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.
86050
Silent / Quiet Computers: Sound levels in decibels
Desktops and Laptops submitted by pchris
02/17/07 **REVIEWED**
I'd like Dell to provide the sound level in decibels for each of their desktops, under max load as well as at idle.
How a manufacturer can produce an expensive computer, and then have the user acoustic experience of that computer dominated by the noise generated by a cheap fan worth just pennies, for the entire lifetime of that computer, is incomprehensible. Computers are noisy when brand new, but those cheap fans begin to rub and oscillate and make additional annoying noises, frequently within a short period of time of purchase.
Personally, the peace and quiet of my personal workspace is very important to me, it's my sanctuary from the world where I can focus and be creative. To have that experience disrupted by cheap fans is sad, especially when slightly more expensive fans and some reasonable design would solve the issue. Another reason why I consider buying an Apple.
If the cost of a better sound design and fans is significant, it could be an extra cost option.
In general, Dell provides noise data of its products in the Environmental Datasheets. Tests are conducted according to ISO standards in a NVLAP accredited acoustics facility. Click here for more details
35947
Supply a D drive standard (D for Data)
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by mikeweb
02/23/07
In the end everybody needs to re-install Windows. Some very often, like me. On the first time you have to shrink C and add D for your data. But it can be very simple to supply a dell computer standard with a D drive and have a simple but fast backup (for data still stored on C) and restore (ghost fresh windows). Combined with the choice witch software to install (acrobat reader, firefox, MSN, AOL, OpenOffice, etc.) you have quick a fresh OS. (Windows is always growing and at the end so slow you have to re-install)
-20
Why pay the Microsoft tax when u can get the same for a lot less?
Dell, Sales Strategies submitted by uomolinux
02/23/07
I'm now a Mac fan but still use a Windows laptop here at home and probably will use a PC for the rest of my life since I need a PC here and at the office, I'm a technician. I wok in a mental health, non profit organisation, witch rely heavily on old PC since we can't afford to pay the Microsoft tax.
Mos users use the computer for word processing and Internet(Firefox), software that can run easily on Linux. My point is that if our organization didn't had to pay the MS tax we could probably afford new computers witch is not the case right now since most desktop are still expensive due to the MS tax, witch probably account for 200$ to 300$ more with Office included, not much for rich corporation but way to expensive for US.
I know that Dell computers are great and not very expensive, but think about a computer without MS products(MS tax) they would be way more attractive for poorer corp or organizations, there is a market there just for Dell to grab if they consider offering alternative to the monopoly-money-hungry MS.
170
I am avoiding Dell (until Linux)
Linux submitted by candtalan
02/24/07
I am a long term Dell customer in a SOHO environment. My most recent purchases were Dell - Dimension, Inspiron, Inspiron - but these were long ago. Since then, I now use only Linux (Ubuntu), and am seeking new hardware.
I have avoided Dell totally because:
1) I do not want windows and certainly not Vista
2) Dell do not seem to be Linux friendly, for example linux drivers?
3) My money will go to a company which is Linux friendly , or at *least* will sell with no OS.
500
Back in the day
Service and Support, Software submitted by tcgpendleton
02/24/07
I remember the days when Dell put quality parts in each and every computer they built!
And the few times some thing went wrong they was there to fix the issue/s at hand aka stood behind there products, Now days that don’t seem to be the case!!
Low quality parts, bad software, unusable demo ware, bad drivers, and all a round bad service.
However Dell is not the only one who has dropped the ball, many of us know
That a computer built by hand either DYI or a small OEM shop will out perform any mass built computer in most every case.
Now for the idea:
1) offer hardware only builds and list the venders name/part number exmp intel bx 650 mother board, msi tnt m400 ect.. just like a small OEM would do
2) if preloaded software is wanted aka windows or Linux, don’t cram it full of demo ware, instead install useful software, aka user friendly tools to help with fixing an issue/s when they arise
3) include the setup cd/dvd’s and stop only putting a restore partition on the hard drive
4) offer different levels of preloaded/bundled software for students, gamers and game/application developers as in C++,C#,java ect..
70
Embedded OS in Firmware in Notebooks
submitted by lowtech
02/24/07
Provide Embedded Windows XP or Windows CE, and a browser on a chip on notebook systems.
1. You can use it to access the web in the case of a hard drive failure, to get Dell Tech Support.
2. If you're using your system to view TV or optical media, you don't have to boot your system. The Embedded OS can be instant-on, so you won't miss your TV program, waiting for your system to boot. Also, the instant-on feature can start the video on the channel or location where it was last viewed.
3. You could use the embedded OS to access anti-virus definitions online, even if your hard drive is infected. And the OS in firmware will be protected from viruses.
4. Use the embedded OS and browser to access the web quickly, such as via bluetooth, when you don't have time to start your system.
