mastersheep

Give a golden medal to all Linux Believers

IdeaStorm, Linux submitted by mistern 05/23/07

All good that they have done, their belief must be welcomed. 42 Comments »

Sell Apple computers on Dell.com

Dell Web Site, Sales Strategies submitted by mschamberg 04/10/07

I know this sounds nuts at first. What better place to buy Apple products than Dell. I purchaced a Sony camcorder from Dell, why not a Macbook. Then I may buy other gear to go with it. 14 Comments »

Dell keep the same LCD core consistent along a LCD's model number lifetime.

Monitors and Displays submitted by jorge 06/18/07

Dell keep an LCD's LCD core consistent through a model's lifetime, if you change the core LCD change the model number to indicate a change in the monitor. A specific model should maintain its same LCD core and electronics to maintain the same quality/features throughout an LCD's product lifetime. Do not change circuitry or the LCD core without changing the model number to indicate such changes.

Start Jul 2nd: provided by florida web site design 6 Comments »

Configurable LCD for the xps model

Monitors and Displays, XPS products submitted by kalamos 07/03/07

I'd like to see more options for the type of LCD that are selectable with the xps line. Let me be more specific. I ordered an XPS1210 last year that shipped with an LCD that was sourced from Toshiba. After doing a little research I found out that there were 3 vendors who produced this LCD, toshiba, AUO, and Samsung(I think). The best of these three screens was the AUO and the worst of course was the one built into my laptop, the Toshiba, so I had to get tech support to ship me out a replacement LCD for my working Toshiba in the hope that I would get a AUO, return the Tohsiba and paid the restocking fee. It would have been nice to be able to select the AUO before the system shipped and just paid the extra fee. Now, I don't want to be that specific, but I do want to be able to at least chose between:
1. LED/Backlight
2. High Resolution(1920x1080 or better on 17')
3. Standard
4. Glossy
Like the new Apple Pro notebooks. 4 Comments »

Supply Anti-glare screens with all flat screen monitors

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Monitors and Displays submitted by ssrangar 04/13/07

Dell charges a lot for its brand of monitors. Would it be too difficult for dell to provide anti-glare screens with the monitors? 10 Comments »

Use only the best and brightest LCDs for all laptops! No sub-par manufacturers need apply!

Laptops submitted by astudios 02/17/07

From what I understand, today's Dell LCDs on laptops are made by Toshiba, LG, Samsung, etc.. why make it an anticipating "waiting game" for the customer to see which quality of LCD they get when their laptop comes in? The LCD display is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT part of any laptop. Dell.. please, use ONLY the best and brightest LCDs on all of your laptops.

Quick story of my experience.. I'm a huge Dell-fan and buy lots of PCs and laptops from them for myself, my business, and for my friends and family. The LCD on their 700m laptops were the *absolute best* .. After that, I purchased the XPS1210. The LCD was "duller" and I was disappointed. But then I ordered the XPS1410 for a friend and when it came in, I was horrified with poor viewing angles of the LCD. The only way you could comfortably view the screen was when it was PERFECTLY square with your eyes! I was almost ashamed to give it to my friend. Finally, recently, I ordered the Inspiron 6000 (SXUGA?) and was relieved that is was much better. But still nothing like the 700m I used to own.

What happened to Dell's LCDs? Please make this top priority and bring the "wow" back into your laptops! (And oh, another thing, if you could somehow make your laptops thinner and lighter, that'd be great too!).

Thank you for allowing us this forum. 24 Comments »

M1330 2008!

XPS products submitted by q0987 Jan 12

Before I submit my idea it would be nice if someone could let me know what is the status of the slot-loading blu-ray drive which was promised for the M1330. I know that it has already been implemented into the new M1530 but what about the 13 inch model. Is it still in the works or has it been cancelled all together?
One other thing which concerns me are the SSDs. I mean they have already been released in the US for quite a while now yet in the UK/EU they are not even available as options.
If someone could get back to me on this it would be very helpful.

