More details please
Dell Web Site submitted by cliffordp
05/02/07
Especially with only selling via direct-sales, Dell needs pictures, pictures, and more pictures...along with info, info, and more info. When I buy a computer, I want to be able to see all the ports on the back, know the power supply wattage, know the number and location of USB ports, motherboard specs, etc. As a partial owner of the company and someone who's purchased many and influenced others to purchase many systems from Dell, I think the company would benefit from increased transparency and info of a system. It would also help turn "built but not bought" systems into "bought" systems because of a greater connection to the system. Having built and not bought many systems before, I would really connect if I could SEE and sort-of FEEL the system since there's no store I can do this in. I hope this helps the company and others; it would really help me have more confidence in buying a system online. Thanks for Dell's IdeaStorm.
330
Poor Website
Dell Web Site submitted by praneeth
06/07/07
Dell website is giving hard time, am trying to order a laptop for last couple of hrs using my DPA. Response is poor many a time, does not work some times. Even the order status info is out for last few days. What a horrible experience. Looks like dell is discouraging direct customers for Channels..
60
A Site for the Computer Literate, and a Site for the Computer Illiterate
Dell Web Site submitted by hotuan87
05/18/07
The way the ordering interface is now, it's easy to confuse the computer illiterate with the glut of computer lingo out there (How many market brands has Intel released over the past 2 years!?), but also, you can annoy the computer literate by not giving enough detailed information.
It's hard to straddle the middle road...
The ordering pages should adjust to the type of customer.
If the customer is not well versed in computer lingo, you should give them a very simplified ordering interface designed to cut the excess and tell simply what they need (i.e. do what Apple does).
If the customer is computer literate, then give them a sophisticated ordering interface that gives them all the information and specific options they want and desire in all its gory detail.
530
Re-inventing the configurator . . .
Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site submitted by guidedstar
05/31/07
As a 30-year tech sector marketing & sales veteran and long-time admirer, I'm compelled to reach out as I've been amazed as how Dell has lost its way in recent years. Recent considerations of retail cooperation with the devil behemoth may indeed be avenues worthy of testing the waters, but what is so needed is a return to your roots that, in my estimation, is the primary source of your stagnating growth.
I'm a one-man band independent consultant these past five years and I offer free first reviews to my clients. With Dell, I'm familiar enough to give you yours now -
1 - You revolutionized the industry by inventing the configurator, a simple, fast and easy way to customize the product and see all the options and their cost impacts. Along the way, the marketing geniuses have totally polluted the original attraction and today it is a curse. To be sure of getting the options I want and at the best offered price, I may have to come in through five different doors, some of them dead ends, to get five different prices on, essentially, the same thing. Some recent changes have been a minor help, but there are still the endless attempts to engorge my configuration with more sales options and fully unrelated bundles of music players and the like. Lost, completely, is the understanding of why we loved you in the first place. And like a Baby Bell, you're frittering away the tremendous store of goodwill that you once had. The remaining comments are similarly attuned to this concern, not that it is the be-all and end-all of what you should be doing, but fixing the online experience is undoubtedly job one.
2 - Help Me Choose used to mean something once. Today, the help links do not provide significantly helpful information, for either first-time buyers or advanced users. For example, even for me, staying on top of meaningful information on the current crop of processors and that competition is difficult. The point is that you have tremendous opportunity, hidden in a major interface redesign that builds in real help, to go back to being the one to educate the world, being the expert we come to, where we can expect straight-talk and real answers. Go back to EARNING more of that goodwill.
3 - The ever-present pricing joke. Endless emails screaming of "three days only!" are so yesterday. Really, they never were from this industry, but badly force-fitted here. The joke is the opposite reality . . . hurry up and buy before we reduce the price even more. Worst, I can come in through different doors and get different prices. To do my own due diligence as a buyer, I have to spend several hours wading through playing your game. There is no one place I can clearly see all offers and options - is that not clearly a dis-incentive to my buying today? There ARE ways to address that need to bring in business, but they seem lost (and truly not only to you). Here's the first idea, provide a 30 day price guarantee that gives a credit in Dell products for any reductions in price you make (requires that monolithic price standard).
4 - Differentiation. Your product marketing group seems a tad lost too. Together with the marketing folk, it feels focused on a hip generation of gamers and not the most of us. One significant opportunity seems to me to be in the form factor offering. Mostly, no one really desires a tower chassis anymore. You've got small form factors that you barely market. Smart marketing would have the first question of the new configurator be what size footprint do you want and would you like us to explain the tradeoffs? That most PCs never get opened by the consumer, would seem to me to be a "no-duh" that if you SOLD small footprint, reduced noise, heat and space, you'd dramatically upsell into this differentiated product, not very available at Best Buy. There are a ton of other opportunities too. Please take them and take back your place of leadership!
Okay, enough, you get the drift and either you sense we're onto something or I'm already deleted. But before I sign off, a couple of positives. Thank you for the recycling effort. It is the one thing in recent history that brings you goodwill, at least from me. And thank you also for the Foundation
Maybe Michael needs a fresh, outside voice not beholden to any interest other than truth. Be well! Tim Brady www.GuidedStar.com
370
Get rid of that ridiculous new checkout system!
Dell Web Site submitted by joeevil5000
06/02/07
I have worked at a Dell Direct Store kiosk for the past 6 months, and Dell's checkout system has been flawless. But now, they are experimenting with a new flash based checkout sytem. It has done nothing but create website problems, and screw up orders. Yes, it's prettyer, but the layout is confusing, and aparenty the webmasters at Dell are'nt very good with flash, because most aspects of it fail. PLEASE do not change the checkout system!
250
Web Management
Dell Web Site submitted by serge
06/14/07
Hello,
I think it would be grate to the companies to have a view of all the hardware they bought, with warranty limit time, with a link to download center and an unique entry point.
Even if we have to registrer the computers our self I think it ould be grate for people who have to manage many computers.
I'm not ready to pay for that ;-)
Serge
140
Dell Search Ubuntu at SearchBox - would be the same like Windows Vista!
Dell Web Site, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by oagostinho
07/02/07
Hi, Everybody
I bet you, search Ubuntu at Dell's site of their countries to see what happens!!, then, did the same but with Windows Vista this time.
Did you see some differences? I hope so, you did! ;-)
Well, In that way, I would like to say that Dell have to implement the same functionalities with Ubuntu like does with Windows Vista, for example!
What can i expect from Dell when i'll search something? I can trusts in that results? Are they betters? Why, there are some differences when I use Ubuntu and others when I use Windows Vista? Big Differences, in my opinion!!
And you People, What do you think about it?
See Ya!
Orlando Agostinho
Computer Engineer
Lisbon/Portugal
-50
more interaction with Europe
Dell Web Site submitted by linaro
06/08/07
All the interesting things that Dell promotes, like Idea Storm, should be linked and translated on the european sites of Dell commercial. A lot of european aren't informed about this projects, and shouldn't be involved.
240
Ideas for the Dell.com website
Dell Web Site submitted by hiten
06/21/07
My ideas in summary:
1. Add an "email summary" functionality to the dell.com site
The dell.com website is currently very focused on the prospective customer having some knowledge about configuring a PC. In practice many users don't have this knowledge, and therefore may result to calling dell to place an order or go to a local retailer who could advise them and sell them any brand. However many of these prospective customers know of someone (friend/relative) who they will consult before making a final decision. My idea to provide a functionality on the dell.com website which would allow the prospective customer to ask another person (friend/relative) to configure the pc specification and send it via an automated email (i.e. hyperlink click to send email, similar to current print function) to the prospective customer. The prospective customer would have much more confidence in the purchase and it would better meet his/her needs as the friend/relative would know them and their requirements better. This would result in a very satisfied customer.
The email option saves paper over the printed option (so is environmentally friendly). It also makes it easy for people who might not have access to a printer.
2. Stored Configurations
To make the customer experience more flexible and productive, I think it would be good to keep every customer configuration (once it has been printed or emailed) and assign it a unique reference number. The reference number can be used to get back the configuration without having to go through the whole configuration process again. This would also work well with above idea as the friend/relative created configuration would be sent via email to the prospective customer with this unique reference number. The prospective customer would then have to just enter the unique reference number to bring up the configuration and then go on to make the purchase. The stored configuration could be kept for 7 days before they are deleted.
160
Why can't we get multi-boot Linux systems?
Linux, Operating Systems, Software submitted by winoffice
06/06/07
Many people would like Linux on their PCs (I don't want it now, but I might consider it if it is multi-booted with Windows), but some must get it multi-booted with Windows, as they may need Windows at home (they may love the new Vista looks, for example), work (they may spend the money for Windows because of requirements at work, for example), etc., or just to run some Windows-only applications.
First: Thus, please have Dell offer multi-boots too.
But do not just offer multi-boots.
Let us get any version of Linux available (let us choose more than one), and any version of Windows available (again, let us choose more than one). Dell should offer the following operating systms in a fashion shown below, but do not force us to get Windows, and do not force us to get Linux either (in other words, people should be able to pick one from each group of operating systems):
Windows XP (choose one): None, Home Edition, Media Center, or Professional
Windows Server 2003 (choose one): None, Web Edition, Standard Edition, Small Business Standard Edition, Small Business Premium Edition, Enterprise Edition, or Datacenter Edition
Windows Vista (choose one): None, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate
Linux (choose one): None, Ubuntu Desktop Edition, Ubuntu Server Editon, or Other Linux (if applicable or available)
By the way, about Windows Server 2003, Dell offers it on compatible servers, and since most Dell PCs meet the requirements, Dell can certainly offer Windows Server 2003 on compatible PCs, for managing web sites on a local network, for example. But I still included the "None" option there if anyone does not need it or does not want it.
Second: Also, once Dell does offer the multi-boot systems, offer all the stickers too -- but make them optional. Of course, keep the processor sticker as one of them. However, add all of the relevant OS stickers as well. For example, if a user selects a choice other than "None" for all four operating systems, then include five stickers: the processor, XP, 2003, Vista, and Linux stickers. If a user selected only Vista and Linux, then include three stickers: the processor, Vista, and Linux. Finally, add a page to the "Build my system" wizard called "Choose your stickers". Only if a user did not select "None" for a particular OS should a user be able to get the sticker for that OS.
The "Choose your stickers" dialog box should look somewhat like this. I assume here that all four operating systems are included. If not, then the dialog box should be changed accordingly.
Do you want the processor sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows XP sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows Server 2003 sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows Vista sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Ubuntu (or other Linux if applicable) sticker? Yes No
And, finally, the stickers should be all be put in the same, and in a reasonable, area, where they always have been (if only, of course, the user said that he/she wants them). Examples: For desktops/servers, this means the bottom-left corner of the front. For notebooks, this means the lower-right corner of the keyboard/touchpad area.
Third: Since a user will almost certainly get both Windows and Linux this way, make three types of keyboards (keep the original Windows keyboards; the other one should be for Ubuntu Linux; the third should be for both):
One should bear only the Windows logo on both start keys (they are between the Ctrl and Alt keys), and should be used on systems on which only Windows is selected.
Another should bear only the Ubuntu logo on both start keys, and should be used on systems on which only Ubuntu is selected.
The last should bear both logos on both start keys, and should be used on systems on which both Windows and Ubuntu are selected.
610
Consolidate all "Offer *foo* in *bar*" ideas into a single idea - offer your entire line, and all options, everywhere to everyone
IdeaStorm submitted by solarcanine
06/25/07
Dozens of ideas are posted in this format over and over again. I think most of us get the concept, and it boils down to:
Offer the entire Dell catalog - all OS options, all machine options, all accessory options - to everyone in the world, through every sales portal you have, all of the time.
I don't think it's necessary for a representative potential customer from each country in the world to weigh in with "Offer Linux in Botswana" or "Offer Inspirons to education users in Burundi" when the overall concept should suffice.
Dell, it's obviously a global market out there, and your customers around the world are making their desires known (over and over again) on this site.
Let's consolidate all of that motion and eliminate the almost-duplicate ideas by getting down to the base idea, so to speak.
160
Boost sales - fix the terrible website design!
Dell Web Site submitted by broxx
06/21/07
I wrote to Michael Dell with some ideas for boosting Dell's sales and improving the customer's experience.
I got a reply - they get top marks!
From the Vice President of Intellectual Property! No really, I'm not joking!!!
Who didn't answer one point I made - What did I expect?
But suggested submitting my ideas here. 1/10 for a practical response.
So here are my ideas (for what they are worth):
My efforts to buy a new PC online (www1.euro.dell.com) was a totally frustrating experience. So frustrating that I gave up! What annoys me, as a shareholder, is that thousands of other customers must be giving up too!!
Why the gripes?
1. One is forced to choose between “Home” and “Small Business”, “Medium Sized Business” and “Large Business”. “Home Office” doesn’t even appear as an option!
2 There are about 6 processors to choose from. But what do all these processors do? Nowhere is there a simple link to explain what the difference is between them, so once again it is impossible to make a choice!
3. One can choose from the Product Family: eg Dimension, Precision, XPS. But, once again there is nothing to explain the difference!
4. If one selects a specific PC model, there are impressive graphics and the ability to rotate the picture, and a whole lot of options to choose from, such as different processors, types of windows, memory options etc. But NO clarity on what the differences are between the options and NO prices for what the various options cost.
5. I try to choose between 4 sound cards (* 256MB ATI Radeon X1300 Pro graphics card; * 128MB ATI Radeon X1300 graphics card; * Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3000; * Integrated NVIDIA® GeForce 6150 LE graphic gpu), and click on the link to learn more. What do I get? A write up about a “SoundBlaster® X-Fi Xtreme Music Card” which wasn’t even on the list in the first place! And still nothing about cost! Wonderful!!! Stuck, once more!
6. I then try to compare a list of three PCs with different prices.
What happens? Every variable says “Up to ….”, such as memory size “Up to 4GB1 Dual-Channel DDR22 SDRAM (533MHz)”. The price is clearly specified. But I can’t see what the starting specs are for that price and obviously the price will change if I change a spec. Useless!!!
7. I tried choosing one of the PCs – a Dell Dimension E520, but the individual description that came up didn’t give me any information that would help me decide!
8. I looked for software choices. None appeared. Could I choose between Vista and XP. Apparently not. Could I buy Office or a graphics program pre-installed. It seemed not. Are there any really useful freebie programs installed. It seemed not. Another wasted revenue opportunity, and unsatisfied customer!
So there you have it – half an hour surfing through the Dell website, and I am no closer to buying a PC, nor even deciding which one I want. And if I was less computer literate I would have fled long ago!
There are two other posts here: "Simplify, Simplify!!" and "More details please"
I fully agree with their sentiments.
Someone with common sense, and practical ideas [and not a computer degree] has to to get hold of the Dell web site and seriously shake it up.
It is close to the worst sales process I have ever seen on the web.
If Dell wants this sales to work online, it must simplify the process and make it user friendly!
All that is needed is a simple web page in a grid layout, listing product types across the top and specifications down the side. Then a buyer should be able to tick his/her choice(s), and the price at the bottom or top of the page should recalculate with the resulting choice.
And every option should have a link that one can follow to find out what the item does and to get the information one needs to make a choice, and to show what the cost would be.
To make it a good shopping experience, which is efficient and rewarding, one must be able to a) find out what the difference between the options does, and b) see what is the cost of each of the options.
290
Dell add Skype to Tech Supports Abilities
Dell Web Site, Service and Support submitted by jorge
06/29/07
Dell give Tech Support Skype abilities so they can be reached for free (literally) which reduces cost for Dell and it gives video support so customers can show tech's any visual issue if needed. Same for Support they can visually show customers what to do through Skype video! Even if the Tech support person has bad English they can visually communicate and resolve issues.
You already have the chat feature but no video, this will aid support in so many ways!
Do it now!
PS: even if you don't use Skype I'm just talking about Skype type features, like over the net voice (VOIP) and video, I don't care if its Dell-ype or something else, Skype is just the in word at the moment. So don't go getting antsy about the name, ok.
Start Jul 2nd:  provided by florida web site design .
110
Extend Ordering System to allow Automatic Subscription to Tracking Data
Dell Web Site, Sales Strategies, Service and Support submitted by clocks
06/24/07
Extend the ordering system to include the ability to indicate that the purchaser would like to subscribe to shipping updates.
For example, you offer the checkbox during checkout "Check Here to automatically recieve shipping updates from the carrier".
Checking the box would then have the user's registered email signed up to recieve tracking updates from DHL, FedEx, whatever automatically to the tracking numbers which the shipment components were shipped as.
From a technical standpoint, this is relatively easy to implement, the only plae where it could really get "stuck" in implementation is whether or not your shipping provider API supports the ability to add a subscriber to a tracking number. If not, given the volume at which Dell ships components, I have trouble seeing a scenario where the provider would not make an effort to extend the API for you.
THis offers your customers the ability to recieve near real time updates from the shipping provider directly with the status of thier packages. Customers who dont wish to recieve that kind of granular information dont have to and have the choice not to check the box (which would be unchecked by default).
240
Dell List Computer Configuration Options in order not random.
Dell Community, Dell Web Site submitted by jorge
06/25/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
Dell list computer configuration options in an ordered list not random!
When configuring a computer a list of options for lets say the processor should be in order based on speed or price, here's an example from the Dell Precision M65:
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5600 (1.83GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $37.35]
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7600 (2.33GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $398.40]
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7400 (2.16GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $207.50]
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (2.00GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $103.75]
* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5500 (1.66GHz/667Mhz) [Included in Price]
Whats up with this list? Totally confusing or leads to confusion, for the average Joe, yet again today I had to explain that Dell just lists things randomly not in some optimal way.
The list should read like this (or in reverse but in order):
* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5500 (1.66GHz/667Mhz) [Included in Price]
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5600 (1.83GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $37.35]
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (2.00GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $103.75]
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7400 (2.16GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $207.50]
O Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7600 (2.33GHz/667MHz) Dual Core [add $398.40]
Make it so and quite confusing your customers!
Start Jul 2nd :  provided by florida web site design .
730
Dell should offer direct comparisons to competing products on their website
Dell Web Site submitted by jervis961
07/02/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
All the car companies alow you to compare their products to the competition, insurance companies have started doing the same thing. Dell should show me side by side comparisons of its products vs other manufacturers like Lenovo, Sony, HP, Sager etc. and prove they provide a better product for my money.
As suggested in comments by jmxz:
"And software products too - a Vista vs MacOS page and a Linux vs BSD page would surely generate lots of interest."
Please see tommy_l's comment
300
 track my votes
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