Pre-installed Linux must play commercial DVDs
Education, Linux submitted by jonmca
05/03/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
You probably know this, but a "show stopper" requirement for most consumers and many educators and business road warriers is having laptops and desktops that can play commmercial DVDs. I have a hunch that preinstalled Linux on Dell machines will be a terrific success if Dell Linux desktops and laptops have this capability. I've been told that http://www.videolan.org/ has one possible approach.
Having Linux playing commercial DVDs may also catapult Dell into the complex Digital Rights Management contoversy so it would be wise to get Dell's legal staff involved ASAP and also have this discussed this at the highest strategic management levels at Dell (if this is not already being done).
Check out the Ideas in Action post from Daniel Judd. And you can also check out this follow-up post from John Hull who leads our engineering efforts behind Linux on consumer systems.
4790
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.
24110
TV Commercial for New Ubuntu PCs
Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by josmar52789
05/03/07
Dell should produce a new commercial for the Ubuntu PCs. It could tell the consumers of America why Dell has chosen to pre-install Linux on mainstream computers and hopefully promote the advantages of this new endeavor. Plus, it's likely that Dell's Linux initiative would be much more successful.
19650
Dont eliminate XP just yet
Operating Systems submitted by javaprog07
02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Ok, well I know I may be chastised for bringing this up, but vista is still a young operating system with its own problems etc... I would like to see both Home and Business computers, especially notebooks have an XP Home and Pro option on top of Vista until it has at least been out for a year. For those seasoned users like me who just feel that you need to let a new OS mature before jumping right in. I am planning on buying a new notebook, and I would like to insure I wont have to format it on arrival just to have XP.
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.
26870
Always include all software and driver reinstallation discs for free (or at least let us get the option to)... don't make us pay extra
Software submitted by winoffice
05/01/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Always include ALL software AND driver reinstallation discs for FREE (or at let us get the option do get the for free if we want as follows)...don't make us pay extra in case that we have a disaster and need to reinstall from scratch...!
No Discs Included (Included In Price)
All Discs Included (this means everything -- all software discs -- OS/Security software/etc., and all driver discs -- this means Windows or Linux drivers or both, whatever applies -- add $0)
Other options (OS disc only, all software discs only, driver discs only, etc. -- add $0)
For some computers, Dell does not include the reinstallation discs. Even if Dell offers them, Dell charges extra for us to get them. In fact, the only time I seen reinstallation discs being offered without charge were for Dell XPS desktops with the flashy lights -- that is, the Dell XPS 600, 700, and 710 systems, for those ware the only systems to offer operating system options like "Microsoft Windows XP Media Center WITH REINSTALLATION CD".
Also, most of the time when software reinstallation discs are not included, driver reinstallation discs (such as XPS flashy lights, as well as printers and monitors) are not included either. Therefore, don't just include the software reinstallation discs -- include as well the Windows/Linux drivers for the hardware (depending on the OS purchased with the computer, if any, which in turn depends on the user's preferences).
Besides, Microsoft as well as ALL software companies include the discs when you get the software seperately, so why can't Dell do the same when the software is preinstalled...?
Customers no longer have to pay extra for re-installation media.
21520
No Extra Software Option
Software submitted by ootleman
02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Would love the ability to have a clean Vista install. No AOL software, no earthlink software, no google software - just a clean, original OS.
Check out jeremy_f's update on our current software options.
120794
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
35977
End PC Payola | Pioneer a PC Builder Code of Conduct
Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/20/07
Dell's image was damaged by the $1bn Intel kickback scandal. Many in the computer industry believe that Microsoft's grip on Dell and other PC Builders is airtight due to secret deals and marketing kickbaks. Consumers appreciate lower prices on new Dell PCs thanks in part to bundled 3rd party software, however we are not permitted to choose the software that is pre-installed, and kickback deals are not transparent.
In the music recording and radio broadcasting industries, similar shady practices are called payola. Please, end PC payola, and give control back to your customers.
We encourage Dell to pioneer a voluntary PC Builder Code of Conduct, and regain the public trust.
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise payola circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Transparency at Dell is necessary for true consumer choice. For example, transparency can be improved by providing the choice of pre-installing quality free and open source software (developed with near 100% transparency). Cast your vote to have the OPTION of buying a new Dell PC pre-installed with Linux and other free software like OpenOffice.org.
4627
No monitor
Monitors and Displays submitted by kushboy
02/19/07
One of the only reasons I won't even consider purchasing a computer from Dell is that I was told I could not purchase a system without also purchasing a monitor as well. I don't need a monitor, so don't make me buy one, and I won't.
1360
Dell X-Works
Dell submitted by bcn0209
02/21/07
Dell should spawn a new nimble company within itself known publicly as the Dell X-Works. Set up a small operation in Austin and pull products from the lines and modify it completely to transform products into true mass-customization. Take advantage of technology to provide for tool-less manufacturing using Rapid Prototyping technology as Rapid Manufacturing and bring low volume highly configred ideas to market as skunk works projects.
Forget colors, start thinking about radical shapes and configurations for products based on ideas and drawings from creative individuals and Industrial Designers. EVERYBODY EXPECTS A COMPUTER TO BE A COMPUTER I.E. DO YOUR E-MAIL, WEB BROWSING ETC.