5. Allow the embedded OS chip to be user upgradable by installing a new chip.
[#444791]
50
Revamp Advertising Methods
Advertising and Marketing submitted by ejs_05
02/24/07
I remember previous advertising from Dell used to be something you could relate to. However recently it seems that we are pounded with "Here's Our New Special" Finance Now!!! Dell- Purely You... I was more entertained when commercial had some humor or actual people I could relate to. Even the Dell Intern commercials is something I miss. Home customers need to see that Dell is a company with excellent service and support and a great product;I believe that other companies are succeeding- sometimes purely with their advertising methods. Friends and family could have one more thing to talk about, "Did you see the commercial the other day???"
-30
Both OS's offered
Operating Systems submitted by sr45
02/24/07
A number of individuals are complaining at this time, that Vista has taken over as the OS that Dell will install only on the home systems. Why not offer one or the other for a period of time ?
Seen this at some other computer manufactures, and do not see a reason not to.
Just a simple thought
-10
Just hardware please
Desktops and Laptops submitted by henklaak
02/24/07
No operating system, no partitioning with hidden "Dell staff only" programs.
No pre-installed stuff, no 30-day trial stuff, no advertisements, no vouchers.
Only cheap, decent PC hardware.
I'll keep watching your site and when you're finished wit this, I am ready to order.
130
Bloatware
Service and Support submitted by jiz_star
02/24/07
Do not install the "junk" onto new computers. Thats the first thing that I have to fix (Delete) when a customer calls and complains that their computer is too slow. Of corse I get paid to do it, but I would rather get paid more to do something else. I havent purchased a dell in four years, but back then they came with the operating system as well as driver discs. Ive heard things about Dell not giving them to you anymore and when you fire up the pc for the first time there is a screen that asks if you would like to create them?? Maybe I am wrong but that is just silly.
Dell should stay away from making their own hardware...why not just make stuff that works with everything else? My college just got some new Dell XPS desktop computers, no PS/2 ports? Why? No USB2.0??? WHY?! At least there is a floppy drive in each computer, dont ever get rid of those. Why is Dell still giving out Ball Mice with their computers... they are very unreliable after about a month because they get so dirty inside.
The way in which you open a Dell Computer Case has always been easy, DONT GET RID OF THAT. No screws or any fancy detachment methods. And, YES, we do open them up, there is no reason to stay on the phone with tech support for an hour just to finally get them to say that they will send a person out to help, which we have to pay for if it isnt under warranty.. If the CD drive goes, Im going to open it myself and fix the problem.
Tech support, another problem, I cant tell you the number of times that Ive had to call and get some tech support specialst from India that has NO IDEA what Im saying or how to solve my problem. I would rather PAY for the call and have it taken in the USA to get someone that at least knows what Im saying. Another thing about tech support is that they treat the customer as if they are 10 years old. Im sure that there are customers out there that need to be talked to like that but if I know what the problem is, and I know how to get to the control panel, please dont guide me every click of the way.
Product Quality; Ive had this dell for the past four years, nothing has gone wrong hardware wise. That is a good thing. I am not familiar enough with the new stuff to say if it is as good as the old stuff, but I am sure that with trying to pinch every penny, the computers arent built as tough as they used to. I have an old gateway from 2001 that I would swear is bulletproof. Stuff just inst made how it used to. The new Dell keyboards are really light weight and flimsy. Im sure they are just going to snap in half if I get made JUST ONE TIME because of some stupid error and hit the enter key too hard.
I have probably said too much and waisted someone's time, but if any of what I have said has ment something to the reader, please check out the story by Joe Peacock (Yes, real name) via the following link: http://www.mentallyincontinent.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=299
It is a very good and VERY true story about this guy's laptop motherboard that crapped out ever week. I think that he had to replace it 8 times?
Maybe this email is a wakeup call and Dell really thinks they are "user friendly" or maybe Dell knew the whole time but is making money and dont care.
Sincerely;
Ken
130
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
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
Replacement parts at a reasonable cost
Desktops and Laptops submitted by stormbringer
02/24/07
It would be great if Dell would allow customers to purchase any or all components and parts from Dell and at a reasonable price (read OEM). After dropping my Dell 710m the corner of the case was cracked. I had to find something from eBay to replace it because Dell deems the problem as a service center item rather than a customer correctable problem. Those of us that are not afraid to open up our boxes, whether it a laptop or desktop should be able to get parts to replace ourselves. Yes I know it probably voids the warranty but if the unit is out of warranty already then no harm, no foul.
100
Linux Printing Solutions
Linux, Printers and Ink, Service and Support submitted by jfelisky
02/21/07
I have a Dell 3100cn laser printer, which was a nice purchase until I dropped Windows XP and moved to OpenSuSE on my home computer.
I've tried a lot of different message boards looking for a way to keep that printer, but I'm so frustrated with Dell's lack of Linux support that I have to consider HP, since the LaserJet family is more broadly supported.
6300
 track my votes
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