service tag could be flagged with a nerd alert so the technician only has to answer the phone with, “Hello nerd what part do you need me to send.” 36 Comments »

Offer anti-static wrist straps as a product

Service and Support submitted by kirkktx 05/16/07

I upgraded the disk in my Dell laptop to a larger one. Instructions suggest using an anti-static wrist strap. Why doesn't Dell sell these ?

Given the difficulty in troubleshooting problems caused by static, you might be able to make the case that giving a free strap away with a disk drive would make business sense.

Whenever I buy an item where a strap is suggested for installation, it should be offered as an optional add-on item.

Thanks,

Kirk 3 Comments »

Batteries

Laptop Power submitted by sileq 05/16/07

I bought an Inspiron 6000 and after a year the battery stopped working. I went on line to order another battery and noticed comments from other customers who had the same problem. I called customer care and was told that these batteries that are selling for $159 before tax actually do only have a lifespan of only one year. I am astounded that this can be acceptable. Having paid over $800 for my laptop I am now expected to pay in excess of $160 a year for batteries? Is this some kind of joke? The customer representative went on to say that the longevity of the battery could be affected by my usage! I didn't know that I was limited to a certain amount of hours her day! Nor did I know or was told that I would be expected to buy a new battery every year. Needless to say buying a computor that is portable is incumbent on having a working battery and not being tied to a electrical socket. I am disgusted that this is considered acceptable. I will not buy a Dell product again. 4 Comments »

Online realtime pricing & ordering for server spare parts

Dell Web Site, Servers and Storage submitted by gfrank 05/16/07

You need a website for ordering server upgrades.

It's unbelievable that there is no way to get a price & check compatibility for server spare parts. This was confirmed in my customer care chat session. I tried ordering a 2nd processor and fan assembly for my PowerEdge 2800 server today and was given such a runaround. First an online chat session, then I had to make a phone call. No way to get a price from a site - it all has to be checked and replied by a human, with human timing.

And then I asked the guy on the phone what the price for a dual-core would be compared to a single core Xeon. He couldn't even tell me - there was no price list he had.

A terrible experience to say the least, and lost business for Dell. Comment »

Remove: "Dell recommends Windows Vista™..." from any publication

Advertising and Marketing submitted by tho.meier 02/21/07

It would be nice to see advertising without any Micro$oft, from Dell. I think there is enough advertising for MS from MS it self.

Somthing linke: "Dell supports muli-OS" would look good! Od: "Dell gives you the real choice" 61 Comments »

Service and Support Overhaul

Service and Support submitted by beamermt25 05/16/07

Ever since I placed my order with Dell 2 years ago, I have had nothing but problems with Dell Technical support. I personally consider myself an Advanced User when it comes to computers and technology, however every one I run into in chat or email treats me like I am a beginner. There should be some way to let the techs know that I'm not stupid. If i say my computer hard drive is dead, its dead! If my DVD player doesn't work, then it doesn't work. Yes I understand the need for troubleshooting, however, most of the time I am troubleshooted to such a degree as to make me feel stupid and it wastes my time. What could have taken an hour or two, takes a day or two and then you have to wait for shipping and techs and this and that. So the basis of my Idea, is to find ways to streamline and customize support options for your customers. Not every computer is built alike, and not everone buying them is the same either. 1 Comment »

Supply alternative to windows key.

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by pschulz01 05/16/07

If DELL can't provide keyboards with alternatives to the 'MS Windows' (and now 'MS Vista') keys that appear on DELL keyboards, it should be possible for end customers to buy replacement keys and replace them themselves (or at a service center/shop).

I am not running ANY Microsoft products, so I don't see why I should be promoting their company on my laptop(s).

It must be possible, as I have now purchased two identical 'DELL PRECISION M65's, both with Vista pre-installed. The first one had a MS Windows style key, the second had the MS Vista style key.

See also the ideas: 64165, 65474 3 Comments »

Now You Choose – Concept 1

Gaming, XPS products submitted by dell_admin1 04/25/07

Participate in the product design process! Dell is using IdeaStorm to decide between two new product design concepts. Vote on your favorite and weigh in to tell us what you think.

When we unveiled the XPS 710 H2C at CES this year, we also uncovered it. There were a limited number of systems sprinkled throughout the show floor that had a clear side panel allowing easy viewing of the patent-pending two-stage H2C liquid cooling system.

