Stop recommending any Thrid Party stuff
Advertising and Marketing submitted by hemantm
02/22/07
Let the customer decide what is good for him/her or their business. Dell should stop forcing Microsoft to all the customers. Promotional banners like "Dell recommends Windows Vista™ Business" clearly indicates lack of customer orientation from Dell. Microsoft is NOT Dell, and Dell should only promote Dell stuff. Dell recommending Microsoft everywhere in advertisements and Dell websites and other promotional places clearly indicates of secret deals between Dell and Microsoft. This only shows the "Customer is *ILLITERATE* and will buy any *JUNK*" attitude of DELL.
130
Reliable, RECOVERABLE machines
Servers and Storage, Service and Support, Software submitted by phubert
02/23/07
Ever since Intel-architecture machines began their stellar climb to ubiquity, the FIRST question raised in my mind was a comparison between these new, commodity boxes and the old, highly reliable mainframes.
As computing became more important to more people, in enterprises AND homes, the problem of crashed systems and lost user configuration and, certainly more critically, DATA became more and more evident.
I could not help but ask WHY the reliability features of the 'big' systems could not be commoditized as well?
Where is the DESIGN for COMPLETE reliability for both the enterprise and the home user?
Is there no market for this?
Could Dell take the lead in providing VERY simple solutions that home users could AFFORD?
Or, will Google wind-up as the savior of home and enterprise users??
90
You deserve an Award for the most boring PC's on the planet
submitted by threequarks
02/24/07
Dell turned into IBM because it is run by the most boring CEO in America. All he cares about is sales and the bottom line. Where is the creativity? The Inspiration? There is no design ethic at Dell. You turn out the same boring boxes every year.
A PC I would buy is a very high performance simultaneous multi user box in a razor thin case you can hang on your wall with wireless everything including the monitor. The advantage of wall mounting would be enhanced wireless performance both for 802.11abgn and for WUSB with the antenna built into the case. This would allow for a multi user PC serving 3 or more monitors and keyboards via wireless.
Windows has had the ability to provide a simultaneous multi-user environment to home users for many years now but Microsoft and the Hardware vendors don't want you to have it as it affects their revenue. Isn't it about time we consumers got together and demanded a multi-user license for one pc at a fair price for the home user. We have been giving our money to Microsoft for years and guess what Bill has so much he is giving it away instead of providing a fair deal to the consumer.
The big advantage of this configuration is environmental as one household would have one pc!
Specification of Home Hub PC
It would support possibly two, three or more wireless monitor, keyboard, mice, speakers and a printer all using WUSB. Multi display support is already possible via the DisplayLink technology. So we are talking about a multi-user environment within the OS. Options already available for this are Multi user desktop or Hi-Share .
CPU - This would be give a big boost to the sale of multi-core CPU's for AMD or for Intel. In AMD's corner is a dual CPU quad core environment. Intel has a similar offering here
Wireless Monitor Yes a wireless monitor is possible. A recent article on this using wireless usb at engadget.com outlines new products based on IC's developed by Display Link. These IC's could be offered in the near future as standard by monitor manufacturers. With resolutions as high as 1600 x 1200 full specs of these products can viewed by clicking here You could also order it in a number of colors.
The case could be based on a typical 1u server case similar to the one here at mypccase.com. However this does not really cut it for me as I am sure with a good design team you could get some curves into the design and create a case that would provide an easy access and upgrade for components like the display card, ram, hard drive. I imagine it opening like cabinet doors hinged on the left and right side or possibly sliding open. Also I imagine it to have a larger surface area overall to provide more PCI expansion slots, RAM, Hard Drive options. The specification would not be compromised in anyway by the case. You can have the top of the line spec but in a stylish case in a number of different colors that you hang on the wall.
Wireless Cards would be built in - wireless 802.11abgn card and a wireless USB hub.
Wireless speakers are already here at best buy so of course would be included with the transmitter built into the case with each user having their own wireless speakers.
A wireless printer would be included pre-configured within the windows setup configured to be accessed by all users simultaneously.
50
Offer Industrial Strength, Quality Keyboards and Input devices
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies submitted by kenjennings
02/24/07
A long time ago there was a company called Northgate. Their computers were OK, but their keyboards were so great they started selling them separately. Heavy, mechanical, and durable, they provided perfect tactile and audible feedback. Working with those keyboards was a joy. People loved them so much there is still a continuous trade in old Northgate keyboards on Ebay.