What they don't expect is our ability wrap those ideas in radical new solutions and bring them to market ala-carte.
Ideas ight mean cool ID designs, colors, textures, features and more. Let consumers drive the product ideas.
-20
The XPS1510 - 15" Laptop with 512MB Video Card
Sales Strategies, XPS products submitted by greygabe
02/21/07
I know this may be a bit specific, but here are some ideas for a new XPS laptop. The XPS1710, kind of the cousin of the 1705, can be a bit heavy and unruley - so why not make a brother for the 1505, the XPS1510. A 15" laptop with the prized 512MB NVidea would appeal to many customers. It can be done. as ASUS and SAGER have already proven. The following list is more specific:
Core 2 Duo processors (similar selection to XPS1710)
Vista Sideshow monitor (as close to the ASUS at CES as possible)
Memory card reader
microphone built-in
wi-fi search function of the XPS1210
avalible 4GB of ram
At least 3 hours battery life
2 Headphone jacks (a very nice cheap feature)
hard button volume buttons (don't move to sliders like some companies)
hard switch for muting (can mute it before boot)
hard switch for wi-fi
Avalible LightScribe burner
7200 RPM hard drive
Battery meter on battery independant of computer
RESONABLE PRICE (every time Dell makes a computer they love the price is crazy, like the XPS 2010)
I know all of this is possible considering most the things are things that have already been done in Dell computers or others. The XPS1210 is an amazing size, but a lot of people would like to see a 15" with 512MB video.
170
GET AUTODESK ADOBE PROGRAMS TO RUN ON LINUX
Linux, Software, Laptops submitted by chetroia
02/21/07
How about convincing the bigger comanys Autodesk, Adobe etc.. to write software for Linux to at least take the place of Macs. Mass marketing on tv, internet billboards would be great. How about Linux Ready stickers too. Open your code to the community. Install OpenOffice and Firefox instead of all the other bloatware nagware spyware on your preinstalled windows pcs..
Linux drivers
Touchpad working on laptops
Laptop tools to control hardware settings on laptops
Opensource your code.
Certify more Linux pcs and laptops
Support Linux
190
FreeBSD support
Service and Support submitted by kluner.net
02/21/07
Good FreeBSD support from Dell to users and FreeBSD developers.
FreeBSD already runs perfectly on most Dell Servers, but every so often there's a model with some glitches, which probably could be resolved in no time at all when Dell and the FreeBSD community work together.
FreeBSD support for Dell OpenManage would be much appreciated too.
290
Performance Tablet/Thin and Light
Gaming, Laptops submitted by chungng
02/17/07
What I'd like to be able to buy from Dell:
13.3 ~5 lb Performance Tablet PC with great discrete graphics options (x1700 or GeForce 7700) possibly even upgradable.
Possibly a dual graphics chip option similar to the Sony SZ line to help with battery life.
A nice high res wide viewing angle screen WXGA+ or better option for working with multiple text files
9 Cell (or larger) battery options to get 5+ hours of life
Built in optical drive with swappable drive bay battery options
Latest WiFI (802.11n) and bluetooth
Great keyboard with trackpoint nub and touchpad.
Non-plastic case options. Carbon fiber, magnesium alloy... whatever... just something without the cheapy plastic feel.
Backlit keyboard
All the little extras
- SD card reader
- finger print scanner
- extra usb ports
- firewire
- PCMCIA (for corporate smart card readers) and ExpressCard
External docking station
Possibly a camera options
Possibly a non-tablet version as well
2294
FreeBSD or *BSD support
Service and Support submitted by andilek
02/20/07
Right now there is lots of companies and projects connected to *BSD.
Most of them have difficulties when growing to clusters and external FC storage systems, due to lack of drivers and support for these.
I believe there is huge opportunity for Dell to get this market.
932
Product enhancement for Dell power adapter
Laptop Power submitted by gbrugman
02/21/07
For your information: daily winding and unwinding the notebook connecting cord, will eventually cause the cable shield and isolation to tear down, just outside the housing. It happened to many Dell notebook cords at work, causing the power flow to stop or, even worse, to short-circuit.
The cord at the other end of the AC wall mount doesn't have this problem because this cord already points at the right angle. So as to avoid said problem in the future, both cords should leave the housing in the proper winding-angle: problem solved.
I hope to have been of help, because I think it's a shame that a minor cord problem makes it this risky to work with an otherwise good product. It seems easy enough to remedy. :-)
5865
Provide machine specification in a well defined format
Dell Web Site, Service and Support submitted by pschulz01
02/19/07
There are several tools under Linux which list the detected hardware of a system and display it in a well defined format.. (available under Ubuntu)
eg. lshw, lspci, lsusb
There are also other methods used to obtain more information about a system, which kernel developers usually ask for when debugging hardware problem..
dmesg, cat /proc/cpuinfo
This information is incredibly useful when looking to see what hardware is supported by Linux, and when deciding what hardware to buy, in particular laptops. It would be very helpful if these details were available on DELL products. (Step 1. Boot the most recent Ubuntu CD. Step 2. Run these command and save the details. Step 3. Publish on the DELL Website.)
493
 track my votes
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