All operating systems on all platforms!
Operating Systems submitted by markvs624
07/09/07
Do just what the title says: offer all operating systems on all platforms with full support. Don't restrict Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Unbuntu to certain models.
Make the base price for all base operating systems the same: XP Home = Vista Home Basic = Unbuntu. No discounts at the entry level. No $50 cheaper for Unbuntu. No $50 more for Vista.
Give no incentive either way The same customers who buy XP Pro and Vista Ultimate now will still buy those versions in the future. LET THE CUSTOMER DECIDE.
2190
Donations for Ubuntu development
Linux submitted by dave-2
11/27/07
If Dell ever implements the idea (and this, and this, and this, etc) allowing users to select Ubuntu from a list of OS options instead of going to another section of the website to order a special "N" series model, the Ubuntu option should cost less than the Windows options.
In addition to the OS configuration buttons, offer two buttons that allow the user to contribute that savings back toward Ubuntu development:
o Donate $0 to Ubuntu (default)
o Donate $25 to Ubuntu (split the savings)
o Donate $50 to Ubuntu (donate the full amount saved)
The amount of the full donation should reflect the cost of the least expensive version of Windows (e.g. Genuine Windows(r) Vista Home Premium) .
440
Offer Windows XP SP3 because it benchmarks on Dell XPSM1710's twice as fast as Vista SP1
Operating Systems submitted by jmxz
11/27/07
CNet article here:Windows XP outshines Vista in benchmarking test
Published: November 27, 2007, 5:13 AM PST
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Windows XP outshines Vista in benchmarking test
New tests have revealed that Windows XP with the beta Service Pack 3 has twice the performance of Vista, even with its long-awaited Service Pack 1.
Vista's first service pack, to be released early next year, is intended to boost the operating system's performance. However, when Vista with the Service Pack 1 (SP1) beta was put through benchmark testing by researchers at Florida-based software development company Devil Mountain Software, the improvement was not overwhelming, leaving the latest Windows iteration outshined by its predecessor.
Vista, both with and without SP1, performed notably slower than XP with SP3 in the test, taking over 80 seconds to complete the test, compared to the beta SP3-enhanced XP's 35 seconds.
The tests, run on a Dell XPS M1710 test bed with a 2GHz Core 2 Duo CPU and 1GB of RAM, put Microsoft Office 2007 through a set of productivity tasks, including creating a compound document and supporting workbooks and presentation materials.
In fact, it seems you should offer XP SP3 (or Linux, of course) for any customer who cares about performance.
270
Ship the latest Ubuntu CD with every system
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by ubondell
11/28/07
Since Ubuntu CDs are available for free (including shipping if I recall correctly) Dell should order a couple of pallet loads of them and ship one with each system they sell. There are so many CDs already in the box that the incremental cost to add one more is negligible. That way the Linux crowd can't say that Dell doesn't support Linux and some fraction of the people buying Dells will be exposed to Linux if they boot using the LiveCD to see what the fuss is about.
140
Dell Charges $49 to Remove Their Own Spyware
Dell, Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by thebittersea
05/07/07
I recently purchased a new Dell computer. Previously I made a promise with myself to never purchase a Windows based computer again, but due to work-related complications I had no choice. The Dell arrived three days after I ordered it, which was great considering the shipping was free.
Fearing that my computer would become infected with a virus within 12 minutes, my first line of order was to purchase and install anti-virus software. Once that was finished, my next task was to delete the unnecessary programs that come pre-installed on the machine. Having purchased a Dell before, I was well aware that Dell computers ship full of bloat. I anticipated to find garbage such as AOL coach, Dell Picture Studio and Internet Explorer. What I was shocked to find, however, was My Way Search Assistant.
For those of you recently in a coma (or those of you that use a Mac or Linux), My Way is a spyware program that claims to block pop-ups and provide other nice features for users on the web. In reality, My Way spies on your browsing habits and reports this information to a central server so that customized ads can be delivered to your machine.
