IdeaStorm, hide the Idea posters name and voting individual listings.
IdeaStorm submitted by jorge
08/23/07
IdeaStorm, hide the Idea posters name and voting individual listings.
Much like a true democracy who voted one way or another is not listed out like it is on IdeaStorm, hide the names at the bottom indicating who voted which way.
Also, hide the Idea posters name unless they wish to be identified this will allow for true voting on an Idea vs the popularity vote of a person or regime.
Leave the count displayed like it is now, much like on election day its nice to see how a vote is going. Don't forget to leave the count of motes vs demotes, or actually add it.
Of course this means the Dashboard must also conceal the Idea's owner.
130
Notebook minus monitor minus keyboard
New Product Ideas submitted by smoe
08/23/07
Hm. Right. A portable monitor would be nice. That would not need to be larger than my mobile's, though. But mostly I have one whereever I go. Also there are keyboards in abundance everywhere.
The machine I am looking for is fast, has plenty of memory, solid state disks. It is a bit like the Mac Mini, ... hm ... I do not even want the CD slot. It should be easily plugable to transport it between work and home.
If I wanted to do such today then I would probably need to prepare virtual machines and dump their states on a USB stick. It would be a different feeling.
50
For toddlers
Education submitted by cjessicamay
08/23/07
creat a computer that is simple for a 3year old. One that does not have so many keys maybe your basic alphabet and numbers. It could come in fun colors or cartoon theme. And the computer can come with educational programs and also you can upgrade.
-80
Bring PCMCIA Back!
Laptops submitted by sparkinium
07/11/07
ExpressCards are the new PCMCIA. They've even replaced the PCMCIA on all but one line of Dell laptops. Unfortunately for the end-users, most cards are still PCMCIA. Performing internet searches, thousands of PCMCIA cards are available when merely a handful of ExpressCard expansion options exist. This is a disadvantage to us, the consumers, in that we have fewer options for expansion and, in addition, we cannot use our old cards.
Please incorporate the PCMCIA slot back into your notebook offerings!
70
Stop cutting off unused connectors
Desktops submitted by tired_
07/11/07
I've noticed Dell systems permanently disable unused connections on the motherboard. For example, a friend of mine just bought a Dimension E521, intending to put his old 250GB IDE hard drive into it to go with the new SATA hard drive Dell provided. We were stunned to discover that, while there was a Primary IDE connection on the motherboard, the plug where you connect the cable had been cut off the board! Now, I can't see how cutting off a connector like this adds any value for Dell, and I certainly saw how disappointed and annoyed my friend was, especially considering that Dell never informed him before purchase that the system would be artificially constrained from upgrades. Please stop doing this.
220
Provide extra small rubber feet for your laptops.
Laptops submitted by jmxz
07/11/07
Yesterday a group of us were joking that all 3 of us had three-footed Dell laptops.
The guy with a mac had no such problem.
This is an annoyance to your customers and embarrassing to Dell.
It's been pointed out elsewhere that your small rubber feet on your notebooks fall off easily.
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/70965/Smaller_rubber_feet_that_dont_fal...
Until you can fix this, please supply a few extra small rubber feet when you ship your laptops so people can replace them.
Also - since this is such an annoying defect and makes Dell laptops look almost laughable when they wobble in a business meeting; please send extra rubber feet to any of your existing customers who send you a self-addressed stamped envelope asking for some.
640
IdeaStorm Mods: FAQ
IdeaStorm submitted by jorge
07/09/07
1. Logged in as dell_adminX you represent Dell on IdeaStorm not yourself, if you want to post personal chat use a personal account.
2. Never relate your personal account to the admin account or you'll suffer the back lash.
3. As an Admin use only structured neutral language, anything personal and you'll end up with a chat room like it is now and which you seem to dislike.
4. If you change the state of an Idea state why, changing a state with no comment/point is well pointless. Again this text can be from a structured predefine list of possibilities but again keep it neutral.
5. If you perform an action that is questionable make sure to have a backup of your action so you can un-do it when you're called to prove why you did it.
6. If you get in a personal dialog you may as well delete that admin account as it will be useless from that point on, in terms of authority.