Most of Dell's keyboard only look pretty -- actual use is like typing on a marshmallow. Quite a few people in my office have replaced the Dell keyboards with something else they bought.
Also, offer better mouse controllers. Something in the category of a Kensington Expert mouse (trackball), my personal favorite. Again, quite a few people in my office have replaced the Dell mouse with something else they bought.
The option of bundling Wacom graphics tablets would also be a good idea for those powerful systems advertised for graphics.
Update 2007-03-28: Perhaps Dell was listening a little bit or I didn't notice this before, but I just spec'd out a high end business laptop and one of the optional accessories listed was a Wacom graphics tablet. COOL!
290
instant-on
Desktops and Laptops submitted by hanzo
02/24/07
realistic:
-raid zero for faster bootup.
-separate partition for swap drive.
-pre-install linux with wine
-windows as guess os
-knoppix with every dell sold. (in case comp screwed up)
fantasy:
- i want my comp to turn on like my tv.
- cash for this submition
80
Full Disclosure
Operating Systems, Service and Support submitted by lindahewitt
03/04/07
For the past couple of months, I have been puzzled by the fact that PC hardware vendor identify a PC as "Vista Capable" and recommend either XP, Vista Home or Vista Business.
For me, it made me wonder what was really going on and what did the hardware vendors know that I did not know, which might impact how satisfied I was likely to be with my new laptop purchase. When in doubt, I opt to wait.
IMO, Dell could become a leader in providing full disclosure of technical information, such as is provided in the URL below:
http://blogs.technet.com/keithcombs/
For example if USB 2.0 has been released for over a year but the hardware configuration that Dell is using includes only USB 1.1, then Dell needs to explain why? Whether these decisions are driven by technical reasons or Dell's decision to not update the hardware configuration, then this needs to be disclosed.
In terms of current technology, this applies to the following:
BIOS to EFI
DVI Riser Card Connector
True Video Card
HDMI
Solid State Hard Drives
IPKVM
DRPC with 1 CAT5 cable
HMB/DVI Inputs
I am sure that there are other technology developments, which I have not listed.
One of the decisions that many users are going to need to consider is whether to go 32 bit or 64 bit architecture.
I know that Dell tests hardware components before adding them to the hardware configuration, so just say that this technology is currently being tested before it is added to any Dell hardware configurations.
Just because someone orders a computer with XP, does not mean that they shouldn't get the latest hardware technology. Who knows, if Dell provides full disclosure on their hardware configurations, their customers may decide to purchase a more expensive leading edge computer, so that they can take advantage of the latest technology.
30
Linux compatibility assurance
Linux, Operating Systems submitted by moseby
02/20/07
The first major PC vendor that provides a product line and an online ordering system that allows me to shop and configure machines that are assured of having 100% support by linux wins my business.
I would expect some hardware to require vendor supplied binary drivers. I would want an indication of that fact and be given the choice of choosing that device or other hardware with community support.
Other ideas offered here that I resonate with are: 1) I don't need machines preloaded with any distro but may choose that option if offered, and 2) I don't need Dell support for the OS, that is what the community is for.
7270
Dont eliminate XP just yet
Operating Systems submitted by javaprog07
02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Ok, well I know I may be chastised for bringing this up, but vista is still a young operating system with its own problems etc... I would like to see both Home and Business computers, especially notebooks have an XP Home and Pro option on top of Vista until it has at least been out for a year. For those seasoned users like me who just feel that you need to let a new OS mature before jumping right in. I am planning on buying a new notebook, and I would like to insure I wont have to format it on arrival just to have XP.
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.
26870
Where has XP gone?
Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by mr_road
02/20/07
I noticed recently when looking for a new PC with XP Pro on, I couldn't find XP Pro on any of the machines I was intrested in. Why does Dell recommend Vista? It is not a tried and tested system, why is it my only option on many many machines.
It would appear as if accountants recommend Vista as Mircosoft pays Dell to say this.
Put simply, many of us DON'T WANT VISTA!!
