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...
330
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.
850
Offer computers without an OS installed!
Operating Systems submitted by auraofblade
07/10/07
I realize this idea is slightly crazy, but hear me out.
An added with this idea is that the price gets cut. There are some people out there who really don't have quite enough money to buy even the cheapest computer. With around $100 cut off the price (that's that price of a cheap OS right?), people will have the ability to purchase the hardware sooner.
Of course, where do they get their OS? The main one they can use is Linux...its free. On a slight sidenote, you can potentially include an install disc for Linux with the package. And of course that little sticker saying what OS the computer has disappears.
530
New LapTop ( balloon )
Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by miguel_ornelas
07/10/07 **NOT NOW**
This Big Idea maybe a little Crazy, but if you put it in motion is going to bust or sells big time, because a lot of people can benefit from it, executives, Hospital and manufacturing people can use this product as there number one, well the Idea is to get a new Laptop unique that nobody has and that can benefit and help a lot of people on there every day life. Well here it is..
The new Laptop with a detachable screen that can work with Bluetooth to communicate with the hard drive and the rest of the Laptop like the kboard and mouse, that when you are using it as a regular Laptop it will work as regular Laptop, but when you separate the screen from the main laptop it will be just like a iPhone, you can move it or jump from screen to screen with just your fingers, by touching the screen, now the other part of the Laptop witch is the Kboard and mouse will be the main control witch still communicating to the screen with Bluetooth capability or similar application, so this way the screen will be more fun to work with and when you are in a important meeting or looking for something around the Factory it will be easier to carried the screen, now this can have options like, you can still use the kboard or just use the screen either way, also the screen can have a stand just by pushing a button and a stand can pop out, so you can set it as far as you can from you, and see it, because I know some people don't like the computer screen to close, or some people don't like to carried around all the computer.. So let me know what you think.. I know is Great Idea.. Now the screen can be use with a pen or just with your fingers, it has to be easy to print screens by just circular them out any thing from a face, car, animal, a page, and hit print and it will go strait to print.. So let me know what you think..
Thanks..
110
Dual OS systems
New Product Ideas, Operating Systems, Operating Systems - Multiboot submitted by future_maker
07/11/07
Many of us want to use Linux, but there are many applications that run only on Windows. Do not make us choose, add a swapable OS into the system.
HW way: Harddrives are cheep, on can use swapable HDs with preinstalled OS isntead just repartitioning a single HD. Rememer swappable HD drowers from 10 years ago? Imagine you have several HD drawers with your different system, it is like virtual PC withoud slowdowns and hustle. I could have several Windows and Linux versions and I just need to slide in the right drawer and reboot the machine to switch the OS. The all can use the same NTSF data drive.
SW way: If that is too expensive, then just add a clean partitioning facilties to BIOS so that each partition can be reinstalled without changing the loader. If you can do it so an average Windows user can figure it without a manual or googling, that would increase the value of the system for many of us.
250
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.
230
Try to get OSX on Dell machines
Operating Systems submitted by manu08
07/11/07
I know this is a VERY LONG shot but still no harm in posting it up because I'm sure many other people out there might actually agree with this.
Dell should try to partner with Apple to run OSX on Dell machines. Dell might have to come up with a few new machines & make them OSX specific but still, I think it would definitely be a lot better, especially if people wanted OSX but didn't adore the Apple products, or prefererd a different size/type of product that Dell already offered but wanted OSX, right now they'd have no choice but to go with Apple. Also, this would possibly increase Apple's market share for the OS industry thereby making Microsoft worry a little more so that they get up & actually develop OS's the consumers want/need without all the bugs & errors. This would start an actual competition where the industry on the whole would benefit by better & cheaper OS's. Not to mention the gain the consumer will obtain.
-80
Hires Some Brains To recognize ideas
Dell, IdeaStorm submitted by googideas
07/11/07
A good idea makes Dell money and keeps costs down for the consumer, or, at least allows for more R&D.
Too bad that most senior Dell management are so "techie" (or busy) that they haven't the resources, in any sense you wish to hear this in, to rcognize where good ideas come from. I've posted one months ago; it would take but one person to make the enquiry, and presto, you'd have a brand new product which would solve many needs, including universal connectiity for components, and would be both scalable and partnerable. You'd also make a bucket load of money - or is making money now a secondary issue?
Vote this up if you as a thinker want to see the results of improving gaming, connectiivity, and user friendliness.
230
Inform Dell DK that non-windows is legal...
Dell, Operating Systems submitted by fjodor
07/12/07
First of all, a Linux and/or No OS option would be welcome here in Denmark.
Second, last time I bought an Inspiron I was, upon inquiry as to a Windows refund, informed that unless I accepted the Windows XP EULA, Dell DK would have me return the machine (!)
