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Computer manufactures should be required to accurately list each component, the parts manufacture, model#, and the parts specs.

Service and Support submitted by jakerivers 05/01/07

Computer manufactures should be required to accurately list each component, the parts manufacture, model#, and the parts specs. This would allow for better product comparison, support, and the manufacture of peripherals, etc. There are several manufactures who already do this, mostly manufactures of high quality FreeBSD, and Linux servers.
Jake Rivers 2 Comments »

In areas of poverty, such as Fresno, Ca. Dell should provide free computer centers for children, and teenagers.

Desktops and Laptops submitted by jakerivers 05/01/07

In areas of poverty, such as Fresno, Ca. Dell should provide free computer centers for children, and teenagers. Dell would staff these centers with screened community volunteers, and paid employees who supervise the children as they learn in a safe environment. Here the children could work on their home work, learn how to build desktops, make video games, etc.
Jake Rivers 6 Comments »

Laptop docking station and monitor

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by mspeach 05/01/07

I would like a docking station and monitor combination for a Dell laptop. I envision that the laptop would dock behind the moniter. Looking at it from the User's view you would see only the moniter, the wireless keyboard and mouse. Comment »

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.




89 Comments »

Sell Caseing For Teaching How The Computer Work/How To Build A Lap-top Computer.

Education, Desktops and Laptops submitted by alex9113 05/01/07

Idea Teaches Computer Expert in Training/Children. 3 Comments »

removable screen on laptop

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by maggiejim 05/01/07

I would like to see a laptop with a removable screen. This would be a smallish laptop for portability with the option of removing the screen when at home or the office and connecting the laptop to a larger analog or digital monitor. You would have to provide a simple plastic cover for protection of the screen when removed.

7 Comments »

3D Desktop/VR Desktop

Desktops submitted by alex9113 05/01/07

Comment »

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.
301 Comments »

Hey Dell! How about using better quality motherboard?

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by area5x1 05/01/07

Hey I got an idea: How about you start putting better motherboards into your computers? Sure it might raise the price, but it's good to know (or not know, for 90% of Dell customers) that you're getting a better product (at least partially) that is upgradeable. Here's a list of sample good motherboards that might be useful for higher-end machines:

- Gigabyte DS3 Rev 1.3
- Abit AB9 QuadGT
- DFI Infinity P965
- DFI Infinity 975X
- MSI P6N SLI Platinum or Diamond
- Asus Striker
- Gigabyte DQ6 3 Comments »

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) 8 Comments »

The Dell CD Case

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by lyonadmiral 05/01/07

I recently purchased an XPS 700 series computer. I must say this is amazingly designed machine, although there are conflcting points of view when it comes to the sleek-ness of the case. What I'm writing about today is the CD case that Dell includes with it.

I find that it really is "cheap". I am glad they considered putting it in, but it is all plastic and very hard to insert discs into the sleeves, not to mention pull the disc back out. All in all it is a total pain to the point where I don't want to use it.

Now professionally I am an IT/MIS guy, so I've bought Dell servers before and granted some of that equipment is significant more expensive than an XPS 700 but they included this nice soft, plush 10 CD case that had cloth in it. I'd like to see those style cases included with the 700 series and other high end systems. I'd also like to at least see an option where for a few bucks I could buy it if Dell does not want to include it with the cost of the machine. Comment »

Solid State Drive as option in Notebooks

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by tablet205 03/28/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Definition

A solid state drive is primarily a data storage device, for use in computing applications that traditionally use a hard disk drive.

A solid state drive is based on non-volatile memory instead of the spinning platter and mechanical-magnetic head found in a conventional hard disk drive. With no moving parts, a solid state drive eliminates seek time, latency and other electro-mechanical delays and failures associated with a conventional hard disk drive.