I’ve been a fan of Michael Dell for about ten years since I read an article about him in Reader’s Digest. Not wanting to believe that my friend Michael would allow this garbage to be installed on computers that bare his name, I assumed that somehow a virus had snuck its way onto my machine in the ten minute window where my computer was without anti-virus software. Sadly, Google search after Google search revealed that in fact Dell is being paid to pre-install this filth on their machines.
I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. Michael Dell, how could you allow this to happen? It really hurts to see a former hero *sarcasm* falter like this. Now I know how fans of Tom Cruise must be feeling. :-) Michael, I thought I knew thee so well!
After spending an hour in shock and mourning, I gathered myself off the floor to remove the program from my machine. I opened the control panel and selected “Add or Remove Programs.” After removing My Way, I was told that I would have to reboot my computer. A quick reboot later and I was back in the control panel. At this point I was ready to forget the entire ordeal and move on with my life.
Looking back on it, I should have known there would be more problems. If only I had paid more attention to the screeching violins that could be heard in the background. That’s right, My Way still appeared in the “Add or Remove Programs” window. However, this time around there was no uninstall button. My Way appeared to be permanently on my machine.
Having read that Adaware can remove My Way, I downloaded, installed and ran Adaware from Lavasoft. Perhaps because My Way had already partially removed itself, Adaware was unable to detect My Way on the machine. It was time to call Dell support.
After a 30 minute wait on hold, a man with an Indian accent who asked to be called Stewart answered the phone. Our (abbreviated) conversation went something like this:
-----------------------
Stewart: What seems to be the problem?
Me: I’d like to remove My Way Search Assistant from my computer. I tried to remove it through the Control Panel, but it still appears in “Add or Remove Programs.”
Stewart: What do you know about this program?
Me: I know that this is Spyware and I know that I want it off my machine.
Stewart: How did My Way get onto your computer in the first place?
Me: What do you mean? It came pre-installed when I bought my computer from Dell.
Stewart: I have trouble believing that this was on your computer when you purchased it.
Me: So do I Stewart, so do I.
-----------------------
Obviously Stewart is not very up to date with the sotware Dell pre-installs on their computers. If anybody doubts that Dell has a relationships with My Way, one only need visit http://www.dell4me.com/myway< then explained that he would no longer be able to assist me with my problem. He indicated that I would need to contact software support services for help removing the spyware that Dell installed on my machine. Oh yeah, and he indicated that they would charge my credit card for the call. $49, specifically.
What Dell is doing should be illegal. They are being paid to install spyware on new computers. They are making it difficult for customers to remove the spyware on their own. Then, they charge $49 to teach you how to remove it. This would be like a doctor being paid to infect you with a disease and then charging you for the antidote.
Dell claims that people like me are overreacting, but a lot of people seem to disagree.
If you feel comfortable messing with the Windows registry, here are some instructions on how to remove My Way. More information can also be found on the Dell forums.
I’m responsible for the purchase of eight Dell computers for myself, friends and family in the past few years. After this ordeal, I will never again purchase a Dell. I will never again recommend that anybody else purchase a Dell. In fact, from this point forward I will go out of my way to recommend that people looking to purchase a computer avoid Dell altogether. I doubt that I’m alone. With practices like these, Dell shouldn’t be surprised to hear its customers say, “Dude, you’re getting a boycott.”
880
DON'T KILL THE AXIM PDA's platform
Broadband and Mobility submitted by optical10
02/23/07 **REVIEWED**
The world leading x51v WM5 device is only now being bettered by HTC's future "Advantage” PDA / Smartphone matching the Axim 624 MHz power etc 2 years after the party started by Dell's forward thinking product!
Yes it may need to have GPS, EDGE, 3G etc to survive as a Smartphone in this mobile obsessed times but it can be done & the current Axim users will appreciate your efforts into the WM6 platform by buying your products if you reward their loyalty.
Obviously this may be previous if you’re not killing the Axim but most forums think you are so hence this post.
Ron Garriques ex - Motorola were counting on you.
Cheers
ps. For those who require other combi options like say PDA only I request the modarator to open a poll on this topic.