845
Require that all of your suppliers provide open source drivers
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Dell submitted by bjrosen
02/25/07
Dell should require that all of their suppliers provide Linux drivers for their components. This won't cost Dell anything and it will remove the uncertainty about buying a system, especially laptops, for Linux users. 98% of the components already have Linux drivers so this won't be a problem for most of your suppliers. The area with the big problem is wireless chips. Important wireless suppliers like Broadcom have refused to provide Linux drivers, if Dell were to tell Broadcom and the other hold outs that an opensource driver is required the problem would be solved. I can't imagine that Broadcom or any one else would be willing to forgo Dell's business just to save the cost of one developer.
200
Power Consumption Index
Environment submitted by towap
02/21/07
I think Dell can be the first to encourage people to incorporate the power consumption of their new PC in their decision process. Having a power consumption as low as possible has several advantages: 1) your PC needs less cooling = more silent, 2) you'll pay less, and 3) better for the environment.
So my proposal would be to make an Index system to compare power consumption of several PC's.
1021
The Free Mouse Pad - And The Many Reasons It Makes Sense
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by googideas
02/17/07
The consumer buys a computer from Dell. It arrives. Perhaps they have fogotten to get a mouse pad.
Suddenly, even though it is the consumer's mistake, they're angry with Dell. Because a mouse pad is such an inexpensive item (and yet so necessary) it will naturally rankle the customer that one was not provided.
Secondly, the computer crashes. No online help obviously is accessible. The person then wants to cvall Dell. Why not print the Dell hotline number on the mouse pad? This actually, as simple as it sounds, is at the heart of convenience. Do you, Dell, want to add to or alleviate whatever frustration the consumer may be feeling just prior to their calling you?
Thirdly, something free is appreciated by the consumer. You earn brownie points for what is but a 30 cent item, and you can use this as a platofrm for printing quotes, calendars, trivia about Dell, and resources (your various websites).
This is a business card and helpful resource, especially when the computer is down. If it were me I'd print "If you approach our customer service representative politely it'll help speed you along."
Doesn't matter what is printed on it: whatever Dell chooses will be more than what we have now.
Like it?
402
Official support for Debian on servers
Servers and Storage, Service and Support submitted by maulkin
02/21/07
As recently reported, HP now offer official support for the Debian distribution on their ProLiant server range. I believe it would be a big boost for Dell to offer similar support.
This would generate good will within a notoriously loyal community, leading to a) greater sales for Dell, and b) a happier userbase where the system just works :)
This would also enable Debian based distributions to offer good compliance.
(disclaimer, I'm a Debian Developer, so have a vested interest in this :P)
Edit: as a aside, this comprises/extends various other ideas in this section. I believe that offering support for a specific system would also solve those other options.
Edit2: It looks like it may also make excellent financial sense to support Debian:
"HP is making $25 million by supporting the free Debian GNU/Linux distribution. ... In fiscal 2006, $25 million in hardware sales in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) were directly related to HP's Debian support." http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3661481
560
Take advantage of the linux kernel developers offer to develop fully supported linux PC's
Dell, Linux submitted by iphtashufitz
02/24/07
On January 29th the linux kernel developers posted an offer on the Kerneltrap website (http://kerneltrap.org/node/7636) offering free linux driver development to any company who asks. To quote from their announcement:
"You will receive a complete and working Linux driver that is added to the main Linux kernel source tree. The driver will be written by some of the members of the Linux kernel developer community (over 1500 strong and growing). This driver will then be automatically included in all Linux distributions, including the 'enterprise ones. It will be automatically kept up to date and working through all Linux kernel API changes. This driver will work with all of the different CPU types supported by Linux (for the CPUs that support the bus types that your device works on), the largest number of CPU types supported by any operating system ever before in the history of computing."
Dell should embrace this offer to its fullest extent. They should work with the linux kernel developers to build fully supported linux PC's (servers, desktops, and notebooks/laptops). Any hardware vendor that doesn't take advantage of this offer is foolish. With the direct assistance of the kernel developers, Dell could offer a wide range of fully supported linux systems that would work with virtually any linux distro.
610
Re-establish Dell as providing hassle-free, best value for money
Sales Strategies, Service and Support submitted by mjw
02/27/07
When buying a Dell product it used to be the case that one was confident that they were making a smart purchase. Getting a great product at a great price with minimum hassle. You no longer had to search around for deals - if you just bought a Dell you couldn't go far wrong.