On this matter, I should very much like a Dell Main Headquarter official to contact me in order to get the original e-mail correspondence and possibly give the Danish guys a little pep-talk on customer treatment.
I lodged a complaint with the national agency for consumer rights, but was unfortunately delayed in my further proceedings with this past the given deadline, on account of private matters taking precedence.
350
State clearly that more options are available than selectable when buying.
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies submitted by fjodor
07/12/07
Last time I bought an Inspiron, I assumed that demand must have been too low for 9-cell batteries, since I couldn't select one as an option.
Only later, after purchase, when inquiring about the possibility of buying just a 9-cell battery was I informed that I could in fact have ordered the Inspiron with such a battery "if only I had called in". I was further informed that valid options were deliberately left out of the selectable choices when configuring the machine to purchase "in order not to confuse customers" (!) This "dumbing down" is almost excusable if people are actually complaining about too many options, but _do state clearly the way to get the full choice of options_!
I didn't see this stated anywhere, and neither that I could get more detailed options by purchasing via telephone.
In effect, I am now stuck with a mediocre 6-cell battery (only option), and I can by no means afford a 9-cell alone, though I would have been able to, had it replaced the 6-cell I had to choose...
610
XPS Laptops - The Next Generation
XPS products submitted by rkolling
07/12/07
With the XPS M1330, it looks like Dell is in the process of redoing the XPS series and creating unique platforms rather than optioning up basic Inspiron or Latitude platforms. Given the Insipron, Vostro, Latitude, and Precision lines, I hope Dell really tries to make the XPS laptop line a unique, definitive, state-of-the-art statement. The cachet would provide a halo effect for the other Dell products as well.
I hope Dell offers a light weight 15.4” (well under 6 lbs) or a light 17” (at less than 7 lbs.) form factor XPS. It would be good if such machines could combine magnesium and carbon fiber construction to achieve light yet robust construction. I like the roll cage approach used by Lenovo in the lids to their ThinkPad models since it gives the wireless device antennas good access to the wave stream while affording light weight and strength. While the gamers may like 17”, I find the 15.4” travels easier and is also easier to open up and use on an airplane flight than a 17”.
I would opt for a premium, LED-lit, 1920X1200 WUXGA screen driven by a top of the line Nvidia 8700 series video card with 512 MB (or more) of RAM that can play HD content from a Blue Ray drive as well as games. Hopefully the screen would have great brightness, color gamut, contrast and response time. The high water mark in laptop screens seem to be the Sony’s. I hope Dell can equal or exceed that mark.
I like the way the M1330 includes various ports and jacks such as dual headphone jacks. To the M1330’s port layout I would add 2 more USB ports and a dual link DVI port to drive the Dell 3007 series of 2560X1600 displays when hooked up directly (as well as via the docking station).
The CPU should have 4 GB of RAM with Vista and hopefully Dell can twist Intel’s arm to offer a Santa Rosa 7700G CPU that can be overclocked. The 7600G in the XPS M1710 can be easily overclocked to 2.83 GHz with negligible impact on battery life or fan noise. Anything over 2.83 was a very different story, however. 2.83 represents a .5 GHz increase over the stock 2.33, a substantial 20+% increase. I of course would like the computer with the Intel draft-N wireless and the internal cell phone network wireless cards as well as with Blue Tooth and gigabit ethernet.
I would suggest a 64 GB SSD option – 32 GB can be a little skimpy with today's applications and voluminous files. This should lower weight, increase battery life and eliminate a typical laptop point of failure – the hard drive. Perhaps a package could be offered with both the SSD plus a conventional 7200 rpm hard drive. The conventional hard drive could be deployed inside the machine, ideally, along with the 64 GB SSD and then removed when not desired or needed. Alternatively, the conventional hard drive could be swapped for the SSD or also connected to the laptop via an adaptor through a USB port to perform back-up, offloading of unneeded files or downloading needed files to the SSD.
That’s my $.02.
480
virtualize the OS
Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by mieslep
07/12/07
Sell me a desktop/notebook whose host OS is a small and hugely locked-down Linux kernel whose whole purpose in life is to host one (or more) virtual machines.
Then, separately, sell me one (or more) VM images with a wide range of software mixes. So, one VM might be Vista + Office Ultimate + Norton AV, another might be XP Pro + Open Office, etc. You could come up with hundreds of combinations here because you don't need to manage all the drivers associated with the OS.
Finally, sell me a service to manage all those licenses for me.
190
Dedicated graphics for AMD notebooks
Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by migizi
07/13/07
How about some dedicated graphic card options for the AMD notebooks. You claim to be supporting both Intel and AMD but you don't even offer the same options for the AMD that you do for Intel. I know you can get motherboards for AMD laptops that support dedicated graphics. HP has had that option for awhile. Stop showing favoritism, you are only setting the AMD notebooks up for failure by not making them as appealing as the Intel.
400
 track my votes
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