1. PDA only
2. Smartphone
3. PDA + GPS inc
4. Smartphone + GPS
I'm presuming it's a given on the two slots [CF/SD] staying in any of it's incarnations above as we have grown attached to their functionality as is also the case with BT & WiFi. Does much have to change for the Axim x51v to change to bring in inline with the soon to be released crop of WM6 units, I think not if the HTC WM6 units are any thing to go by. Heck the iPhone would also have some way to go to beat my current Axim x51v + Audiovox RTM 8000p voice & data CF card for phone usage. Plus don't get me started on all the add-on projects we at sites like aximsite.com have shared like afarre's X51V & Aximizer as Carputer: http://afarreAximCarputer.notlong.com & the Ratoc.com USB host controller CF card that allows me to use a 169 GB Seagate 2.5" HD portable battery caddy for ALL my media needs at home & on the go & soon a Logitech webcam!
Please see jackie_c's comment
1420
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
Linux Media Players
Linux submitted by tatepc
06/17/07
My only concern in regards to linux installs on your notebooks is hardware support including wirelesss, video, sound, bluetooth, and a dvd decoder. If you supplied those files on a separate disk, or made access easy to executables on your website, that'd be great. No more ndswrapper required, nice.
Oh and lets not forget a stellar media player too. Then it wouldn't matter what distro your running for the most part.[reply]
Would it be too much to ask Dell Developers.. to hire some programmers (or in house) and make a great media player for linux platforms that supported all major audio and video formats?
In the long run, your company might be able to open additional income streams, and be one of the first open source media players that actually sells content too.. like AOL, WinAmp, Real, and Windows Media Players.
Thanks!
1230
Why Can't Dell Put Linux On Their Really Serious Notebooks?
Linux, Service and Support, Laptops submitted by kenjennings
08/09/07
These guys can do it...
http://www.emperorlinux.com/mfgr/dell/rhino/
Dell Latitude D830 or Precision M90
# up to 17" WUXGA w/ X @ 1920x1200
# Full Linux support: 1667 - 2333 MHz Core 2 Duo
# Full Linux support: 512 - 4 G RAM, expands to 4 G
# Full Linux support: 60 - 160 GB Hard Drive
# Full Linux support: DVDROM Drive, or CDRW/DVD Drive, or DVD+/-RW Drive
# Specification: 6.3 - 8.6 pounds
# Full Linux support: 10/100/1000 Mbps ethernet
# Full Linux support: 802.11a/b/g (54Mbps) WiFi
# Specification: Linux Pre-Configured (dual boot available)
# Specification: EmperorLinux user's manual
# Specification: Three year warranty & One year tech support
They've got everything working on Linux. Maybe Dell should partner with these guys to get a better selection of Linux-able Dell notebooks.
3180
Crapware
Sales Strategies, Software submitted by mcneiljohn
05/06/07
Completely eliminate all crapware on new computers, but provide access to all trial software versions on a dvd requiring conscious action by the user to install and provide a booklet with a brief description of the promoted products.
I will shortly replace my aging Inspiron 8000 and hope to not be initially frustrated by having to remove unnecessary and unwanted programs.
3340
Distribute Ubuntu Cds
Advertising and Marketing, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by badblood
09/18/07
Believe it or not I need a copy of Ubuntu that I can buy or pick up free in a computer shop.
Why?
Because my internet connection is bad and I just simply can't download Ubuntu and all the driver updates and what not. And I am not alone. About the fastest internet connection you can get in Africa is ADSL running at 4megps, through an unreliable phone line that times out every two seconds. I think Australia isn't much better. What's more there are limits on how much you can download before your account gets suspended or you need to pay more.
Ubuntu needs distribution support, as do all open source offerings. Don't assume we all have lightening fast connections.
Dell distribute Ubuntu CDs.
And anyone reading this who owns a computer shop, you should distribute Linux CDs too!!
Thanks - I really hate my internet connection, truly!
1130
 track my votes
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And it's not just performance: