Promote Windows Home Server Bigtime
Servers and Storage submitted by gcreese
02/17/07
Microsoft is coming out with Windows Home Server this year, which will allow households to backup and manage their house PCs from a single spot. At this point, a lot of households are in this situation (e.g., with two adults and a child, we have three laptops, a desktop, and three PDAs). Get out in front of the curve on this one (HP made its announcement at the CES Show), talk about it, promote the fact that you will offer it, and in the vein of the other "make the website easier to use" suggestions, explain how Windows Home Server is something to consider for a family going digital.
Also, offer a Windows Home Server discount to current customers who've ordered two or more PCs from Dell in the past five years. You have the data to run an effective, targeted marketing campaign. Use it!
1907
There should be an option of having no trialware on all computers
Software submitted by jervis961
08/23/07 **REVIEWED**
Here is a news article about trialware and how Dell feels that regular customers want it but small business ones do. Do they not look at the ideas here?
"Not interested in all of the trial software that clutters up new PCs? You're not alone: According to Dell's recent research in both focus groups and broader surveys, small-business users overwhelmingly view trialware as an irritant, not a benefit. That research has led Dell to axe the extras from its new Vostro line of small-business desktop PCs and laptops. Eliminating demo applications is a major step for Dell, which has caught flack for the quantity of trialware on its consumer PCs. (One frustrated customer went so far as to develop a "Decrapifier" utility. The company says that consumers who buy PCs for personal use do express interest in preloaded trial software, but that small-business users have different needs. By eliminating the trialware from Vostro machines, Dell says it has cut the system setup time in half. For now, Dell is the only major PC manufacturer to ship small-business systems without preinstalled trialware as a standard practice. (Some competitors, such as HP, allow customers to choose a no-trialware configuration.)"
Dell offers a broad amount of software choice and minimal software shipped. Read jeremy_f's post on the options we give our customers
24450
Make Prices Reasonable and Allow All Possible Configurations for All Dell Machines!
Advertising and Marketing, Sales Strategies, XPS products submitted by perfectcode
08/02/07
4 days ago the XPS 720 was around $2,900 dollars. Yesterday it was at $3,000 or so with the Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeGamer (D) Sound Card standard, but Dell changed the price of the 2GB Corsair Dominator ram to $270 instead of the $100 which it was at.
Now the price of the red (they added the black XPS 710 to the XPS 720 selection and you are extremely limited to the configurations of that one) XPS 720 is at $3,299 with the same features as when it was priced at!!! I was going to buy it 4 days ago but didnt have time due to one of my family members health issue and now this happens... great... as if things can't get any worse. =/
I also dislike how limited you are when customizing a Dell computer and how inflated the prices can be sometimes. They always start you (by default) with the lowest priced configuration and then everything else that can be added costs more money. Let's say there is a 320GB HDD at 10,000RPMs, well what if I want the 160GB because 320GB is too much? Let's say it starts me out with a Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD drive, well what if I want a Blu-ray or HD-DVD drive instead? There is no options for things like that. : (
Well that's just my two cents.
350
Add a scroll wheel to the notebooks
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by sopwith
08/02/07
Why can't you integrate a mouse style scroll wheel between the mouse integrated buttons on a laptop?
Functionality should include:
- scrolling
- side tilt
- middle mouse button
I just can't get used to useing the touchpad.
Dedicated touch pads like on the Logitech diNovo Edge, would be okay, but I would like to see a scroll wheel option.
290
Random ideas tab
IdeaStorm submitted by mistern
08/02/07
I would like to see a random ideas tab so IdeaStormers can do some voting on... random, possibly older ideas. Allowing me to (easily) vote on recent and popular ideas only creates some negative bias, I think.
280
Ship Notebooks in padded laptop bags instead of cardboard boxes
Advertising and Marketing, Environment, Sales Strategies submitted by akamat
08/02/07
Every time I buy a new computer, I get a huge quantity of cardboard boxes, cutouts, styrofoam etc. that eventually gets thrown out.
Dell could perhaps design a rugged, well padded carrying case which is good enough to protect notebooks in shipping transit - which of course also means it would excel in daily use for shock protection. The focus would be on utility and durability, rather than having soft leather surfaces that get easily scratched in the mail etc. Of course, this would be considered as 'disposable packaging' so that customers can't demand replacements for any scratches. It would simultaneously eliminate a lot of packaging trash, provide a default laptop bag and have Dell branding that serves as free advertisement for all the people who don't want to buy another bag.
Design guidelines would be as follows:
Able to withstand bumps and shocks similar to current cardboard packaging (or atleast at a level where notebooks can be safely shipped in it).
Production cost close to the current packaging, else make it as low as possible and offer the bag as a paid upgrade option.
2+ internal magazine-sized pockets, one of which contains the manuals and warranty sheets etc. when shipped. The other can be used for a detachable strap as that may break if attached outside in transit.
