Promoted and Demoted Votes in separate tallies
IdeaStorm submitted by arclight
03/24/07
The combined counter makes it hard to tell the total number of votes and demotes. Having a separate blue and red numbers for demote and promote would make it possible to tell at a glance. Perhaps the combined number could be listed with them too, but right now the only way to see if a idea has a lot of votes and demotes is to look at bottom of page.
350
OS Selection like MicroExpress (Customer can choose any Version or none with prices)
Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by arclight
03/22/07
Some manufacturers allow the OS (or none) to be selected independently, with prices given for each choice. For example, this maker allows any windows to be selected on a drop down list after choosing a system, but the Dell store makes it hard to choose systems first then OS, with certain OS not being available on certain systems and vice versus. Give the power to the customer Dell!
http://www.microexpress.net/prodcustom.asp?linenumber=106
For example, these are the actual options on that system for the os.
Microsoft Windows XP Home
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic [Add $20.00]
Microsoft Windows XP MCE 2005 [Add $99.00]
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium [Add $99.00]
Microsoft Windows XP Pro [Add $99.00]
Microsoft Windows Vista Business [Add $99.00]
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate [Add $199.00]
No OS [Subtract $55.00]
90
$199 Dell Desktop = extra "Buddy" Computer
Desktops, Sales Strategies submitted by arclight
02/28/07
The cheapest system at the moment on the Dell home section seems to be a $369 Dimension C521. Push it even father, down to 150-250, and offer it (or even the C521) as a "buddy" computer on more expensive systems. A system so cheap, people include it as option when buying their 'main system'.
In addition to those buying it for its low cost of entry, it would be an attractive addition to people buying more expensive systems. When a family buys a computer, they get this extra system for junior. For gamers, they can browse the internet on the buddy system's small monitor while their game loads. For others, it could be a more advanced alternative to a external hard drive.
At $150-250 a buddy computer would costs less then many regular upgrades, yet an extra PC would offer many unique capabilities.
150
Dell Internet
Software submitted by arclight
02/28/07
Offer Internet service on new systems for certain period, such as one month, to make it easier to do software activations and get setup for new Internet.
The lag time between when a new Internet service can be installed, and when a computer arrives can make it hard.
Also, more Internet time could be a pre-paid upgrade when buying a system. This way high-speed internet could be included when a computer is given as a gift.
For example, with one month of free dial-up when people get a new system, they can connect to the Internet right away before they have another service ready and can do activations on software. Some people might buy high-speed service in advance so they do not have to worry paying each month. At 40 dollars a month, a year of high-speed would cost around 500 dollars, which is less then some of the warranty options.
This would also very useful when giving a computer as a gift, as high-speed can become a significant part of the cost of computer use. To be able to buy a computer, that will include say 2 years of high-speed. This would also offer a way to offer bigger service and more complete support packages.
Rather then having to pay a separate bill each month, people just click a upgrade when they buy their new computer from Dell. The future present worth value of the money could allow more savings then paying per month too.
-170
Ability to delete your own comments please!
IdeaStorm submitted by arclight
02/27/07
Please have a delete comment feature on IdeaStorm. The merges have created comments in unwanted places. In addition, people somtimes change their ideas with the edit button making comments un-needed or no longer relevant.
Blanking and changing the comment does not solve the issue- it leaves new comments appearing in "Latest community activity on items [user] is involved in ".
If no delete ability is going to be added, perhaps have a way to get out of unwanted articles appearing in "Latest community activity on items [user] is involved in ".
510
Replace the Start Button graphic with Dell logo.
Advertising and Marketing submitted by arclight
02/26/07
Replace the Start Button graphic with Dell Logo. Rather then have the Windows logo in the start button, replace it with the blue Dell logo on Dell systems.
It could be enabled by default or as selectable option- either way it could help make Dell systems feel special to customers and boost brand recognition.
-30
More and bigger link jumps between IdeaStorm pages
IdeaStorm submitted by arclight
02/26/07
To aid moving through lists, more and bigger sized IdeaStorm jump links (the ones at the bottom of a page). For example for a page '5', rather then-
« Previous 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 ... 143 Next »
have more links like-
« Previous 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 ... 10 20 30 ... 100 .. 143 Next »
or
Next 10 » Next 50 » Next 100
130
program for easy compatability with new OS
Operating Systems submitted by arclight
02/26/07
Getting old DOS and Windows programs to run in a new OS tends be a real nuisance. Lets see a stand alone payware title that makes running old programs a breeze. Something that makes older "legacy" programs (from 98/XP) programs in a new OS (such as Vista) easier.
While getting old programs to run is often possible with current programs, 'compatability modes', etc., emulators, etc. it quickly becomes a time-consuming and tedious task getting it to work right.
Lets see a serious, all-in-one, payware windows compatability program that makes running old windows programs effortless. Offer this for sale (or bundled) on Dell machines so when a new windows comes out, users can keep using old programs without any hassle.
20
'No RAM' option for people who upgrade with their own RAM
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by arclight
02/25/07
Have option for 'no RAM' when configuring system memory. For those that go and buy new RAM independently, the minimum OEM RAM just has to be taken out.
There is no sense in forcing people to buy RAM they don't want, and Dell could still make money by splitting the cost savings of not buying/installing RAM with the consumer.
All that wasted OEM RAM ends up on ebay, the trash, or sitting in drawer somewhere anyway. Perhaps offer it in 'advanced user' configuration area, to help avoid less tech savvy people getting confused by the choice.
220
Dell E-vote on which linux distro Dell will offer- "The Dell Linux Distro Elections"
IdeaStorm, Linux submitted by arclight
02/24/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Why not have a online E-Vote about which linux distro to offer.
As the Ideastorm community update pointed out, even though there is a lot of interest in "linux"- there is diverse opinions about what is the best distro and which ones Dell should offer. Its not practical to offer all of them, yet in the end any single distro will result in complaints and be a compromise.
Rather then try to decide independently which distro to offer first, host a online e-vote election where distro's can be nominated and run in a large online election.
By having an organized election:
*it will be limited to clear choices (distro's that were nominated)
*Each will get the same exposure to voters, and in the same time frame.
In the long run, any number of distros could be offered but this could help make it clear what distro has a lot of support and take the 'heat' off Dell for whatever choice it does make. If a distro team is angry they did not get elected its the community not Dells fault, and they could always run again next year in another linux election.
Consider this excerpt from the Dell IdeaStorm February 23, 2007 release:
"As this community knows, there is no single customer preference for a distribution of Linux. In the last week, the IdeaStorm community suggested more than half a dozen distributions. We don't want to pick one distribution and alienate users with a preference for another. "
Dell does not have to pick, the community can choose for them with an election.
--Update March 13th--
They heard! From Ideas In Action:
March 13, 2007
Linux – We’re listening... Now Tell Us More... : )
The IdeaStorm community’s interest in open source solutions like Linux on Dell platforms has come through loud and clear. Many of you have suggested a survey to help Dell determine which distribution is most popular, and we think that’s a great idea. Based on your idea, we now have a short survey, which will be open until March 23, where you can tell us more about your favorite distribution of Linux, your preferred method of support, and more.
To access our Linux survey, see today’s blog post on Direct2Dell. We hope you’ll continue to be a part of this discussion on Direct2Dell and IdeaStorm, and check back for more details as we gather your input.
Here are the links (survey ended)
Link to the blog here here
Link to the survey here (survey ended link removed)
--Update March 24th--
The Dell linux survey ended.
Check out the Idea in Action that gives the details on the Linux survey.
1050
Dell version of Open Office
Dell, Software submitted by arclight
02/23/07
Make a Dell project fork of Open Office called "Dell Open Office". Changes could include integration with Dell contact information and links to ideastorm where DOO users can post ideas on the project.
30
Hybrid Laptop AND Gaming Console (2 devices in one); put an existing console type and the latest laptop system together, integrated into one device
Gaming, Laptops submitted by arclight
02/21/07
Make a hybrid laptop and gaming console, that is both a laptop and the gaming console in one integrated device. Essentially it would be a console in a new form factor, with inputs for its controller, and runs its type of games when they are put in the drive- but the form factor would be the laptop.
Take the form factor of a large laptop then cram in a compact laptop and all the electronics of a console (e.g. 360, PS3, or Wii- or even a older one). In computer mode it would be just function like a regular laptop. But in laptop mode, the screen and drive would switch to the console electronics, independent of the laptop. Rather then being a software emulator, a whole other set of the gaming console electronics would be inside- and the motherboard, hard drive, ram of the PC could be left off.
For example, imagine sitting on airplane and working on a spread sheet. Then, flick a switch, grab your handset, and pop-in Gears of War (or whatever title) and begin playing the latest full-power console games on your laptop screen.
Two devices in one- general use laptop and living-room console in the same device. For instance, the Wii/360 could become a simple 300-400 dollar option on the latest XPS laptop rather then a clunky box by the tv.
20
Higher resolution monitors for digital photo systems ("XPS --> XPFoto")
Monitors and Displays submitted by arclight
02/21/07
Get a dedicated computer and monitor setup for viewing digital camera pictures at their native resolutions (more QXGA and higher monitors). For example, a 5 to 10 megapixel computer monitor for viewing digital pictures with a special video card, or at least 3-5 megapixels. With CRT monitors such res. can be attained much more cheaply then with the current LCD offerings, but do whatever you have to, to get it done.
Current monitors and video card offerings fall far short of being able to display digital photos. Even the 1920 x 1200 dell monitors are only about 2.2 megapixels. Forget about HDTV, lets get a setup that can display modern digital camera images at their native size's before the gap gets any larger. It could be offered on a computer line focused on digital pictures, like how xps focus on games.
For example ~2500x1500 would be needed for 3 megapixel, which models like the Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP can display. However, ~3600x2600 would be needed for 10 megapixel images.
120
List computer monitor/display specifications in MEGAPIXELS and total AREA, not just diagonal and resolution
Dell Web Site, Monitors and Displays submitted by arclight
02/21/07
Currently displays constantly list their diagonal viewing length, and max resolution. Seeing how many megapixels a display can show would be very handy for comparing.
People already have a good feeling for how "high resolution" a given megapixel number is from digital camera's, and I think it would make be a very useful statistic to have listed when reading about displays.
Another good statistic would be the overall display area, because diagonal does not convey the real increase in area very well, especially when comparing 16:9, 16:10, vs 4:3 format displays.
Inches and resolutions are important, but seeing the megapixels and area would make it much easier to see just how much more you get for your money. Getting a display that is one or two inches bigger might not seem like much sometimes, but it can be big increase in area. In the same way, megapixel ratings would make it possible quickly compare two displays that are the same size but different resolutions.
There are other handy statistics like pixel per inch, etc. which are fine for some long specification table. The issue here is making a quick comparison with the most visible statistics (like to quickly see and compare 1.9 megapixels to 2.1 megapixels on two different displays for instance)
This site has a table with some of the specifications I am talking about in a table.
http://www.prismo.ch/comparisons/notebook.php< this information about the specific displays dell offers is a currently a tedious process.
60
Dell Performance Rating Number ("DellMark") ratings for dell computers
Advertising and Marketing submitted by arclight
02/21/07
Please give each and every system a standard performance rating so we can see with a glance how each computer performs roughly. A single speed rating will never be perfect but will make it easier to see what the performance differnce is between, say the mid-level inspiron and a XPS desktop.
If it was popular, further sub-ratings could be added. For example, a specific rating for gaming ("Dell Gaming Performance Number"), or photo video editing. Perhaps use 2 sub ratings, one for productivity software performance, and one for liesure software.
If the rating was based on a benchmark software alone (though rating could include other factors) it could be used in magazine tests also. Having the ratings by the computers would make it much easier to compare, rather having to learn about each component, chip, etc. and find reviews or specs.
For example, people could see how many Dell Performance rating points they get by going to a faster chip vs. getting a faster hard drive.
126
Lets us buy special Ideastorm voting points with real money, and have cash-point backed votes on ideas
IdeaStorm submitted by arclight
02/20/07
Lets us buy special Ideastorm vote points, and use them to place money bids on the best ideas. With special cash votes we could help support Ideastorm and show extra serious support for an idea.
So in addition to seeing the general votes, people could see a how much money a given idea has collected.
In addition, other data about the cash vote would be interesting to see. For example, the average amount of the bid, or the highest single bid.
Also, If thousands bid 10 cents each, an idea could reach into the thousands of dollars. This would provide a interesting comparison to the 'free' votes and help keep idea storm alive (the money spent on cash points could go to hosting costs).
-30
Please make a Dell version of open office, with development guided by a monetary Idea Storm
IdeaStorm, Software submitted by arclight
02/20/07
Develop a Dell version of open office, forking off and leading development of a dell branded office suite based on open office code.
Then, use a separate new version of idea storm to guide development of the project. Funding could be charging for support and by a special version of an IdeaStorm that allows people to place bids on actually doing the idea.
The features people want added to this dell lead open office fork, they could suggest on an IdeaStorm. The idea's people like they could pbid on using Dell Software Development points that they would get from paying dell real money.
For example, lets say I want (some feature, a button here or menu there) on the Dell Open Office. I could add that idea on the ideastorm, and bid 500 Dell Open software development points (with other people who want the same bidding points too). When it gets up high enough to complete the feature, such as determined by the lead software engineer or some other system, the points would be cashed in. Dell could give away some of the points with a new computer, or sell them directly for a certain cost per point.
People could log in and bid on the features they want next, and the dell fork of open office would evolve at a rate based on how much people bid, and the cost of those features. Since lots of people would be getting Dell Open Office even if people bid small amounts it could really add up. This same idea could be applied to a Dell branded version of firefox or other projects also.
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