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!!!!
14570
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.
3190
Use hardware with open sourced drivers
Linux submitted by nilux
Apr 8
In order to have more reliable Linux machines, and to ease developement of new machines, the hardware in the Linux series should not depend on closed source drivers, because we can never predict how they will act over new updates and can't be debugged as easily.
This applies to graphic cards, wi-fi/ethernet chipsets, flash card readers, webcams, etc..
Some constructors like ATI and intel already have open source strategies, many others are joining, and the FLOSS community already provides tons of quality drivers. Maybe even DELL could help the community develop FLOSS drivers (i.e. the NOUVEAU community who are retro-engineering NVIDIA hardware in order to provide open sourced linux drivers, although they are not supported in any way by NVIDIA).
1780
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 the white LED backlights on the <ahref>XPS M1730.
20560
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.
21380
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.
20720
Bring Back the Super Geeks
Service and Support submitted by smilindog2000
05/01/07
In the 90's I helped convince two companies I worked at to switch to 100% Dell. My most convincing argument was simple: "If you have a question about a Microsoft product, just call Dell." Everyone knows that calling Microsoft is a total waste of time, but the Dell support guys would typically first remind me that they don't officially support non-Dell products, but since they knew the answer off the top of their head, they'd tell me anyway. Knowing Dell products isn't enough. Bring back the Super Geeks!
When Dell fired their US based Super Geeks, and replaced them with Indian noobs, I stopped calling. When these guys started arguing with me about whether I needed a replacement motherboard or hard drive on a defective computer, I stopped ordering any warranties on any Dell products.
If Dell brings back the Super Geeks, I'll not only start ordering 3-year on-site service again, I'll start telling my friends to switch back to Dell. I doubt I'm alone here.
"I'm here to help" (thanks for the link, jervis961)
390
STOP TAKING OPTIONS AWAY FROM THE 1505!!!
Inspiron products, Sales Strategies submitted by greygabe
05/05/07
Why does Dell continue to remove options avalible over the internet on the Inspiron 1505? It doesn't make any sence, especially when all of us here on Ideastorm are begging for MORE options! I recently posted an idea asking for them to bring back the 2.0 Ghz processor they eliminated, but they instead remove 2 more processors from the lineup. There are now only 2 processors instead of the original 5. They have also eliminated the lower end graphics card. If someone doesn't necessarily desire to game than they have no battery saving option anymore. Also, that only leaves users with TurboCache or whatever ATIs version is for RAM borrowing and personally RAM borrowing is a huge turn down. We need more RAM avalible than ever with Vista.
I would imagine that this is the attempt to belittle the 1505 before a high-performance 15" comes out, but don't make the changes to the 1505 until after u release the new one.
160
Publish the "noise" specs on every PC
Dell Web Site, Desktops and Laptops submitted by stk
05/02/07
I want to buy a quiet PC, but Dell doesn't quote noise specs anywhere on the website.
For example, the XPS 210 says: "Runs cool, quiet, and is energy efficient"
but the tech specs on the noise are nowhere to be found (not even on the "tech specs" page for that PC).
If you really make quiet PCs, then why hide the noise specs? Why not make it a standard part of the tech specs page for each machine?
540
Dell Warranty Service
Sales Strategies, Service and Support submitted by delluser123
05/04/07
For warranty exchanges Dell always exchange hardware with Refurbish hardware. Sometimes these refurbished hardware are worst than the original product (e.g. not functioning properly or still broken). As a result, Dell warranty customers have to spend time on the phone or online numerous of times before the problem is fixed. Not only that, customers also have to spend time either staying at home to wait for a pick up or go to the nearby delivery store (e.g. UPS store, Fedex, etc) to ship the defective part back. This is very time confusing and troublesome for customers. Therefore, Dell should sell these refurbished products in a outlet shop instead of using them to replace broken hardwares for Dell warranty customers. Dell should replace broken hardware with new hardware to avoid furture troubles of the hardware failing again. This will certainly save the company a lot of money in shipping fees for warranty exchanges and it will actually boost consumer confidence in Dell Warranty.
70
Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/17/07
Provide OpenOffice.org for free pre-installation alongside Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org is more capable than Microsoft Works, and a serious competitor to Microsoft Office, at a fraction of the cost (it's free!)
OpenOffice.org can open, create, edit and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
Provide as OPTIONS for pre-installation many other high-quality free software programs such as:
- Firefox: web browser with popup and privacy controls; say goodbye to Internet Explorer infections!
- Thunderbird: email program with free anti-spam and privacy controls
- Pidgin: instant messaging all-in-one program for popup-free MSN, Yahoo, AOL and others
&nsbp;[ed: GAIM was renamed Pidgin in April 2007 to settle the issue with AOL's trademark on AIM]
- PDFCreator: creates Adobe PDF files from any program
- Scribus, Inkscape & GIMP: desktop publishing, freehand drawing & powerful image editing
- Audacity & VLC: multi-track audio editing & universal all-in-one media/video/movie/DVD player
- Stellarium & Celestia: planetarium viewer & outer-space mapping, like Google Earth, but for our Solar System
Pre-installed quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. Cast your vote for Linux and other free software. Cast your vote for the Universal Education PC [ed: article removed/merged by dell_admin] utilizing free software.
