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.
120744
Laptop & Desktop Boot in seconds from Flash Drives
Broadband and Mobility, Desktops and Laptops submitted by reg
02/19/07
Have laptops and PCs that boot quickly & quietly from fast internal flash drives, and run the whole OS and application programs in RAM. The New Dell PC will boot from internal Fast USB 2.0 flash drives in just a few seconds. The Hard drive can stay powered down, completely off, unless the user needs to store some extra large files (video, photos).
Laptop Battery life is measured in days, not hours.
Have 2 Recessed USB 2.0 Slots. Two USB Flash Drives would fit neatly into the laptop. In this way the whole OS and Apps run in RAM, and stores data files on an 8 GB flash drive.
The 8GB is used transparently as the 'On Line' Storage, with a hard drive acting as secondary storage. This gives desktops and laptops much greater speed and power savings.
<font> On-Line/Near-Line Storage Model for Laptops</font> 1. OS and App all run from RAM (so the machine should have 2GB+ of RAM) 2. Modified files are worked on in RAM, and stored on the Flash Drive 3. Older (non-system) files, that are 'inactive', get pushed down to the hard drive,
Hard Drive files are stored with on-the-fly hardware compression / decompression (back to RAM), with the flash drive file replaced with a pointer to the hard drive file. Data is always safely copied down to the hard drive on shut down.
The flash drive is removeable and upgradeable, so later if someone wants to upgrade to a 32GB flash drive, just unplug and plug in the new one.
On-line / Near-Line storage works great on very large data servers, where data is mostly write once, read infrequently. (Also known as Write Once, Read Mostly - WORM drives.)
It's time such ideas are put into practice for desktops and laptops.
You can run your Dell Laptop TODAY from 100% Flash Drive - Pen Drive using Puppy Linux.
www.puppylinux.org delivers a complete, small, fast Linux Distribution including all major tools in under 90MB. You can add Open Office, GIMP, Firefox, Thunderbird, etc and they all fit right in a USB Flash Drive. Pupply Linux Applications. Download Puppy Linux so you Can Try Flash Drive Dell Notebooks Today.
3498
Preinstalled FOSS
Linux, Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by sceptre0
02/20/07
Although I don't think it would be a good idea to go overboard with preinstalled software, a few free and open source software (FOSS) programs would be nice. Having a large computer company such as Dell behind these products would really give open source the traction it needs to be widely accepted. Also, FOSS does not expire or require activation such as most of the software currently bundled with Dell computers. The currently bundled programs add no value whatsoever to the product and are actually a nuisance to most people. Open source would greatly improve the out of the box user experience. These are the programs I believe would ADD VALUE to Dell computers.
Firefox - Safer than IE - Easy to use - Hundreds of extensions - Compatible with almost all websites Openoffice - Compatible with MS Office files - FREE! (Hundreds of $ less than MS Office) - Easy to use interface - PDF export Gaim - Compatible with all major chat networks - Ad free (no more annoying flashing ads) - Easy to use
Also, a link to a repository of Dell approved free and open source software (FOSS) for download would allow users a one stop shop for free software. It would make it easier for people to find FOSS which is free, capable, and ad/sypware free.
I would also like to see Linux, primarily Ubuntu, offered as an alternate to Microsoft Windows. This could allow Dell to further lower prices because Linux is free. For the inexperienced computer user Ubuntu Linux is easier to use and virtually immune to infection. Ubuntu is a great easy to use alternative to Mac OS X which is not available for the PC.
Thank you for taking my thoughts into consideration.
1994
More OS choices
Dell Web Site, Operating Systems submitted by yop
02/19/07
I would like to see more choices of OS like... No OS, Linux, Windows. Also Better Linux driver support, but better Linux support in general.
Make the fan on laptops make less noise please. Also more choices of software like Firefox, OpenOffice, Thunderbird etc,etc.
Don't like to be forced to buy an OS that I'm not going to use, like MS Windows. Don't see the point of wasting money of stuff that I never going to use, since I always install Linux based system like Debian, Ubuntu and soo.
3904
The Clutter Is Forming: We Need A Moderator
Dell Community, IdeaStorm submitted by googideas
02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Approximately 48 hours into its life, and Ideastorm is filling up with repetition and senseless comments. Since moderation cannot be exercised by the participants a moderator a la Dell Employee must put up her hand. Or his hand. We aren't picky!
One: Repeating the same ideas from earlier posts is a pain to the reader and a waste of space and time. These should be removed.
Two: Suggestions which are without applicability to the issues at hand should be removed: one post states that "Dell should set up Dell Pay to compete with Paypal." Sigh. Why?
For what unique purpose? Dell's business is not online payments, in the same way Apple's is not selling music (they sell music at a loss to sell iPods at a gain). There is no benefit to Dell and it meets no need.
Since this format is experimental and fully funded by Dell, I encourage Dell to cut the wheat from the chafe and remove as much as they see fit. For all of the "I have rights" and "freedom of speech" advocates, you don't. This is a place where the good keep going and the bad go out.
The less posts the better. It provides Dell what they want: the opportunity to test strong ideas properly. Without the removal of clutter, the good ideas will by dint of the time they are posted (e.g. 3am) and the increasing volume of posts, inevitably suffer at times the forest's size despite the grandeur of the tree in question.
I may be going against the grain of popular opinion, but you add your vote to this post if you believe in the goal of this site, and not the freedom it offers to utter the first inane thing which comes to mind. jackie_c is IdeaStorm's moderator. Also, for any mod updates, check out the talk with the moderator blog at the top of the page.
12547
Linux vs. Windows option on DELL Laptops
Linux, Software, Laptops submitted by oliver
02/20/07
I've just received my nice DELL Notebook, but had to spend more than an hour to remove all these 30 days trial crap software, tiscali internet, google bars, whatsoever...
It would be very nice, if DELL would offer computers just with clean windows and office. And firefox as the standard browser (instead of internet explorer) and mozilla thunderbird as the standard mail reader.
Or even better: If DELL also provides Linux Laptops with openOffice, and a choice option for installing one of the major free linux distributions like eg. free Mandriva and preconfigured urpmi sources, so that installing additional software works right out of the box.
2319
A Line of Linux Only Computers for Old People
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by aoeui
02/17/07
The main advantage of Windows over Linux is it's running of certain third party applications such as games, none of which as a general principle old people actually have a use for. The advantage of Linux over Windows is it's stability, security, and cheapness, all of which old people love in a computer. Thus, selling said old people a line of computers with the Linux OS only makes sense.
3523
Ad Campaign: What can you do with Ubuntu?
Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by limulus
09/04/07
There are currently ideas under review, such as "make ubuntu shine" which relate to advertising Dell's Ubuntu systems. If Dell decides to do some ads, here's an idea for an ad campaign:
"What can you do with Ubuntu?"

Find one or more people who have bought a Dell Ubuntu system and have them show off what they can do with their systems; string the clips those together into a commercial. Some themes that should become obvious:
* easy software installation and updates
* command line not necessary (Ubuntu is very much a GUI OS)
* compiling software not necessary
* full range of applications
* 3rd party proprietary apps, like Flash and Google Earth
* all the little games you could ever want (e.g. Sudoku)
* 'it just works'
* "wobbly windows" and other spiffy cool effects for fun :)
[see also my other ad campaign ideas: Families Switching to Ubuntu and Meet Mark Shuttleworth ]
1730
Geeks to Grandmas - Service Customization
Service and Support submitted by dell_admin1
05/18/07
Dell wants your feedback on the following idea intended to improve customer service and support:
We're considering providing customers the ability to self-select their service queue based on their own technical capability, such as "Advanced Computer Knowledge," "Intermediate," or "Beginner," further customizing the support experience.
UPDATE (May 18 at 8pm Central): A number of people are asking for more information about this idea so they can comment. However, this idea is not a defined “offer” at this point, so many details have not yet been determined. That’s why we want your feedback! Others have asked if this idea would cost extra or not… in this case, that has not yet been determined and we’re hoping to use your comments to help define the answer.
2490
Affordability and Durability for Student Laptop Initiative
Education, Laptops submitted by hdrews
02/21/07
If our district was to even consider a 1:1 student to computer ratio, we would need something much more affordable than what is out there now. Money could be saved by cutting storage space, video quality, and more. What our students generally need at their desks is the ability to surf the net and work in an "office" suite. Advanced projects can be done in our more robust labs.
Also, a laptop initiative is no good if in-house support increases 10-fold. These have to be durable. If they fall off a desk, they have to keep working. Replacement batteries need to be less expensive or an extra battery should come with each purchase.
4856
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.
86050
Start offering DELL products to the general public in Poland
Dell, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by lukasz.wisniewski
11/12/07
According to today's local newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza [1], by 20th November, 11:30 to be more exact, Dell will just have manufactured their first notebook in Lodz, Poland. Unfortunately, even though I am inhabitant of this city, it is more than unlikely I will buy DELL notebook anytime soon.
Firstly, the current policy of your company in Poland is "Only for enterprises and institutions" (original in Polish: Tylko dla firm i instytucji). Such a approach seems to me to be more than just bizarre. Do you happen to realize Poland is something like 38 milions of your potential customers? Just for instance, in my city, there are two big public universities, several private ones - you see the universities but not the students. Is this of your concern? I guess not but Apple is already there offering discounts for students.
Secondly, start distributing preinstalled Ubuntu for Poland as well. I actually do not see the point why you do this in UK, Germany or France and not in Poland. People of Poland are more eager to install open-source products, just let me remind you that according to XiTi monitor [2] open-source Firefox browser has market share of 39.6% in Poland, whereas in Germany - 38%, France - 23.9% and UK just 18.7%.
Thirdly, by preinstalling Ubuntu I mean making it an option anywhere where there is an OS selection option on your website. I clearly see no reason in the world why you keep offering such a miserable Ubuntu notebook in Europe instead of something more powerful - Inspiron 6400n with Intel T2130 processor. In your opinion, how impressive is that nowadays?
Last but not least, DELL, please stop participating in this devoid of good sense campaign "Dell recommends Vista..." which is sarcastic. You really do not have to put down this sentence on your website as in Poland you force people to use Vista leaving no other choice.
Take all these remarks under your consideration unless it is OK with you that Poles should travel to Germany in order to buy your notebooks. Hear our voice, DELL!
Signed, Lukasz Wisniewski student of the Computer Science Technical University of Lodz
Links: [1] http://miasta.gazeta.pl/lodz/1,35136,4662983.html [2] http://www.xitimonitor.com/en-us/browsers-barometer/firefox-july-2007/index-1...
4200
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
Build a Dell Linux Distribution
Linux, New Product Ideas, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jemfisher
02/20/07
With the wave of support for the Linux kernel to power desktop PC's, I think its time for a company with the quality build that Dell has to provide users with PC's that work for them. The adoption of Linux to power Dell PC's would give Dell a greater freedom to move forward with innovation. With the adoption of a Linux kernel Dell would be able to sell PC to meet users' demands. Businesses demand different machines than home users, students demand different machines again, machines targeted at younger users, etc.
2290
 track my votes
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