7. Most of the regulars are helping you out but if you don't help them they will stop and make your already overburdened job even harder.
8. Concentrate on getting Ideas moved up and leave the petty bugs go unless you have a dedicated developer who can act on them.
9. If you don't have a dedicated developer get one! Or take a course NOW!
10. You have rules written down so stick to them or the house will run amok like it is now. If you edit them make sure its known by an announcement no one will know they changed unless you alert the group(s).
11. If you're not really going to act on something don't get a poster excited that you are, why not wait till you are going to act to alert the poster of the action, looks a lot better if you state it and it happens as opposed to stating it and well, still waiting. If you're not then say you're not and end it then/now.
12. (the rest can add their FAQ's below)
Note: Its best you mods not add to it as you're too busy as it is, right? Just read and observe, most here have been or are mods elsewhere.
180
High-end Linux laptop
Linux, New Product Ideas, Laptops submitted by teron
07/10/07
Currently, the Inspiron 1505N can be customized to be rather high-end, but it lacks one crucial component: A really high-end graphics card.
This is a request to provide a Linux laptop that can be fitted with a huge hard disk, lots of RAM and a high-end Nvidia graphics card, preferably in a 15" design with lots of USB ports.
860
Offer preinstalled LinuxBIOS
Linux submitted by sveinungkv
07/10/07
LinuxBIOS (http://linuxbios.org/) replaces BIOS or EFI. It does the first initialization of the hardware before it loads its payload. The payload could be anything, from the Linux kernel to a boot loader. It has the following advantages:
1. Boot time. Normal BIOSes are not very fast. In addition, the OS will often repeat what the BIOS just did in case the BIOS did it wrong. LinuxBIOS only do the first initialization before it gives control to its payload.
2. Freedom. LinuxBIOS is Free Software, released under the GPL.
3. Trust. EFI can connect to the internet and download a new copy of itself. EFI can also monitor and override what the OS is allowed to do. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsW88Efgmlk
4. Security. Sine LinuxBIOS is free software, it is possible to fix security errors in the BIOS for everyone, not just the vendor. This also applies to hardware errors that are fixable in firmware, see the Intel Dual Core situation where we now can not do anything ourself but must wait for the BIOS vendors to fix it: http://marc.info/?l=openbsd-misc&m=118296441702631
5. Customizable. LinuxBIOS can be customized to do what the user wants since it is free software and is designed to carry any payload.
I know this is not an option on Windows since Windows don't support LinuxBIOS yet, but it would be nice to have LinuxBIOS as an option for the GNU/Linux systems. The customer should be informed about the boot time benefit (those that would want it for other reasons are likely capable to install it on their own) and be warned that it would make it impossible to install Windows on the computer later.
PS! Sorry about my English, it is not my native language
500
No more power transformer !!!!
Servers and Storage submitted by corbo12
07/10/07
some 10 years ago, laptops were only slightly bigger. At the time, 2 schools were battling : Internal vs. external power adapters.
Some models (like Toshibas Satelitte) had their power transformer INSIDE the laptop... All you needed was one of those thin power cable (fits in a pocket).
In the age of wireless and "all included", why can't we have laptops with power transformers inside. It would avoid to need "Laptop bags" (you know, with the big bulge on the from where the power transformer and cables are).
A 620 that has everything inside, with power included : put a handle on it, and I can take a plane with nothing else (cord in the pocket). Or I can put it in just any bag, making it a lot more discreet than those laptop "steal me" bags.
From a road warrior...
320
Recycle & refurbish old Dell PCs back to Dell for 10% discount
Environment submitted by reg
05/18/07
Recycle your old Dell back to Dell for a 10% discount on new equipment. Dell can then secure overwrite erase the hard drive, install Ubuntu + hardware drivers, then donate the hardware to unemployment, food stamp, and welfare offices Nationwide. The social services offices then can pass out the refurbished used equipment to its clients, and Dell can be given BIG tax breaks by the State and Federal Systems.
