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360

create notebooks with integrated microphone

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by siger May 22 **IMPLEMENTED**

as there are integrated webcams on notebooks, whyn not creating integrated microphones, for Skype Use, or podcasts creation, msn chat, ...?


Please see chris_b's comment
12 Comments »

25130

Linux Hardware Compatibility List

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by s3indiana 02/20/07 **IN PROGRESS**

Create a listing of Dell hardware that's compatible with the major Linux distributions (Fedora, OpenSuse, ubuntu, Freespire) providing compatibility with not just systems (desktops and laptops) but include peripherals (printers, camera's, flash drives, compatible routers, etc.). Include levels of compatibility so the reviewer can make an educated choice. This would provide the greatest assistance for those looking at alternatives...

We're working to add something like this to our linux.dell.com wiki. Click here to see what john_h has to say.





30 Comments »

86070

No OS Preloaded

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by agreer 02/17/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I have a XP Pro retail copy, will soon buy retail vista, I also like Linux: Make WINDOWS-FREE, and OS-Free an option for more than just expensive business lines.


Dell has systems available that do not have an OS pre-loaded called N-Series line. You can check them out at www.dell.com/nseries.

459 Comments »

270

Pictures in Parts for your Dell for Spare Parts

Service and Support submitted by daryldeal May 13

There should be pictures of spare parts in the Parts for your Dell. Not just a big picture of a refurbished sign. 1 Comment »

12540

Tell us what WiFi chipset a laptop has.

Broadband and Mobility, Dell Web Site, Linux, Laptops submitted by tonyb2006 08/29/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Tell us the WiFi chipset used in a laptop before we buy it so we know if the WiFi chipset supports a feature we want, or if it supports Linux or another operating system that we intend to use. The WiFi chipset being like "Intel ipw2200" or "Broadcom BCM4306", or "Ralink rt2500".







19 Comments »

11190

Make XP/Linux drivers available for all model even if only Vista is pre-installed

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Operating Systems submitted by vineets001 09/24/07 **REVIEWED**

There are good hardware models coming out. And only Vista is pre-install option. If people want to wipe off Vista and install XP or Linux, let them do that. Make a commitment to have the drivers available.


We're working on having drivers for the hardware we ship more widely available. Click here to learn more from john_h.





29 Comments »

260

M1730 More USB Slots on the back.

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), XPS products submitted by stormrider451 May 17

Hello there..

I currently own a M1730 and I think this computer is lacking in the USB department. It does have a total of four USB slots (one in back, two on the right and one in the left). But, I think one in the back is too little. Even my Inspiron E1405 has two USB slots on the back. I think the M1730 should have at least two slots in the back because this computer serves as a Desktop replacement for many people. And due to its relative lack of mobility, it usually stays put on the desk (as in my case). Therefore, the printer will be connected, and many other things will be connected to this computer at all times like a desktop usually is. Therefore, once that back USB is taken up by the printer, any other cabled device will have to go right on the side which looks aweful, the less cables you see plugged into your computer, the better.
So, I speak out of my own experience that the DELL should have at least 2, 3 or even 4 in the back. It ends up looking so ugly with the cables being plugged in the sides. 5 Comments »

1560

Order linux on Dell from any part of world

Linux, Laptops submitted by zigcatus Apr 11

Dell Can Australia have a Ubuntu OS Laptop

Why not let any one in any part of the world order ubuntu operating system on a Dell laptop we in Australia seem to be out of luck with no listing on the Australian Dell website that give us a linux OS link. Orders are made online I think we would wait the little bit more time if a ubuntu Dell laptop has to come from US or UK just get the power supply right for Australia that all, not that hard you think. And go for the Apple power plug it just a great idea smart and simple.

Allan 6 Comments »

600

Lower the price on your LED backlit screens.

Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by jervis961 May 24

Currently Dell charges $150 to upgrade a notebook to a LED backlit screen. A recent article shows the price difference between the two technologies is only about $8 now. http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4424

I know there are additional costs for Dell to build the thinner casing to hold the LED but I don't see plastic costing $100 (leaving $42 for profit). I expect that Dell could drop the cost by $50 to $75 easily which would drive sales and continue to drop the cost of the technology. 4 Comments »

480

Don't cave in to the RIAA

Service and Support submitted by jcm337 May 20

Here is an abbreviated version of what I will be sending to my regular blogs and podcasts (edited to fit their formats and typical areas of discussion) regarding the burdensom nature of what happens when a company like Dell listens to groups like the RIAA over its own customers. I would like to mention up front that overall I am very happy with my Dell experience so far, but may not stick with them if I see this sort of thing happen regularly.

" I used to rip streams (legally from NPR for class projects with proper citation) on my old XP machine and recently needed to do something similar on my new Dell laptop. My laptop didn't seem to have a stereo mix feature, but I knew the hardware supported it so I read through several forums where people (mainly musicians) needed that feature. After searching around, it seems that Dell had distributed drivers that intentionally disabled this feature. There was alot of talk online about how this was under pressure from the record industry to close the loophole allowing stream ripping of Internet music. I'm not sure about the truth of this, but it seems plausible considering the hardware still has this capability and it was once a very common and useful feature. Fortunately, armed with knowledge of the issue from the forums, I was able to get a support person from Dell to work with me to fix it (sort of). Apparently enough people had complained about the lack of a stereo mixer function that they released a set of drivers for an older computer that enabled this feature and I was able to apply it to my sound card by running it in compatibility mode. But wouldn't it be nice if they simply hadn't disabled the features in the first pace?

p.s. An hour and twenty minutes on the phone with tech support usually leaves me pretty unhappy, but those Dell XPS support people really know their stuff and I ended the phone call feeling pretty good about the whole thing."


