Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/17/07
Provide OpenOffice.org for free pre-installation alongside Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org is more capable than Microsoft Works, and a serious competitor to Microsoft Office, at a fraction of the cost (it's free!)
OpenOffice.org can open, create, edit and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
Provide as OPTIONS for pre-installation many other high-quality free software programs such as:
- Firefox: web browser with popup and privacy controls; say goodbye to Internet Explorer infections!
- Thunderbird: email program with free anti-spam and privacy controls
- Pidgin: instant messaging all-in-one program for popup-free MSN, Yahoo, AOL and others
&nsbp;[ed: GAIM was renamed Pidgin in April 2007 to settle the issue with AOL's trademark on AIM]
- PDFCreator: creates Adobe PDF files from any program
- Scribus, Inkscape & GIMP: desktop publishing, freehand drawing & powerful image editing
- Audacity & VLC: multi-track audio editing & universal all-in-one media/video/movie/DVD player
- Stellarium & Celestia: planetarium viewer & outer-space mapping, like Google Earth, but for our Solar System
Pre-installed quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. Cast your vote for Linux and other free software. Cast your vote for the Universal Education PC [ed: article removed/merged by dell_admin] utilizing free software.
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.
140819
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.
86220
Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot
Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Offer the 3 top free Linux versions for free pre-installation on all Dell PCs.
Quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. For example OpenOffice.org, the Microsoft Office alternative, can shave hundreds of dollars off the price of a new PC. Cast your vote for OpenOffice and other free software.
Offer easy multi-boot options with Windows Vista, Windows XP, or NO Windows (yes, Linux can entirely replace Windows!)
Offer trade-ins and Linux CDs for older model Dell PCs. Cast your vote for the mini Linux Dell PC and the Universal Education Dell PC, both utilizing free software.
Would you try Linux if it were this easy?
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.
Please take a look at www.dell.com/open for linux options on the Inspiron.
152680
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
36047
Be Direct... and End the Pricing Games (please!)
Sales Strategies submitted by dixonmiller
03/01/07
It is amazing how many different ways Dell tries to sell the exact same PC to customers at different prices. PLEASE adopt one simple, logical and consistent pricing system for consumers and small business purchases. (Note enterprise purchases are a different animal, but would also benefit from simpler pricing).
For an example of how confusing Dell's pricing policies are please see the spreadsheets posted online at:
http://dixonmiller.blogspot.com/2007/02/dells-dizzying-deals.html
A BETTER APPROACH:
Take Dell's cost of components, add in a reasonable mark-up, and base your pricing on that. Of course, you don't have to communicate the calculations to customers, but customers should expect that prices are consistent from one day to the next and from one part of Dell's website to the next. If I price out a system for $1000 today, I don't want to see it for $970 tomorrow, and $1065 the next day, or because I clicked on a different link on Dell's website. These price inconsistencies only a) confuse customers, b) make customers who paid more feel cheated and c) condition customers to bargain hunt, wasting their time and eventually only buying a PC from Dell at a later time and at a lower price (which hurts Dell) or from another manufacturer all together (see HP).
THE BROKEN CURRENT APPROACH
Here are a few of the tactics Dell uses that for the most part only serve to confuse and I would even say mislead customers. Stop these tactics!
-- Dell sells computers through both a Home/Home Office and a Small Business site. However, anyone (a consumer, company, etc) can buy from either site. (This is fine, but the problems start from here).
-- Pricing and even naming can differ between the sites for the same PC. Dell sells several Dimension Desktop PCs on both sites (E521, E520, C521). However, Dell also sells two other desktop PCs on each site, but under different names. The XPS 410 on the Home site is the same PC as the Dimension 9200 on the Small Biz site, and the Home site's XPS210 is the same PC as the Small Biz site's 9200C. Most importantly pricing can vary across these sites, even if you configure identical PCs.
-- Dell offers multiple prices and configs for the same PC even within the same site. Say you want to buy a Dimension E520 from the Home site. You will find different configurations and prices depending whether you click on the links for Dell's Desktop page, Smart Values page, or View All Promotions page.