Since then, more than a few people have suggested we offer a “panel with a view” as an option for our XPS 710 line. Now we need you to vote for one of these two options and, most importantly, share some reasons why you like it.

This “Now You Choose” vote campaign will be open from Wednesday, April 25 to Friday, May 11. The design that gets the most votes will be featured in a future generation of XPS gaming desktops.

Removable wireless keyboard/mousepad for laptop computers

Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by dlipton 04/28/07

What if the keyboard on notebook and laptop computers were modular and could pop out and then communicate wirelessly with the computer? That way people could place their laptop anywhere and then place the keyboard on their lap. The same applies to the mouse, either as part of the keyboard or just as a separate component.

Another benefit is that broken keyboards could be replaced without ditching the whole computer. 4 Comments »

Treat Puerto Rico as part of the states

Service and Support submitted by arthau 04/28/07

Puerto Rico is treated as a foreign country even though it is part of the US.

Sales, service, product offerings for Puerto Rico are different from those offered for US based customers.

Other companies treat Puerto Rico as part of their US organization and are very successful.

2 Comments »

micro Flash drive memory on Mother Board

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by desmithnc 04/28/07

The Mother Board should incorporate a plug in, for a Micro Flash Drive of 4mb & up to be used as a boot drive. Have it located in an area that can be easy to reach, if there should be a need for replacment. 1 Comment »

3 button wheel mouse should be default for Linux/Opensource desktops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by monkeyboy 04/28/07

Suggest that a 3 button wheel mouse be the default offering on a Linux/Opensource
desktops. 2 button mice on Xwindows is inconvenient. Comment »

No need to offer anti-virus, Office and other Windows software when building an open source system with 'Build my Dell'

Software submitted by monkeyboy 04/28/07

Subject says it all. Doesn't make sense to offer Windows software when the machine
you are building won't be running Windows. Comment »

Make the laptop keyboard easy to clean

Laptops submitted by dlipton 04/28/07

The keyboards in laptops are extremely difficult to clean. If crumbs fall under or between the keys it can be tough to fish them out. What if there was a way to pop open the keyboard to easily vacuum out under the keys or, even better, if you could just throw the think in a sink to wash it out. 2 Comments »

Dell Robots

Linux, New Product Ideas submitted by kyliemanders 04/28/07

Create a series of Windows and Linux based programmable robots. 6 Comments »

Detachable laptop screen

Laptops submitted by ekoey 04/28/07

As a consultant, I spend many hours a day behind my Dell laptop at the customer's workplace. To improve the ergonomics of this situation, I have to carry around a separate (full-sized) keyboard and (foldable) laptop stand in order to position the keyboard and the screen at a more optimal distance and height.
Many of my colleagues are doing the same.
If the laptop screen would have been detachable, we would only need to bring along a standard for the screen.

My product proposal: make the laptop screen detachable (at the hinges) from the keyboard/computer, with a long enough cable to be able to place the screen on a standard (an integrated standard would be even better). 2 Comments »

Cheap plastic covers

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by dlipton 04/28/07

What if you could buy cheap plastic covers for your laptop that teenagers could easily paint, mark-up, cover in stickers, and generally customize without worrying about ruining their computer? If the covers were inexpensive and easy to swap then people would be more likely to customize their computer. Comment »

Offer XPS M1710 BluRay Kit

Gaming, XPS products submitted by muzicman82 04/28/07

I purchased an XPS M1710 notebook in early December 2006. Not two weeks later, Dell announces that the same model is available with a BluRay drive, and is nVidia PureVideo certified.

Granted, at the time of my purchase, this new hardware option was not in my budget... but what if I want to add it later? Do I spend another $3,200 on a new system of same model?

And so, my idea is simple. Offer upgrade packages that give recent or past purchases additional upgrades, preferably at a discounted price than just ordering the "spare parts".

For example, if I want this slim BluRay drive in my current system, you could offer that packaged with the current top of the line nVidia graphics card. Or perhaps bundle it with additional memory.

Many Dell customers including myself currently resort to online marketplaces such as eBay to find "after market" parts, or those we can't simply purchase from Dell directly.

While I am speaking for my own instance, upgrade kits for other systems and models would certainly be a huge benefit. 2 Comments »

Make a DELL OS X PC

Dell, Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by bassaf 03/08/07

Make a deal with Steve Jobs and have OS X installed on new Dell PCs with style and affordable price, so my father can actualy use a computer without being a systems engineer. 51 Comments »