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.
137089
Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
Linux submitted by gergnz
02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**
I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.
81367
Biodegradable Computers
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Environment, Desktops and Laptops submitted by reg
03/30/07
Well, It would be great if a computer was made of mostly biodegradable components.
Imagine when your done with your old computer, you could remove the power supply and hard drive and CD drive, and then drop the rest of it into a tub of boiling hot water.
The Circuit Boards would melt away, a harmless starch based polymer that bacteria can eat.
The chips, resistors, and sockets would sink to the bottom of the tub.
The actual wiring would no longer use Copper or Gold, but the conductive plastic polymer recently developed - works as good as metal, but it's plastic!
So you get left with some starchy water, wet chips and electronics, and some stringy plastic strings.
The Advantages:
Forget the land fill - the plastics can get recycled.
The starchy polymer water well - it should be treatable like 'grey water'.
The electronics - mostly silicon, plastics, and metals - they readily can be melted down for the gold, silver, etc content - or processed in the most logical manner.
The metal / plastic casing should be made of FEWER large parts, easily separated into
recycled plastic, and recycled steel / aluminum.
Don't stop at the PC - make smaller PCs, biodegradable mice, keyboards, printer, etc.
A whole line of computer equipment that when soaked in water over 200 degrees,
they melt away. (Hot water so your PC doesn't melt itself on a humid day!)
DELL - ENGINEER THE FIRST BIODEGRADABLE PC ON THE EARTH !
320
Have Opera pre-installed browser
Software submitted by envek
02/19/07
Opera is fast, standart compliant, free of charge (on desktops), lite, powerful and crossplatform web-browser.
It's a good choice to people, wants to have good soft without any customisation (or with little) and work with it. Easy and convenient.
Visit www.opera.com for more information (http://ru.opera.com/ and http://jp.opera.com/ for russian and japan official pages).
Yes, I want to have Opera as default browser. Are you?
6888
No more junk software
Software submitted by samjabr
05/04/07
Please please please make your computers available without any software, except necessary drivers and apps that allow devices to function.
I can honestly say this is the one thing that keeps me from buying your computers. I already buy printers, monitors, accessories etc..
1710
XP/Linux Still Not A Real Choice
Operating Systems submitted by monkeyman
05/04/07
I ordered a new Inspiron a few days ago. This was a couple of days before Ubuntu became available. Not that it helped me any, because the laptop I ordered isn't one of the Linux configurations.
Now, when I first configured my machine, I thought, "Oh thank God, I can at least get XP instead of that Vista garbage". Right, so I clicked it - and watched my "estimated ship date" go up 3 days.
I'm a professional web developer. My laptop is dying. I need a replacement machine now. I don't understand why it takes you 3 days longer to image an XP box than it does a Vista box.
Additionally, I just spent a fair bit of time reading these forums, and it doesn't seem a new idea at all to want a PC with Linux, or at least without an O/S. And no, not just some configurations - all. Yes, I understand why wireless card doesn't have a native Linux driver. That's fine. I'm perfectly ok installing ndiswrapper and the Windows driver myself. It's not a matter of it being offensive to me that I'm lumped in with John & Jane Doe - I really don't care. However, if I'm ready to state "Yes, I get that I that these drivers aren't native", I'd like to be able to avoid paying the Vista tax (or even XP tax, for that matter).
You seem to feel that customers wanting to remove Vista or XP is a matter of finances for them. It's not. Let's face it, the cost of the O/S included with your machines, to the end user, is relatively minimal. I could probably care less about that, although I'm not even sure what the exact number is.
The problem is that it's an ethics question. As a community, we strongly disagree with Microsoft business practices, and want to have the option of refusing it. However, since Dell, and a number of other PC manufacturers are in such a dominant position to sell through simple superiority of price, we are denied the ability to make that ethical choice and still be fiscally responsible.
It genuinely disturbs me that I've financed Microsoft's antics - again - and I really wish that you ladies and gentlemen at Dell would please live up your own proposed business ideals and allow me to get my machine the way I like it, without forcing me to support ventures that are, to me, ethically improper and suspect.
If I offended any of you personally with my statements, my apologies - there was no such intent.
110
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. 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 processorDX10 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 workMemory: 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. 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. 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
530
Student Discounts!
Education, Sales Strategies submitted by cnmopt
02/18/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**
Similar to Apple, Dell should offer students a special discount on Dell Products. The Apple market share is currently growing in the education sector and offering [college] students a discount would be useful to counter Apple's strategy.
19273
 track my votes
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