1. Recycle - Turn it in, don't landfill it.
2. Reuse - There is still life left in that old hardware
3. Reduce - Buy new electronics less often, get 5 years use out of every PC.
4. Refuse - wasteful spending, wasteful practices & wasteful companies.
5. Refute - Once wasteful practices or procedures are identified, correct the problem with Action!
12500
Improve your internal case designs (Improve airflow + Reduce wire clutter)
Environment submitted by bbr
07/10/07
I've had my Desktop for a couple of years now, and i still shudder having to open it.
It's a horrible maze of tangled wires, connectors and above all "dust" in there.
Sort of like : http://www.zdnet.de/graphics/reviews/pc/200207/dell4500-inside.jpg
or : http://images.digitalmedianet.com/2004/Week_39/z1yf5axb/story/dell_inside.jpg
Wires everywhere, making it very hard to reach any components you wish to replace or clean. It's crazy.
Now, compare that to this: http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/inside25g5.jpg
Yes it's an Apple, a G5 Dual processor model to be a bit more exact.
It looks so clean because Apple designs its own hardware.
Now, i'll leave out the obvious temptation of starting a Vista vs OSX comparison,
and stick to the hardware.
Here's a comparison shot mac-vs-pc : http://www.apple.bg/bul/Docs/apple/hardware/powermac/1102/clutter.jpg
As with others of apple's designs they've always been very clean cut :
http://www.zisman.ca/Articles/2004/g5imac_inside.jpg
Just look at it, perfect air flow : http://www.apple.bg/bul/Docs/apple/hardware/powermac/1102/cooling.jpg
Because of the airflow design it produces much less sound than a normal PC does..
With the fans placed inside the machine to reduce noise output even further.
(From personal experience, i'm able to say that i can barelly hear my mac at work)
Compare that to the front-bottom(dust intake) point intake design (whirlwind) with randomly placed fans inside the case (disrupt airflow) that most normal PCs use. PC Airflow is flawed.
Example : http://www.pcleek.be/Fotoshardware/pc%20case%20open.jpg
Standard PC airflow is inefficient, ignores most major components, and requires extra fans rotating at speeds which produce a "lot" of sound, require a lot of energy to operate, and suck in a lot of dust particles which will reduce the nominal efficiency of your hardware over time.
Because of this design you'll also notice that the edges around your CD/DVD drive will usually have clearly showing edges of dust, because the normal airflow is not aligned to the internal fans. (dust and CD drives does not mix, and can cause faillure of your CD drive)
Now, back to Mac:
Front metallic cover and sideplates : http://www.tweakers.net/ext/i.dsp/1056403028.jpg
Detailed side view G5 : http://www.wap.org/journal/powermacg5v2/powermacg5v2.jpg
Detailed side view Mac Pro : http://www.professional-pr.info/Apple/Bilder/06/macpro/macpro_inside.jpg
Notice the heatsinks on the right, and the 4 Hard disk panels in the center.
The CD/DVD drive(topleft) can be removed in 1 motion, just like the side panel for the CPUs
Easy to access all components,
Easy to switch hard disks, (single button eject)
Easy to plug in extra memory, (no wires blocking access)
Instant access to the processor (1 button panel remove)
And so much more.
In my opinion it'd be a great revolution if Dell stepped away from the "standard" PC design and improved their hardware in this manner. Easy access, Good air flow, Easy to clean. Less wires needed. (better for the environment as well)
The problem however, is that dell machines are limited to "standard" mainboards.
Because of this it's almost impossible to allow much creativity with the hardware placement inside each case.
Perhaps dell can sit around a table with Intel or another popular mainboard designer and come up with a more customized version for the improved desktop layouts.
Improving the case hardware layout to fix the airflow will make a cleaner look, yield better performance, reduce energy consumption, improve harware lifespan, and in the end you end up with a much more enviromentally friendly computer.
860
DVDs / pre-loaded Video Tutorials that teaches you how to use your newly purchased Dell computers
Advertising and Marketing, Education, Service and Support submitted by davidtse916
07/10/07
I had this idea for sometime already...wouldn't it be good if Dell offers you the option to order some DVD / pre-loaded video tutorials that teaches you the basic stuff; like how to set up your computer to connect to the Internet, how to use the web browser to browse the Internet safely, how to uninstall a software that you no longer needs, how to do configure the settings in your system, how to make sure you computer is secure etc.