Now onto the main bit. I think that sometime during this year a major update to the m1330 should be carried out after the above issues have been addressed. I would like to recommend that the following components be updated:

Platform (from Santa Rosa to Montevina) MID-2008
Memory modules (to DDR3-800 w/ Montevina)
Processor (to Penryn - T9500) ALREADY RELEASED!
Graphics card (to Geforce 9 series - 9500M GS) OUT NOW!
Ethernet port (to Gigabit - c'mon its a XPS/business notebook)
Keyboard (backlit keys)
Solid State Drive (next gen w/ improved random write speeds)

Keep all other features/specs the same. Maybe use some magnesium or something (carbon fibre?) to further improve the quality of the product. Keep the LED backlit screen, blu-ray drive and SSDs. Don't cram in any more ports. Although you might want to design a new face for it similar to an alienware system!

The reason why I am stating this is because I think this notebook has the potential to be even better than it already is and these changes will help to make it truly the best. 3 Comments »

Some details for a better travelling laptop

Laptops submitted by sgogeta4 Jan 19

My personal optimal laptop size for travel: 13.3"/14.1" (or tablet)

Weight: 13.3" 3.0-3.5lbs, 14.1" 3.5-4.5lbs w/ standard 6-cell battery (should last 5 hours, lets get some new, more efficient Li-Ion technology for batteries), light weight carbon fibre chassis

Common core features: WXGA LED backlit screen (possibly WXGA+ for 14.1") and CCFL w/ transflective display options (or if possible LED + transflective? low-flex cage for LCD screen and chassis);

• standard (T), medium (P/SP), low (L/SL), and ultra low (U/SU) voltage CPU options (or special CPU like Apple MBA or Lenovo X300, Penryn CPUs when available, w/ high efficiency copper heatpipes/heatsink to rear fan exhaust);



• integrated (X3100) and GPU/hybrid options (X3100 + 9500M GS);



• 2 SODIMM DDR2 slots with easy access (up to 4GB DDR2-677); up to 500GB 5400RPM, 200GB 7200RPM, and SSD w/ read/write speeds

Common side features: 3x USB 2.0; 1x IEEE 1394a; 1x eSATA; ExpressCard/54;

• 1x DVI (alternatively HDMI or DisplayPort with VGA) w/ option for 2x DVI by adding another DVI on a dock;



• low-flex, full keys, ergonomic (maybe introduce a slight split or slight V but still flat), spillproof, and backlit keyboard;



• dual headphone jacks and a mic-in; Dolby certified speakers;



• Gigabit LAN; 802.11abgn wireless LAN; WWAN or GPS optional;



• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR optional; Bluetooth remote control that fits into ExpressCard slot optional; webcam optional w/ dual array mics; TPM 1.2 w/ fingerprint reader optional;



• removable DVD+-RW (w/ proper holder when it is not in laptop, like an empty box - cover goes into laptop for weight saving and DVD drive goes into the rest of the box to protect it);



• 9-cell battery optional, in the front that acts as a palm rest while slanting entire laptop down (like MS Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, should last 8 hours);



• 90W slim AC adapter w/ magnetic connection and stops charging when full;

Misc: Windows XP, Vista, Linux, no OS options; preinstalled softare options

Comments, questions? Let's update the laptops so that they are ready for the next generation! I wanted to consolidate some of the good ideas that were floating around and put them together. 9 Comments »

Include 12 cell batteries for xps models

submitted by apokalypse Jan 28

dell is falling behind hp as they do not offer 12 cell batteries or the new series of processors penryn Comment »

Update M1330 GPU to beat specs of LG P300

Gaming, XPS products submitted by tenrou 12/10/07

Basically LG of Korea has released a 13.3" notebook called Xnote P300. Link here:
http://www.lge.co.kr/brand/xnote/product/BrandProductListCmd.laf?brand=XNOTE&...< notable thing about this model it the inclusion of a Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS with 256Mb of dedicated VRAM and the possibility to configure it with an Intel Core 2 Duo T7700. It also weighs in at just 1.6kg.

The 8400M GS in the M1330 is definetly lacking in power I'm hoping that Dell might consider upgrading the GPU in said laptop in conjunction with the introduction of the Penryn processors in early January.

Please, I'm dying to find a properly portable laptop to do graphics programming on (my major at the university) and that I can buy in Japan.

Please promote this if you'd like to see the GPU of the M1330 upgraded to *at least* a 8600M GS with 256Mb gddr3 VRAM. Or at least have the option to select this more powerful GPU along with current offerings in the GPU department.

PS. s-video out would also be *very* nice as well as 1440x900 resolution, but I'll make separate idea-entries for those. DS. 2 Comments »

Make the XPS M1530 uber-power efficient ASAP!

XPS products submitted by brand1130 12/16/07

In early 2008, several technologies will become available that will make computers considerably more lightweight and power efficient. Please, implement the following into the XPS M1530 as soon as they become available!

1. 128 GB SSD
2. Intel Penryn mobile processors
3. Ergonomic displays

This would be the ultimate laptop! Comment »

New/updated XPS M1710/M1720 17" performance notebook

Gaming, XPS products submitted by hjwasson 05/02/07

Dell's well regarded XPS M1710 is arguably the flagship of their notebook line. Unfortunately, it is starting to show it's age, and I am hoping that Dell will soon update it. Here is my personal wish-list for an updated M1710/M1720. Please make additional <u>realistic</u> suggestions, or discuss what you'd like to have that is different from my vision.

<u>XPS M1710/M1720 wish list:</u>

Processor: Intel Montevina (Mobile counterpart to Penryn) Core 2 Quad. If that's not yet ready when the new M1710/M1720 debuts, then Intel Centrino Pro(aka 'Santa Rosa') T7700 & T7500 Core 2 Duo.

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3265
http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/29/intels-penryn-core-2-quad-processor-on-sch...
http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/intels-santa-rosa-platform-officially-dubb...

Alternative Processor: If AMD manages to strike back at Intel with a powerful alternative to the Core 2 Duo, perhaps Dell could add a 'M1715' alternative with the AMD processor

DX10 compatible GPU: To fully support Windows Vista & DirectX 10, Dell needs to offer DX10 compatible video processors on all new notebooks. The nVidia Go 8800 (and AMD/ATI's mobile DX10 GPU, whenever it comes out) should make any XPS notebook gamer drool. Even Linux users wouldn't scoff at the 8800 - would they?

HDD/SSD Storage Options: Since Dell has acquired Alineware as a wholly owned subsidiary, perhaps we'll see some new technologies coming out of Area 51 to infuse the M1710? Specifically, I'd like to see multiple Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive bays available on the M1710. I'd be happy with 2 bays, which would allow for:

1. 32 GB (64 GB* or larger) SSD Primary Boot drive + 7200 RPM 160 GB SATA HDD** for additional storage (slower but larger HDD's could of course be offered in addition)

2. 2 Raid 0 (Striped) or Raid 1 (Mirrored) 7200 RPM SATA HDD's** (RAID 0 for increased storage and performance, RAID 1 for data redundancy [this does not replace the need for regular backups])

3. 2 Raid 0*** (Striped) SSD's for the extreme performance geeks (& you know who you are!)

* SuperTalent has already announced 64 GB SSD's, according to OverClockersClub: http://forums.overclockersclub.com/index.php?showtopic=69431
** I would want these 7200 RPM drives to be Seagate Momentus 7200.2 drives with "free fall protection" to protect data from loss due to drive head collisions with the platters.
http://www.techshout.com/hardware/2007/13/worlds-first-7200-rpm-160gb-momentu...
*** I have not seen real-world performance tests on striped SSD's yet, but the extreme performance enthusiasts sites seem to think it should work

http://news.com.com/Dell+to+acquire+Alienware/2100-1003_3-6052842.html
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1941376,00.asp

Memory: 4 DIMM slots to allow for up to 4 GB per core (800 MHz as well as 667 MHz offerings, natch)

UXGA (1920x1200) Display: Dell's current M1710 display is already impressive, but I've seen many posts requesting a minor antiglare coated screen option to the TrueLife display. Not a return to old anti-glare technology - just something a little less shiny. I guess not everyone enjoys looking at themselves, (especially when trying to use the display outdoors or in heavily backlit conditions). Why not use the same anti-glare coating technology used in eye-glasses and SLR cameras?

Optional A/V Communications Module: Similar to what is already offered on the M1210. There are many posts requesting webcams, and this module would allow the use of an internal cellular broadband modem Mini-Card, like the M1210 (1.3 MP webcam, microphone, internal loop antenna in the display panel for the cellular modem).

Mini-Card cellular Broadband modem: Drop the legacy dial-up modem port on the chassis (people who still need dial-up can use an ExpressCard or PC-Card option). Instead, offer cellular broadband modem Mini-Card options, HSUPA/HSDPA (aka 3G) for AT&T (formerly Cingular, formerly AT&T) and EVDO for Sprint/Verizon. I recommend the Option GTM380 HUSPA Mini-Card: http://www.option.com/products/gtm_380.shtml
AT&T is already upgrading to this standard (increases upload speeds - download speeds remain unaffected).

* Those who don't opt for the A/V Communications Module can of course utilize ExpressCard versions of these cellular broadband modems.

http://www.broadbandreports.com/shownews/82652
http://www.phonenews.com/content/view/1989/31/

Backlighted buttons & keyboard: There are many posts requesting LED backlit keyboard and mediadirect keys that can be read in the dark. There are additional requests that the backlighting be controlled by the user (Off, as well as brightness settings). This would greatly enhance the usability of the notebook in low-light conditions. The MediaDirect buttons on the M1210 light up, but do not show the function symbols - this needs to be addressed in future models.

Auto screen brightness sensor: This feature is now found on many notebooks, including Apple iBooks. It should be adjustable & overrideable by the user. This sensor could also be set to control automatic keyboard/MediaDirect button backlighting.

Dedicated hardware controlls for Wireless: Seperate dedicated buttons (or Fn-key combination buttons) to turn on/off Bluetooth, WiFi & Cellular Broadband transceivers (WiFi & Cellular Broadband <u>could</u> share a button and toggle in a loop, since it's unlikely you'd want both on at the same time: Off>WiFi>Cellular)

Update video ports: Keep S-Video, but drop the VGA in favor of two DVI outputs.

Better audio: Larger diameter speakers (primaries as well as sub-woofer) for better fidelity & greater volume output. Multiple 3.5mm audio jacks (like the M1210) that can convert to surround sound output. Integrated (not ExpressCard add-on) Creative X-Fi* audio option to power those new speakers.

* http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3589

Larger touchpad: I hate touchpads, but if the M1710/M1720 has one, it should take up the entire space from the spacebar to the front edge of the computer (for less lift & drag, lift & drag suckiness and higher precision) Dimensions should match screen ratio (WideScreen). There should be a physical Scroll wheel/middle button between the Left & Right buttons (or perhaps on the front bezel, centered between the L&R buttons - to avoid issues with closing the display).

Dedicated Numeric Keypad: There have been many posts requesting a dedicated numeric keypad on larger notebooks (no, the function-key enabled embedded keypad does not cut it). I personally would not want to sit off-center from my display to have this feature (like those found on Toshiba & HP notebooks), but would welcome a dedicated pad in the unused palm-rest area below the
keyboard & immediately to the right of the touch-pad.

Increased I/O ports: 2 ExpressCard slots (or 1 ExpressCard + 1 PC-Card for legacy support), eSATA & FireWire in addition to USB 2.0 ports on the chassis.

