SMALL BIZ ADVICE
What would you ask Michael?
The Dell Community has contributed: 9797 ideas | promoted 668338 times | 76297 comments

How IdeaStorm Works:

Post Promote Discuss See

grifter

Dashboard  |  Ideas Submitted  |  Ideas Voted On  |  Comments  |  Saved Items

310

Give the same options and prices Worldwide

Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by hurst Apr 25

Yesterday I configured an Inspiron 1420 in my country's Dell site. It had LESS POWERFULL options (CPU, graphics card, etc), and it was more expensive than an Inspiron 1420 in the US site. $1300 vs. $1800... I know shipment must be included...but $500?????
My only option is to wait for someone to visit the US or buy another brand 3 Comments »

340

Add dedicated graphics to all Inspiron laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Inspiron products, Laptops submitted by ccpljat Apr 25

I want dedicated graphics to be added as an option on all the Inspiron laptops. I don't have a lot of money and can't afford the XPS systems. At least give the option for 128 MB dedicated on all Inspirons. Comment »

280

Ubuntu laptop price for 1525N

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by cpo Apr 25

Similarly equipped laptops - one with MS Vista, and the other with Ubuntu: Inspiron 1525 vs. Inspiron 1525N. The only difference is the wireless card. Please tell me why the Ubuntu version is $110 more. (Canada). I don't want to subsidize the sales of Microsoft machines when buying a machine with open-source software.

pricing done online April 25, 2008
no coupons used.

Inspiron 1525
--------------------------------------
Now $788
Processor:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Operating System:
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic Edition
LCD Panel:
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Integrated Webcam:
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Memory:
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Hard Drive:
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Video Card:
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Optical Drive:
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Wireless Networking Cards:
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini-Card
Bluetooth Option:
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate) Primary Battery:
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Sound Card:
High Definition Audio 2.0

Inspiron 1525N
------------------------------------

Starting From $898

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache) Operating System:
Ubuntu Linux version 7.10 with DVD Playback
LCD Panel:
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Camera:
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Memory:
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Hard Drive:
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Video Card:
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Combo or DVD+RW Drive:
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Network:
Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Wireless Networking Cards:
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Bluetooth Option:
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate) Battery Options:
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Sound Card:
High Definition Audio 2.0 1 Comment »

-130

A Better Laptop Keyboard

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by cubfnatic Apr 26

I would like to see a laptop that brings the keyboard closer to you and sticks the mouse off to the side or to the back, opposite of how they are configured now. I dont like having to reach back so far to get to the keyboard. Comment »

200

Reveal Truth About Microsoft License / Promotion Deals

Advertising and Marketing, Dell submitted by gear Apr 27

It is now an open secret that Dell PCs sold with Ubuntu and "No OS" except for servers are more expensive than PCs with a Windows license.

It is also an open secret that Dell is not featuring Ubuntu and Windows XP prominently in accordance with customer demands.

It is also assumed that Dell is under a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits the disclosure of terms Microsoft imposes on the OEM licenses, and also the terms for participating in their promotional programs and other inducements to be an exclusive Microsoft shop.

However, in less than a year, the Administration will change in Washington, and with it, the potential for renewed interest in the anti-competitive behavior of Microsoft and their illegal efforts to extend their monopoly to other markets.

i.e. hardwiring in Microsoft search in Vista and making it very inconvenient for a user to use an alternative search engine, or imposing their Internet Explorer Browser by making Microsoft / Windows update incompatible with all other browsers and not offering customers a choice of alternatives like Firefox when you buy their operating system.

Here are my speculations:

Dell is incentivized by Microsoft to participate in these anti-competitive schemes by the following methods:

- Install Microsoft Vista in lieu of any other operating system

- pays a license fee to Microsoft for every PC sold regardless of whether it ships with a MIcrosoft OS installed.

- rewarded for not pre-installing Firefox

- prevented from not offering "Media Direct" or a equivalent system or making this DRM scheme optional.

- incentivized to offer no viable option to Office except for Microsoft Office Live even when viable options like Googledocs, Open Office, etc. exist and are 'out there'.

- incentivized to bundle Microsoft Works with every PC sold

- prevented from disclosing that Dell is a willing party to these efforts to illegally extend Microsoft's monopoly and participating in anti-competitive measures

Under such circumstances, Dell may have considerable legal liability and exposure to anti-trust laws by colluding with Microsoft.

While it may be a year before these issues come up in the USA, the issue may come up in Europe, where the EU has an active ongoing investigation of Microsoft going on.

I would hate to see Dell fined by the EU like Microsoft.

Please start revealing the truth --- because if the terms are as I speculated above, it likely will be the same terms Microsoft give to every other major manufacturer of PCs. 63 Comments »

400

LED Screens for All Precision Laptops; Power Options for Precision Laptops

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by rjasso Apr 27

For the market (engineers, architects, etc.) that is being catered to by the Precision laptops, these laptops should have LED screens that offer better and richer colors and are less power-hungry. Further, the M6300 should have a media bay battery option as do its smaller siblings, the M2300 and M4300. 2 Comments »

-100

MP3

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by mrcool400 Apr 27

I think Dell should start coming on with there own line of MP3s with touch or with games plus podcasts, music, videos, pictures, and maybe bluetooth plus wifi to surf the net. 3 Comments »

100

Put SSD in MD3000i SAN

Servers and Storage, Small Business submitted by gve Apr 28

Put SSD in MD3000i:

SSD's rule in database use because off their IOPS speeds and perform as well in raid5 as in raid1.
.
4x128Gb SSD in Raid5 perform better than 20x 15k disks in raid10, so you would have 384GB of storage for databases that flies!

Great for Navision or not to big SQL and Oracle databases in an ESX environtment: Great uptime, flexability and speed.

4x128GB SSD is allready less expensive then 20x 15k sas. 6 Comments »

7848

Avoid Glare On Screens and Notebook Frames

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by bobetsue 02/20/07

Glare and reflection from high glare screens, screen frames, and notebook computers is annoying and distract from function and use.

In stores, this may be a marketing ploy. Consumers may not fully understand the problem of glare. Online sellers like Dell should inform buyers when shopping whether the screen and case are "glare" or "nonglare."

When "nonglare" was introduced to television, shoppers considered it an advantage worthy of extra expense. In the art world, nonglare glass is considered worthy of extra expense.

How did we ever get glossy screens?

Dell should offer customers a choice between "glare" and "nonglare." 244 Comments »

21630

Make Linux and no Operating system standard options on all future products

Operating Systems submitted by jervis961 08/17/07 **REVIEWED**

OK Dell you have committed to supplying Linux options in limited form. Since you have laid the groundwork already here is the next step. Every new product you release that needs an Operating system should have Linux and also no Operating System as an option in the configuration along side Windows. Since you have to write drivers and test compatability for Vista when making a new product just make it compatable with Linux at the same time. There will no longer be a need for a seperate sections for Linux or no Operating system since all of the products will have the option. this will help make your site easier to navigate for you customers. You can also create an ACCURATE help me choose section for the OS choices.





Check out what daniel_j has to say on the options we offer.





189 Comments »

2450

Have Ubuntu on Dell One

Linux, XPS products submitted by daniel117 Mar 12

After hearing a couple magazines and people say Vista has glitches, I think Dell's best computer ever (and best counterpart of Apple's Macs) this computer company should start looking into Linux more, especially Ubuntu. Oh sure, Dell didn't get enough people into Ubuntu, but that can be easily fixed by putting Linux into Dell One. Dell is missing out on more sales from Ubuntu fans and all you geeks out there. Not much of them, but popularity would spread and soon Vista is in the dust (not that I hate Vista, but I like Ubuntu better). 11 Comments »

5380

Give XPS Notebooks Gigabit Ethernet

XPS products submitted by croftki Feb 17

I understand that Dell market research says home users in general are not interested in gigabit ethernet for home networks. Those who pay for the premium design in the XPS line, however, are more likely to want gigabit ethernet. I would rather buy something more exciting than a business class notebook, but I want to build on my home technology with each purchase I make. XPS Notebooks unfortunately do not help me do this. It seems my only option is to buy a Latitude. 28 Comments »

19580

Stop Overcharging on Notebook RAM

Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by realskript 08/28/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Dell really... REALLY need to stop overcharging... and when i say overcharing... i mean atleast double what you would pay to pick up the ram yourself.
On XPS Notebooks... you are charging $500 for 4GB of ram... when you could easily go pick them up at your local computer shop for $250... and pocket the other half of the $500...

It would be nice if dell could save the customers as well as the company itself this hassle.. and start charging NORMAL prices for an upgrade in RAM.

thanks =D

PS..... PROMOTE THIS!!!!











88 Comments »

24090

Backlit Keyboards

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu 02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.

I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.


Check out Vida_K's comment below on the New Latitude.
300 Comments »

26730

Put Ubuntu on the list of operating systems when building a PC!

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by samb0057 08/10/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Ubuntu is hidden in a dark corner of the website. I work in IT support, and I have a client who was having virus problems a little while ago. I fixed the problem by installing Ubuntu on their PC. Very recently they called me asking for advice on a new computer, I told them about your new offer providing Ubuntu pre-installed on PCs and they wanted to purchase, but could not find the section on your site (this person is a very basic user, doesn't know what open-source means, probably didn't even see the open source link). There is no way they would have found your Ubuntu section on their own.

I urge you to offer Ubuntu as a choice of OSes in the system configuration wizard, the only way to really sell Ubuntu is to offer Ubuntu as a primary option, rather than a hidden alternative. I personally am looking to buy a new laptop, and you guys have always been my number 1 PC manufacturer (I don't think I've ever bought a new retail PC except from you guys), but I feel that your Ubuntu offerings are lacking. If you offered Ubuntu on some of the great deals you offer on your home page, I would be willing to pay just as much as I would for a Windows Vista system and I probably would have already ordered.







158 Comments »

24440

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





149 Comments »

18190

Use magsafe power connectors

Laptops, Laptop Power submitted by badblood 05/20/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

MagSafe power connectors, by Apple, are magnetic power connectors that pull out harmlessly when the cord is tripped upon.



They are very cool and quite sensible.





103 Comments »

28100

Standardize Power Cables for Laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by badblood 08/27/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Nothing is more annoying than laptop power cables that are not interchangeable from one computer model to another or from one brand of computer to another. Power cables have been standardized on most electrical applicances, including desktop computers for decades.

Make an effort to promote and implement standard power cables for laptops.


Please see dawn_l's comments below.
105 Comments »

2020

Provide OPEN Linux drivers for all DELL products!

Linux submitted by lucianotolfo 05/27/07 **REVIEWED**

I think it's important for DELL to provide OPEN and FREE Linux drivers for all their products (notboocks, desktops, printers, etc.) to mark the way for other manufacturers, to develop linux drivers too (or they can work together with the linux community to do that)

Also the Linux users can get an easy way to configure their DELL products on Linux. Because linux users also take into account which hardware will be compatible on their Linux systems
We have open Linux drivers on our server products today and are driving our desktop and notebook vendors to do the same.






8 Comments »

290

Work with Canonical to make Ubuntu upgrades smoother.

Linux submitted by jmxz 10/23/07

I just upgraded my E1505N to the newest Ubuntu that was released earlier this month; and was disappointed that it did not go flawlessly.

In particular, it "forgot" that my screen is capable of a 1680x1050. Also surprising that all the xwindows setup programs I tried see the E1505N as having a "Generic Monitor" with an unknown resolution. Since you're working with the Ubuntu vendor directly, it seems you could have worked with them to make the upgrade process correctly identify your hardware.

While it was easy enough for me to run the command line program "dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" to get my correct resolution back; this wouldn't be obvious to the novice user.

Idea: Already said it above, but: Since you're working with the Ubuntu vendor directly, it seems you could have worked with them to make the upgrade process correctly identify your hardware. 20 Comments »



Rss track my votes