2+ smaller pockets good for cd cases, which hold the reinstallation and driver cds etc.
Do not compromise utility for aesthetics or weight - if it doesn't do the job well, there will be increased returns due to damage.
If the cost can be low enough and weight is considerable, perhaps incorporate inbuilt wheels.
For desktops/servers, this idea can also be extended to a sort of carry-on case with compartments for a desktop, lcd monitor and associated cables & peripherals - having such packaging would help immensely in moves. The desktop version should certainly have wheels too, besides your customers I imagine that postal delivery people will also start recommending Dell machines :)
350
* Speed up refunds - 31 days is ridiculous *
Service and Support submitted by kyliemanders
07/29/07
I ordered one of the new Inspiron desptops a few weeks ago. Just to make sure I explained to the sales rep I wanted to install my Radeon 1950 Pro graphics card in it. I had puirchased the card from Dell a few months earlier to drived my 30" monitor.
The sales rep reassured me the card would work perfectly well in the new Inspiron. Upon receiving the Inspiron I found the power supply was inadequate to power the card and also there was no extra power connectors inside the PC to connect additional accessories.
I spent about 2 hrs with the Indian tech support guy who eventually agreed with my findings. Another 30 minutes with credit department. I was issued a return authorizaation number and was told I would be refunded the purchase price 31 days after they receive the merchandise.
This is not acceptable as I paid Dell immediately and was deceived by the sales rep.
440
Make user guide OS-independent
Linux, Operating Systems submitted by iv2101
07/29/07
It's great to have all documentation available online. Thanks, Dell!
However, for some obscure reason the guide for inspiron 1420 makes references only to windows. WHY? Either explain for all OS's or don't give specifics for any. Dell currently ships inspiron 1420 with Ubuntu, too, so giving directions for that OS is a must.
STOP GIVING PREFERENCE TO ONE OS!!!
480
Show which products can support Ubuntu/Linux
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by tashmooclam
08/02/07
Assuming some people (like me) want to buy another laptop configuration besides the 2 offered with Ubuntu installed by Dell.
Dell should try to at least show which computers/components/configurations might be able to run Ubuntu/Linux.
We all know they can already run Windows. Which ones may not be appropriate for Linux? Some may have components for which drivers are rare or non-existant.
900
DVI or HDMI out on all laptops models?
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by tommarnk
07/06/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
this would be a big jump, if dell add "DVI out" on all dell laptops, so people can connect to there LCD Displays or LCD HDTVs natively
the picture quality will be grealy improved
this should be easy to do as most of new chipsets has dvi out
not many laptop manufacturers add "dvi out" to there lower end products, so it might be a wise move to do so
all LCD monitors and lcd hdtvs has dvi or hdmi in so it might work well
and meybe remove the old VGA out and put a singel DVI-I, it can be used as analog (VGA) to, by using VGA-to-DVI-I adapter like tose used on
standard computer graphic cards for years now
many people like me connect monitor via dvi or hdmi to get the best picture and color quality
The offerings for the XPS M1730: Dual-link DVI-I (support for 30-inch displays) and HDMI via DVI adapter. Check out all the specs for the new systems.
3850
Include nvidia and ati video cards in ubuntu laptops and desktops
Desktops and Laptops submitted by laptoplinux
08/02/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
When shopping for an Ubuntu Dell, I've noticed that it is not possible to order one with a video card from ATI or NVIDIA. For some users of Linux, such as those into 3D modeling work for artistic or scientific purposes, the Intel video card option may simply not be enough. And with laptops, upgrading or changing the video card is much more of a hassle than with desktops. Therefore, why is the option to buy a laptop with an nvidia or ati card listed under a Vista machine, but not under an identical machine pre-loaded with Linux?
Unfortunately, users that require both Linux and superior 3d acceleration performance may wind up forced into buying a Vista-preloaded Dell (and subsequently tossing the Vista disc in the garbage) just so they can have a Linux box with an ati or nvidia graphics card preinstalled. In addition to adding unnecessary cost to the consumer, this scenario will also distort sales figures information regarding Vista and Ubuntu.
Please consider offering Ubuntu-preloaded Dells with the option of an nvidia and/or ati graphics card preinstalled. Thank you.
Implemented
Please see Vida_K's comment below
930
Stop lying.
Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, Operating Systems submitted by jmxz
08/02/07
You just sent me another dead-tree-catalog full of "Dell Recommends Vista" on most pages; and practically everywhere I go on your web site I see it.
Yet the press reports that you guys are smart enough to hold off on deploying it yourselves no matter how strongly you "recommend" it to others.
Intel, Dell hold off on internal rollout of Vista
...