Multiple battery charger option for XPS notebooks: Especially for a power hungry beast such as this, it would be nice if there was a multiple battery charger accessory to charge spare batteries while the notebook is in use. I realize that most owners would keep their M1710/M1720 tethered to the wall for gaming, but sometimes it's nice to be able to sit on the couch next to the missus/mister/significant other and just surf the web. More importantly, while this system is heavily focused towards LAN party gamers, it would make an absolutely dandy mobile sales presentation machine! You wouldn't even need to bring along a digital projector for small group presentations (1 or 2 clients). See this

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66117

11 Comments »

More information concernig the product

submitted by apokalypse Jan 13

include How many ram slots the computer has, type of bus, max memory for future upgrades
and stuff like this would be very helpful 11 Comments »

Inform sales agents better on upcoming developments of a product

Advertising and Marketing, Dell, Sales Strategies submitted by ueli Jan 22

I recently had some troubles with my TrueLife display.

Asking the sales agent about the nearer future (in this case, if there would be an optional non TrueLife display available for the XPS M 1530 soon) of a product, she replied "We don't know things like these".

Well of course the sales dept doesn't know every development. But since the product XPS M 1530 changed in many ways over the last two weeks, I expected, they at least know what's coming up in the nearest future.

For me it's now hard to tell if I should go and buy something else somewhere else without TrueLife or if I should wait one or two weeks to order the product I'd like.

In this case (I need a notebook pretty soon) I am afraid, there will be no other chance than go to another supplier that offers products with normal screens in the same range of processing power.

Thanks for reading this through. 2 Comments »

Sell "Gaming" Laptops in Best Buy!

Gaming, Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by daryldeal Feb 2

Upon checking on bestbuy, there isnt a single Dell Laptop that has a 8600GT video card that is suitable for most of the games today, there should be 1 or 2 laptops available at bestbuy that has a 8600GT video card configuration. And it should be affordable enought for the consumers too! 2 Comments »

Video-input on the XPS One & XPS Notebooks

Desktops, Monitors and Displays, XPS products submitted by smotchberry Jan 30

I propose that Dell should be one of the first companies to incorporate a video-input feature onto their high-end laptops and all in ones.

If Dell wants to truely make a mark with the entertainment and productivity crowd I think this would be a great feature, as there are always more than a few situations an extra or substitute high-def monitror could come in handy.

Plus, it's almost as if Dell would be throwing in an (admitedly small) high def monitor in with every purchase. 2 Comments »

Big Ram For Notebooks

Desktops and Laptops submitted by walkerjian Jan 31

RAM is cheap now. I would like a notebook with 8, 16 32 ++ gigs of ram. Obviously would have to run a 64 bit OS. If not then just use extra ram as battery backed HD (notebook right?) or just a super swap file. Should be able to partition my RAM to support this 6 Comments »

Nvidia Geforce 8800M, Nvidia Geforce 9600M GT ON XPS M1730 & XPS M1330, XPS 1530

XPS products, Laptops submitted by helmecj01 12/11/07

I would like to see the Nvidia Geforce 8800M and Nvidia Geforce 9600M GT ON XPS M1730 & XPS M1330,XPS 1530. 41 Comments »

$299 Laptop

Laptops submitted by jack_satan Feb 1

Dell already sells a completely functional (albeit low-end) Vostro 1000 for $399 with a 15.4 in. screen, 80 GB HDD, Windows, and free shipping. If they just offered the same computer with a 14.1 in. screen, open-source operating system, and 60 GB HDD, they should be able to sell it at $299 with an even better profit margin.

Furthermore, besides for the public relations coup from offering the first fully functional sub $300 laptop, Dell would also be opening up a whole new market of buyers that have been clamoring to get their hands on the OLPC XO, Asus EEE PC, and Intel Classmate. 20 Comments »

Make secondary batteries an option on all laptops

Laptop Power submitted by eaglewonj Jan 24

Please design/allow for the optical drives on all future laptop models to be removed and replaced with an additional battery that slides into the same slot. I see this on some models of laptops and feel it would be nice to have as an option to expand runtime when you don't need an optical drive. It also allows you to swap batteries without shutting down the laptop. 6 Comments »