-- Bundling provides even more options. Even within Dell's Desktop Page (which is where 90+% of people will go for a new desktop)there will be usually 3-4 configurations for a PC like the E520 with different bundlings for warranty, memory, processor, monitor, etc. I understand trying to give preset configurations with catchy names like "Elevate your Experience" and "Ready to Perform" to help consumers choose a simple package that works for them, however it's still very difficult to understand the differences between the bundles.
-- Upgrade options can vary even for the same PC. Again say you want a E520. Depending on which site and link you use to configure this PC, you may see anywhere from 2-5 processor choices, 3-4 hard drive choices, 1-3 video card choices, etc, and some options may not be available at all (especially on the Small Biz site).
-- Dell offers promotions via coupons that you won't find on its site. These can be for up to 25% off or even something like $500 off a $1500 PC. The only way for real people to find these deals is to patiently track deal sites like bensbargains.net, techbargains.com, or fatwallet.com. Search on "Dell deals" on google to find a number of these sites. Also, these coupons usually only last for a few days, have a limited number of redemptions (such as 1000 or 4000), and having cryptic codes like P$QZPQHMJPZN3J.
I hope that's enough to get my point across without overwhelming everyone.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Set straightforward, cost plus pricing for consumers and small businesses and you will have more satisfied customers.
C'mon Dell, clean up your pricing! For the most part your customers love your products, they just hate the way you do business.
310
Dell Thin Clients
Servers and Storage submitted by beijaflor
02/19/07
Dell is able to make full PCs for $359.
Imagine what would be the prize of "terminals" for thin client computing ...
- a low-consuming processor at 500-700 Mhz
- no fan design
- on-board 128 Mb flash
- on board 512 Meg RAM
- VESA mountable
- solid state architecture
- PXE bootable
- Remote OS and application :
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9097
Or even Windows Terminal Server for small deployment if people have the money to pay it.
Thin computing answers to 75% of needs related to computers in school, librairies, hospitals and more ...
Dell could even sell the servers coming with the "thin-clients solutions" ...
I also see the Screen+Keyboard+Mouse option
And think about the network ...
With modern thin-computing solutions, the deployments are made on a larger scale (thousands of terminals across fiber networks) and with thin-clients provided by a large company like Dell, the savings could be on the hardware AND on the software ...
1847
More AMD machines, higher graphics options, better sound integration
Desktops and Laptops submitted by pjf3rd
02/17/07
I applaud Dell for offering a few machines with less expensive AMD processors, but Dell needs to offer AMD options on more machines and notebooks, from the low end to the high end. Competition is good, sell more AMD and force Intel to reduce their ridiculously high prices.
And Dell needs better graphics options all over the spectrum. Why can't a buyer get a better graphics card pre-installed on ANY machine in the line, not just the higher-end ones?
Bottom line -- if I want to pay to get high-end graphics and sound and save money by choosing a lower-power processor and less software, why can't I?
I was forced to buy an HP notebook last year because HP offerred a 2Ghz AMD processor, 1GB RAM and 100GB hard drive + DVD-RW for under $1,250, while an equivalent Dell notebook was well over $2,300. And I got 15.4 in WXGA as well. The only HP drawback was 1280x1024 max on the LCD, but the graphics card supports 1600x1200 for an external monitor.
The last Dell desktop I bought (Dimension 8400) came with Soundblaster Live sound, but because it was a separate card and not chips on the MB, there are no front-panel sound connections. This is extremely annoying and makes sound connection changes much more difficult (my CPU is in a cabinet where it is harder to get at the back of the machine). Choosing higher-end sound should not remove convenient front-panel connections.
I have been a loyal Dell buyer since the mid '90's, and I still recommend Dell to friends and co-workers, but I will buy where the price and features are the best. Wake up Dell!