Dell has also not yet rolled out Vista internally, ..."We are pretty much in the same position as Intel within Dell," he said Thursday. "We knew we would roll out Vista internally faster than any other OS (but) if we are at the SP1 level it is going to be safer."
Please change your "Dell Recommends Vista" lies with "Dell recommends holding off like we're doing internally". on both your website and send print corrections to customers you lied with in print.
Dell - please stay focused on the highest-voted ideas, though. Don't distract yourselves with this one until you've addressed the ideas below which have been the top-ranked ideas for at least 6 months without adequate responses..
- 147,808 - dhart - Pre-Installed Linux [and not just on a couple obsolete models in limited geographies]
- 127,719 - dhart - Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
- 107,313 - robinjfisher - Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser
- 89,183 - ootleman - No Extra Software Option [only a couple models are crapware-free today]
- 78,007 - gergnz - Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
- 73,600 - agreer - No OS Preloaded [and not just on a couple obsolete models]
990
Let Us Choose XP For All Machines!
Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by shamarkaleo
07/26/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Dear Dell Service Team,
After unsuccessful appeals to several levels of your support staff, I am writing to convey one last appeal regarding operating systems and purchasing options on your site.
I am the CEO of a small web and graphic design business. We decided to purchase a laptop for our staff use on trips, and after studying all our options, chose Dell as our computer supplier.
We were dismayed to find that most of the computer systems at Dell came pre-installed with Windows Vista, with only a few computers offering a choice of operating systems. Our computer of choice did not offer a selection.
I find this mindboggling, since Dell as a company won't use Vista on its own computers until after SP1 is released. http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39286949,00.htm?r=8
And CNET gives Windows vista this dismal review:
"...essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade." http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/windows-vista-ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html
What is more mindboggling to me is Dell's refusal to work with our company when we appealed for a change in our order. We wanted the specific machine we ordered, we simply didn't want Vista.
As it is, the only options we were offered were:
A.) Cancel our order- though we'd already waited weeks for the order to be fulfilled - and order a machine we don't want that offers the XP operating system choice
or
B.) Wait for our machine to arrive, then go buy XP ourselves at additional cost, reformat the hard drive, and install XP on our own.
These choices are horrible! Especially since one of your own staff told me by phone that Dell has received many, many complaints about Vista.
Neither option meets our needs. We either end up with a machine we don't want which has the right operating system, or a machine we do want that we must "fix" prior to use.
So I appeal to you to allow buyers to choose their operating system on ALL your machines, not just some. You don't have to offer a huge choice, but at least one more option than Vista!
Kelli Standish
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.
1710
http://www.dell.com/open shouldn't steer people towards Windows
Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by limulus
08/02/07
If I want to look at the open source offerings on Dell's site, there's a nice short URL that redirects to the appropriate page: http://www.dell.com/open
However, some of the wording on the page sounds like it was written to DISCOURAGE people from buying those systems and steer them towards Windows; an excerpt:
---
Not sure Open Source is for You?
The main thing to note is that when you choose open source you don’t get a Windows® operating system. If you’re here by mistake and you are looking for a Dell PC with Windows, please use the following link.
Shop Dell PCs with Windows
---
To make the page better:
* remove the "Not sure Open Source is for You?" and "Already an Open Source fan?" sections or change them to something like this:
---
New to Open Source?
A very important thing for people familiar with Microsoft Windows® but new to open source to note before buying is that it is an alternative to Windows®, not a cheap version of Windows®. Programs specifically designed to run on Windows® will NOT run by default on Dell's open source systems. If you want to run programs such as "Microsoft Office® 2007", "Adobe Photoshop® CS3", "iTunes® 7.3" and "The Sims® 2" you're in the wrong place! (Dell's Windows® systems may be found here.)
If you already knew that or are ok with it, please continue shopping below...
---
* if its to be kept, move the "You asked, we listened." part down into the Ubuntu description, but get rid of the "advanced users and tech enthusiasts" mention; installing an OS (regardless of the OS) is usually the most difficult step (and one not done by 'average users') but Dell has done all the hard work (most notably by selecting compatible hardware) and after that Ubuntu is really not that hard to use :)
* in the "What Is Open Source?" section, the following sentence needs work: "A downside is that some open source software requires intermediate or advanced knowledge to use, and in the case of operating systems, may not be compatible with the same software applications and hardware as Windows operating systems."
What is the reference for "advanced knowledge to use"? Are we talking about the command line? Ubuntu can be used without ever seeing it. Perhaps consider striking that. The real meat of the issue, of course, is that Windows embraces proprietary things and its an uphill battle to try to support them in an open OS. Perhaps use the following:
"A downside is that consumer software applications and hardware choices which are compatible with the proprietary Windows operating system may not work in an open source environment or may require significant tweaking to make them work."
(for software, the tweaking is a reference to Wine... for the hardware, we can hope for support in future Ubuntu versions ;)
2310
 track my votes
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