In my view several things have eroded that comfort feeling that I used to have when buying from Dell. First and foremost I believe is Dell's website and how difficult it makes life when trying to find the best product at the best price.
It is extremely time consuming and often impractical now to be sure as a customer that you have obtained the best possible price. When buying from the Dell website you will see a different price and different discounts depending on whether you go through Home, Small Business or Large Business routes. This means that it takes my 3 times as long as it should do to configure and price up a product since I have to do it in all 3 places and compare all the differences.
My company also gets a corporate discount so, in addition I have to price it up in the EPP part of the website as well. When I try to save my configuration to come back to later, I find that I can't compare all my configurations that I set up in the various different areas of the website on one page. If I'm logged in under EPP, then I can only see my EPP configurations.
Then I need to spend hours hunting through websites like FatWallet looking for discount coupons or rebate deals. In the end I would rather procrastinate and put off the purchase until I see some amazing deal on FatWallet or simply buy from HP or Acer.
In my view Dell needs to simplify this process of bargain hunting such that every day of the year as a consumer we can immediately count on getting Dell's best price and not fret about missing out on some discount or deal hidden away in some other part of the site. In fact I think the site would be much better without the Home/Small/Large/EPP split.
Even if I am buying a computer for Home use, I still would rather buy a Lattitude (but cannot if I'm in the Home section) than an Inspiron since I am more familiar with Lattitudes since this is the model that my company provides me at work. Why confuse things by making it difficult for the customer to find the products that they want to buy or to be able to compare Dell's whole product line side by side?
As a customer it gives me the impression that somehow Dell is trying to deceive me somehow by concealing its best products and prices in the hope that I will be lazy with my bargain hunting and over-pay for a product. This kind of feeling makes me less likely to trust that I will get the best price if I shop through Dell.
Mark
130
No Proprietary Hardware
Dell submitted by galaxie
02/26/07
I'm a long time IT pro and pet peeve of mine from the old days was proprietary hardware. I totally dislike the Dell moves in that direction and one reason I quit buying and promoting Dell equipment. I personally like the generic chip sets over proprietary ones. There are a couple significant reasons.
Number one, less support. Need an updated driver? Less drive to create one for you if it is not a wide spread chip or was quickly abandoned by Dell. How about one for a non-Microsoft OS? If you look around for the more widespread stuff there always seems to be someone with a driver even if it is not the OEM.
It makes you dependent on Dell to come up with a driver and or recognize an error. Look at network and sound cards - primarily where I see this. You have to jump through the maze of support that is the dell download site. (That's a whole different Idea.) It is really easy to hit a number of forums out there and find solutions or work arounds for "generic" stuff when there is an issue, good luck if you have something Dell.
Another reason, it to me makes me think of Dell as just junk. Just like MS trying to lock you into their products. The problem is, there isn't actually a reason to do it with hardware though. I mean there are possibilities, but none seem good. Take networking for an example. I mean how much can you honestly save by creating and making your own chipset vs buying a broadcom off the shelf one? (I haven't tore apart any to really see what the actual chips are on Dell cards.) That said, I don't think the broadcom chipsets are the best in world - but they do seem to work very well with virtually every network device. Granted I think Intel makes better stuff in general and use it in all my equipment at this time and it is USUALLY an option for an upgrade to Dell stuff - at about what it costs me to buy it separately.
650
Keyboard with no Windows logo
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops submitted by lucabrivio
02/27/07
It would be nice to have a keyboard without Windows logos, especially for those that use other operating environments than Microsoft Windows.
There would be several alternatives to have a Windows' logo on the "Super" key, including:
- having a Dell logo instead;
- having a custom key (maybe less cost-effective?);
- having a key with no logo, and perhaps several stickers with Windows, KDE, GNOME logos, Tux, etc.;
- having some other nice icon;
- ...
Desktop keyboards, which have two Windows logo keys, offer even more chances for alternatives.
1090
Require Publicly available Specifications for your components
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Advertising and Marketing submitted by jd
02/19/07
With the influence you have on the component suppliers, why not require them to provide specifications for the devices to the public? Network cards, video cards, RAID controllers all should have the programming specifications available. The Linux and *BSD groups will flock to the hardware platforms that have documented programming interfaces. It will cost you nothing to implement. Intel, TI and Broadcom, are you willing to lose business?
806
 track my votes
|
|