870
open hardware :)
Environment, Sales Strategies submitted by dibi58
02/28/07
environment conscious -> casings made of recyclable materials, with recycling instructions
energy conscious -> only USB/fire wire ports, very small footprint, low consumption, 75W ?
open bios, with USB, fire wire and PXE boot, flash boot, and source code
trusted computing chip on piggyback card (REMOVABLE)
operating system certifications -> list available (eg: suse 10.1, windows vista, fedora 4, ...)
inter operable, standard, internal parts, available off the shelves
padlock loop to lock the case
power supply/es on slid
standard low profile cd/dvd burner on slid and standard hard disk slids (this makes life easier)
standard fast snap in-out for internal cards (no screws) (this makes life easier)
hard disk -> optional (disk less stations are still used this days, interoperability is important)
processor -> choose one or more of whatever you believe in
preinstalled operating system -> OPTIONAL (a la carte), or NO SYSTEM option with discount
support -> OPTIONAL (mostly unneeded for IT departments, except for specs, manuals and drivers)
warranty -> OPTIONAL (mostly unneeded for IT departments)
drivers -> those WE NEED, FOR ALL THE OPERATING SYSTEMS NOT JUST WINDOZE, dvd please, for ALL
modems, wireless and infrared -> OPTIONAL (mostly unneeded for IT departments)
accessories -> optional security features (usb lock keys, card reader)
optional extras -> live CD matched with operating system ordered
possible more radical upgrades, a la carte:
-multi processor ready
-solid state swap disk
-external raid box with hot-swap trays
-multi media cards (digital video/stereo sound/telephony support for ALL OS's)
-apple osx
-sun solaris x86
-multi-head 6 users system, *ux based for schools and call centers
by the way, this was my latest dell configuration at my latest job:
2.8ghz, 512mb, 80gb hd, flat screen (170), suse beta 10.2
win4lin virtual machine running 2k pro :) (runs fine on dual processor as well)
ran NICE, everything working (jbl sound, cam, mic, zip, pen drives)
configure display with sax2, does not auto detect
had no technical issues, and no failures, on 2 years 5 units, operating 24/7
:)
160
More RAM!
Desktops and Laptops submitted by mwmtjm
01/30/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
Do away with 512MB of memory as a base option to buy consumer desktops and notebooks. With Vista running best on 1GB at a minimum, don't make customers have a basic experience with the new OS because Dell wants to be able to advertise at a lower price point. The success of Vista -- and subsequently for Dell -- will be largely in word of mouth. Take a long-term view and build the momentum one great customer experience at a time right now!
39992
Stripped down, fast Linux Box
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by pawprintz
02/17/07 **REVIEWED**
How about a fast, Internet ready Linux desktop. Small form factor, pretty monitor, mouse & keyboard, the O.S., OpenOffice & Firefox. Cheap'n'fast
Dell sees the value of this idea, and is keeping the sugestions for a Linux small form factor on the radar. john_h will let the community know of any new information as it comes.
68070
Unified battery form factor for laptops
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptop Power submitted by thirty2bit
02/25/07
Move to a unified battery form factor for laptops. Design the battery such that you don't need a new one for every new laptop.
If Dell would also listen to the suggestion about power adapters (one power adapter model for all laptops- pick a voltage/amperage and freeze it as a standard), then it will be easier to adopt a unified battery.
This would be "greener", as consumers could get much more life out of batteries. Dell would save money from not having to stock new battery designs.
If battery technology advances (it's stagnant now), logically the batteries of the future would be smaller and more power, watt hours actually, could be packed into the same unified form factor.
Charging technology may change, but charging circuitry should be built into the battery, not in the laptop anyway.
230
Stop using Propietary Hardware
Dell submitted by kwipper
02/24/07
Stop using proprietary hardware! I want to be able to swap out the hardware that you provide for something better that may be on the shelf of a retail or online store. Here is an example of what I am talking about.
I am the computer technician of my family and one of my family members owned a Dell. occasionally I would come across a customer who owned a Dell and wanted to upgrade the power supply. Well this could not be done because the power supply wasn't a standard sized one. It was one of Dell's design. This made finding parts a real hassle since I would have to get them through Dell. And even then if Dell does things to make part finding easier.. I still would rather buy my parts in a retail store or online store instead of through Dell. I like options like this and so do other people.
100
ReactOS
Operating Systems submitted by fireball
03/07/07
There have been a number of ideas for offerings computers with some flavour of Linux preinstalled, and that's great. But, there are customers, who would still want to have benefits of Windows (still the majority of software applications are targeted at Win32 API and .NET Framework, not to speak about drivers for various consumer devices).
Would DELL be interested in supporting a project aimed at creating a compatible implementation of Windows (the same architecture, API and ABI), but under a GPL license?
This would sound crazy if it's to be done from scratch, but we already spent quite some time for development and even came up with a few releases (they are more like proof of concept, not usable at the moment for preinstalling on PCs).
If you like to read more - http://www.reactos.org
Thanks.
2670
Set up an independent business unit for GNU/Linux systems
Dell, Linux submitted by glynmoody
03/02/07
Clearly, there is a huge pent-up demand for pre-installed GNU/Linux systems from Dell. But equally clearly, it would be difficult for Dell to make, sell and support such systems with its current business model.
Why doesn't Dell adopt the solution outlined by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen in his book The Innovator's Dilemma? That is, to set up a completely autonomous division, dedicated solely to meeting the demand for such systems - one that is not obliged to follow any of Dell's traditional practices.
Unconstrained by Dell's current methods or cost structures, it will be able to explore, devise and adopt innovative solutions to serve this very different market profitably. Dell makes money, people get their pre-installed systems.
5090
Don't describe Windows as an "Upgrade"
Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by stevefraser
02/19/07
If Linux is offered as the Operating System (As has been suggested many times on this site), don't describe an offer to purchase Windows as an "Upgrade", for example "Upgrade to Microsoft Windows for only $$$", Some other phrase should be used instead, such as "Add in Microsoft Windows for $$$", as the word Upgrade may give the impression that Windows is superior to Linux, and there are several people who would disagree with that statement.
3710
Ditch the Home/Small Business/Enterprise trichotomy
Sales Strategies, Small Business, Laptops submitted by majid
02/17/07
What products I am interested in do not correlate with myself or my company size. It used to be that high-end thin-and-light laptops would not be available in the Home segment, only the Enterprise segment. I'm sorry, just because I am a small-business owner or a home user does not mean I am ready to settle for inferior options deemed "good enough" by the powers that be.
This whole notion of three segments is a relic of a company-centric rather than customer centric marketing culture.
4043
Help create Open Source drivers - employ or hire a few developers
Linux, Operating Systems submitted by tingo
02/21/07
The Open Source market is growing - fast.
Dell should invest a small amount in this, in order to gain a huge market share and sales.
Employ or hire a few Open Source developers to create drivers for your products (for Open source operating systems).
Make sure that
- you support as many of the Open Source OS's as you can (Linux, *BSD, others)
- the drivers are completely open sourced (no binary blobs)
- that you take a long time view on this and support the drivers for as many years as you can
- you create open source drivers for ALL new products
- there are no strings attached to the use or further development of those drivers (ie. use an acceptable FOSS license)
This idea is completely free - the first company to use it wins.
6652
Lighter laptops - some suggestions
Laptops submitted by amri64
02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Would like to see more laptops below 2kg (4.4lbs).
Suggestions:
1. Replace Hard Disk with solid state storage device. Advantage: 1) lighter 2)no moving parts means less probability of breaking down (esp due to wear & tear)
2. External DVD drives. On the road, most things needed are already in the laptop. Leave the movie-watching & software-installing to the home/office/hotel room. The DVD drive can be checked in the suitcase.
3. Option to power off graphics card, camera, etc when not used for task at hand. Prolong battery life.
4. Lithium polymer batteries? For comparable charge densities, aren't they lighter?
Challenge: Fujitsu already has a 15" notebook at 2.4kg, though specs aren't so impressive, imho. Can Dell produce one at 2kg or less, & with specs "to die for"?
Please see jackie_c's comment
3416
 track my votes
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