I know these things are very basic to most of you...but we all had trouble doing things like that when we first started using a computer...right? Some people choose to ask questions and learn quickly...while others just keep quiet. And when people have problems with their computer...the ones who keep quiet might not be able to know the real reason behind their problem...so they might start to say...my Dell is no good...it keeps on crashing...its so slow...then they start telling their friends not to get a Dell. My idea is to give them a chance to know a little bit more about their newly purchased computer so can use it well and at least have some idea what is going on inside the "box". Also...if you know more about your computer...I would say you have a less chance of "making it crash".
I have seen some video tutorials that Dell have made...they are excellent...but wouldn't it be better if they can be pre-loaded in the computer...or at least let people to choose whether they want to have them with their newly purchased Dell. DVD versions can also be purchased at a small cost so that people can watch the videos on their TV and follow the instructions on their computer.
Since I don't think other companies have done this before, if Dell does it, then people will have one more reason to get a Dell. As far as I know, some people think you have to learn a lot to be able to use a computer...while this maybe true...a lot of tasks that we do everyday is actually not that difficult, if Dell offers these tutorials...I think more people are welling to get a Dell because they know they can "master" the basics "out of the box".
300
Continue to supply Windows XP drivers for all systems.
Operating Systems, XPS products submitted by audiofree
07/10/07
Let’s face it, Vista regardless of how Microsoft is trying to possession is not what all customers want. Some of us want to continue to use XP, it’s a lighter faster OS that does what we need. Please continue to support XP drivers at least. I want to buy one of the new 1420s or 1520s but can’t because not all the drivers are available. If you’re not going to sell the laptops with and XP option at least make the drivers available so those of us that want to install XP on our systems can.
1620
Daily or Monthly rentals of OS's for Dell hardware customers.
Operating Systems, Servers and Storage submitted by jmxz
07/10/07
In the past 6 years, I can count exactly 3 days where I actually wanted to use Windows (TurboTax a few years back before my taxes got more complicated). For users who have very occasional use of an OS, it doesn't make sense to buy it; but would be better if I could rent the software in the same way I can rent playstation software from various video rental stores.
The Idea: Could Dell have a program where I could rent the OS on a daily basis rather than buy it outright?
The reason this is a request for Dell and not a request to Blockbuster is that I'm not enough of a Windows expert to track down all the drivers scattered around the internet and third party software needed to put together a working windows system myself; and presumably Dell has a functioning Windows restore disk for the models they sell that include the drivers.
Perhaps this rental installer could resize my existing partitions non-destructively to make just as much room as it needs; and restore the space to my old partitions when the trial period ended.
-290
Dell - Let us know if IdeaStorm is still useful to you; or if you want it to just go away.
IdeaStorm submitted by jmxz
07/06/07
When IdeaStorm launched; Dell sounded like it would be an important part of a new (or perhaps reborn pre-Rollins) strategy of listening to customers.
But since the initial excitement it seems IdeaStorm is getting less and less involvement from Dell employees. For example the very easiest and highest voted ideas (no-OS across your products has got to be one of the easiest ideas here; and if I recall it's in the top-10 most popular) never receive any comments from Dell.
Some speculation is that you may be getting pressure from some of your software vendors since many - if not most - of the Ideas here are critical of some of the pre-bundled software you include on your systems.
But even if those software vendors want IdeaStorm to go away, I would hope that Dell sticks with it --- we Dell customers trust and respect Dell far more than we respect those software vendors; and would very much like to see you stand up to them.
Ideas:
* Dell, please continue interacting with IdeaStorm. IdeaStorm was a good idea when you launced it, and IdeaStorm is still a good idea today.
* Dell, if some of your software partners may not like some of the IdeaStorm Ideas, don't let them pressure you into ignoring your customers. The reason such ideas (no trialware/adware ; linux linux linux ; noOS) are such popular is because as much as your customers like Dell, your customers are extremely frustrated with your software partners. Don't let them silence your customers.
290
Laptop Alarm
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by badblood
06/22/07
Make an alarm for laptops that makes them beep like buggery if anyone tries to move them or access them without the proper permisions.
(please note this seems to be an original idea! not a bloody duplicate like all the rest)
350
 track my votes
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