Advantages

* Faster startup - Since no spin-up required.
* Faster read time – In some cases, twice or more than that of the fastest hard drives.
* Low read and write latency (seek) time, hundreds of times faster than a mechanical disk.
* Faster boot and application launch time - Result of the faster read and especially seek time. But only if application already resides in flash and is more dependent on read speed than other issues, eg. OS bootup that detects devices will not be significantly sped up even with faster seeks & reads.
* Lower power consumption and heat production - no mechanical parts results in less power consumption.
* No noise - Lack of mechanical parts makes the SSD completely silent.
* Better mechanical reliability - Lack of mechanical parts results in less wear and tear. High level of ability to endure extreme shock, vibration and temperatures, which apply to laptops and other mobile devices, or when transported.
* Security - allowing a very quick "wipe" of all data stored.
* Deterministic performance - unlike mechanical hard drives, performance of SSDs is constant and deterministic across the entire storage. "Seek" time is constant, and performance does not deteriorate as the media fills up (See: Fragmentation).
* Lower weight and (depending upon type) size
* Faster than conventional disks on random I/O
Check out the Idea in Action on the SSD enhancements Dell is making.




49 Comments »

Open Drivers

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Service and Support submitted by d0t-bat 05/02/07

Allowing the ability to download drivers from companies other than Dell (ie. Perc RAID controllers and being able to use drivers from LSI). Also providing up-to date drivers for old hardware that is "locked" such as laptops with outdated video drivers which cant be upgraded easily due to software restrictions. 1 Comment »

Dell - Toolbar Firefox and Internet Explorer

Software submitted by oagostinho 05/02/07

Hi,

Dell, why not to create one toolbar for Firefox and Internet Explorer that improve their interaction with us. With, some capabilities to buy, may be, with the top ten items, etc,etc And with Customize Context Menu too.

See Ya
Orlando Agostinho
Computer Engineer
Lisbon/Portugal 1 Comment »

World Community Grid to Help Change the World

Software submitted by rundcirkel 05/02/07

Most of the computers processing power is unused. Donate the time your computer is turned on, but is idle, to projects that benefit humanity! Software like the World Community Grid (www.worldcommunitygrid.org) provide the secure software that does it all for free, and you become part of a community that is helping to change the world. Once you install the software, you will be participating in World Community Grid. No other action must be taken; it's that simple! Of course other similar softwares like BOINC can also be included. Comment »

National Call Centers [and other Service Improvement Ideas]

Service and Support submitted by henrieb 02/17/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

As a corporate customer I like Dell's products and my USA customer support. I have read the web about all the people that have had problems with Dell customer service and mine and others are not isolated incidences. If you want people to be loyal take a hint from the corporate sales and give Home users even a little customer support. My corporate help does not read scripts, they have the power to take ownership and fix the problem. Granted I do buy Gold support. If Dell thinks it saves money for bad support; I have personally talked 20 or 30 people out of buying a Dell.

* Addition: After reading several of the comments on this topic it appears that what we really want is someone in customer support that will listen to us, and hopefully help us. Culture and language barriers just make this harder. Maybe a better way to track customer performance would be to find out if they really helped someone and not how fast they can end the call. Dell management needs to start taking ownership of this problem. Maybe Dell management needs to start calling Dell support with fake problems and see it the system they created can help them, it sure does not work for us.


663 Comments »

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




152 Comments »

More RAM!

Desktops and Laptops submitted by mwmtjm 01/30/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Do away with 512MB of memory as a base option to buy consumer desktops and notebooks. With Vista running best on 1GB at a minimum, don't make customers have a basic experience with the new OS because Dell wants to be able to advertise at a lower price point. The success of Vista -- and subsequently for Dell -- will be largely in word of mouth. Take a long-term view and build the momentum one great customer experience at a time right now!


113 Comments »

Linux 2.6.16 ready (sticker)

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by chiuchu 02/19/07

Hello,
How about a sticker like windows' which show that the PC is fully compatible with Linux ? A sticker with "Linux 2.6 ready" or "Ubuntu 6.10 Capable" or something like this. Thanks. 113 Comments »

Stripped down, fast Linux Box

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by pawprintz 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

How about a fast, Internet ready Linux desktop. Small form factor, pretty monitor, mouse & keyboard, the O.S., OpenOffice & Firefox. Cheap'n'fast


Dell sees the value of this idea, and is keeping the sugestions for a Linux small form factor on the radar. john_h will let the community know of any new information as it comes.




130 Comments »