In short, Dell really shouldn't lock out functionality and force it's own customers to spend hours working out rediculous hacks to appease corporate groups seeking to protect their own pocketbooks. It perpetuates a culture of ownership that is far and above what is expected in a typical capitalistic society of which I am a proud member. To criple hardware at the driver level, removing useful and legitimate features despite customer protest is unconscionable. 1 Comment »

500

21 Day Return policy extended if you have an issue when you recieve your computer.

Service and Support submitted by lvl3catastrophe May 24

Ok I received my computer and it immediately started having a problem where it would just restart when I was multi-tasking. I tried to use the tech support because I like the computer just wanted the problem fixed. After weeks of troubleshooting I was no where and the tech wanted me to format the HD and reinstall windows for the third time. I knew it had to be an hard ware issue but most foreign tech reps DON'T LISTEN and stink at trouble shooting. I was very angry I just wanted it fixed but didn't have the time to sit on the phone with a tech rep for hours and get no actual trouble shooting. So I wanted to return the computer but it was the 23rd day from the SHIP date I didn't have the computer for 21 days yet but it was counted from the ship date so I was stuck. There should be an extension on the 21 day return policy and your warranty if you have an existing problem that is documented during the period of the policy.
(On a side note just had the motherboard replaced and the computer seems to be working fine) 3 Comments »

84417

Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware

Linux submitted by gergnz 02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**

I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.




186 Comments »

450

Power Cable

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptop Power submitted by mbhmirc May 19

Make both cables on laptop PSU's replaceable. It' costs around £90 to replace a power unit when the cable at the laptop end becomes damaged. Making both ends detachable will allow for the cable to be replaced instead of the whole unit. 4 Comments »

120784

No Extra Software Option

Software submitted by ootleman 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Would love the ability to have a clean Vista install. No AOL software, no earthlink software, no google software - just a clean, original OS.


Check out jeremy_f's update on our current software options.


591 Comments »

2380

Optical mice only please

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by falbert May 22

How come we can still get in 2008 mechanical mice. Come on guys, in 2008 there should be only optical mice available. Also please make it clear on the web site what people are purchasing. 26 Comments »

670

Standardize Laptop Hard Drives - banish these connectors

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by georgecoffey May 20

I wanted to upgrade my hard drive as it had a second Hard Drive Bay. When I purchased a new hard drive from a local PC Store, it wouldn't go into my new laptop. I had previously checked that it was a SATA HDD and Laptop. However, when I took out my system Drive(the one that came originally), I did notice a little connector was on it.

I went to my local PC store again to see if they could provide me with the connector, but they said go to the PC Manufacturer. So I contacted Dell, and they said you should have bought it off Dell meaning I would have to spend €300 at least on a very expensive hard drive. Whereas in a PC Store you'd get them, for far less. However, I don't understand how PC Stores can sell Laptop Hard Drives without this connector. My idea is to standardize Laptop Hard Drives without this connector cause if a newbie to PCs, wanted to upgrade their hard drives and found that they couldn't it would be a complete waste of money.

I'm beginning to wonder are Dell the only company that have these connectors the fact that the PC Store didn't have any knowledge on them. 13 Comments »

1290

Cut the cost of a 9-cell battery upgrade

Sales Strategies, Laptop Power submitted by ccpljat May 6

Yes a 9-cell is more powerful and lasts longer, but $169? Come on. It can't be that much. Cut down the price to honestly reflect the difference. I mean good grief, you can buy a 9-cell replacement for an Inspiron 1720 for $154! An upgrade is always supposed to be less.

FIX IT, DELL!!!! 9 Comments »

21630

Make Linux and no Operating system standard options on all future products

Operating Systems submitted by jervis961 08/17/07 **REVIEWED**

OK Dell you have committed to supplying Linux options in limited form. Since you have laid the groundwork already here is the next step. Every new product you release that needs an Operating system should have Linux and also no Operating System as an option in the configuration along side Windows. Since you have to write drivers and test compatability for Vista when making a new product just make it compatable with Linux at the same time. There will no longer be a need for a seperate sections for Linux or no Operating system since all of the products will have the option. this will help make your site easier to navigate for you customers. You can also create an ACCURATE help me choose section for the OS choices.





Check out what daniel_j has to say on the options we offer.





189 Comments »

7520

No more plastic wrap, please

Environment submitted by falbert May 22

In the last shipment of computers I received I was shocked by the amount of plastic wrap used for items like power cords, USB cables, VGA/DVI cables. Do these items really need to be individually wrapped in a plastic bag. I can just imagine the tons of plastic used by Dell annually...

Something to think about 103 Comments »

24110

Backlit Keyboards

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu 02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.

I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.


Check out Vida_K's comment below on the New Latitude.
300 Comments »



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