Desktops and Laptops Ideas
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
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
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
Dell: join in! Offer a low-cost Linux PC!
Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by phubert
Apr 2
It appears Dell remains afraid of Microsoft... and here is an answer we haven't heard from Dell on IdeaStorm:
"The top PC makers have so far treaded carefully. Dell's website sells Ubuntu computers in a separate section for open-source PCs, out of direct comparison with Windows machines. Dell spokeswoman Anne Camden said the placement reflects the fact that Linux is still not a mainstream consumer product."
From the USA Today article:
Burst of low-end PCs could boost Linux
"Business computing suppliers are finding open-source desktops especially gaining traction in cost-conscious developing markets. For example, IBM and Linux vendor Red Hat recently launched Microsoft-free desktops for Eastern Europe.
One buyer is Aleksandar Spagnut, a director of Moscow-based Rushotel, which needed new desktop PCs for a hotel-building project. Spagnut said his company saved 30 to 35% over comparable Windows machines. He added that Linux PCs are now common enough that a snowball effect is emerging, whereby technical support and "drivers" — which essentially tell programs how to interact with hardware — are much easier to find." ****
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/software/2008-04-01-cheap-pc-linux_N.ht...
1660
Do not scale back build-to-order systems
Desktops and Laptops submitted by masterr
Apr 5 **ALREADY OFFERED**
Today in the news I read that Dell "is moving away from its build-to-order model to reduce costs. Dell is limiting the degree to which buyers can dictate specifications while expanding its line of prepackaged models". Please do not do this. The options build-to-order system is what sets Dell above some of the competition. By scaling this back and removing customization choices you remove some of the appeal of buying a Dell machine online. Please do not scale this back.
Please scroll down to see Dawn's comments below.
1410
Provide ubuntu's next LTS iso, 100% compatible with Dell
Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by shaikailash
Apr 10
I'ts going to be release the long term support (LTS) version of ubuntu, Hardy Heron 8.04. It will be supported by the community for 3 years.
It could be useful and appreciate (I think) if DELL will customize this distro to be compatible with the hardware of Dell's laptops and desktops, and permit to download the official iso from the website.
It could be fantastic to download the iso, install it and have an operative system perfectly working.
Many people could be convinced to buy a Dell with Linux, without go crazy with the hardware compatibility.
Thank you
670
Create a Home Network Attached Storage
Servers and Storage, Desktops and Laptops submitted by okroger104
3 days ago
HP has a quite capable Media Vault:
Specs:
Dimensions should be small: 6" x 6" x 9".
OS: LINUX
CPU: Low powered
Interfaces: eSATA, Gigabit ethernet, (2) USB 2.0
Dual Harddrive bays.
Option to purchase HDDs already in RAID 1
Important Specs:
1. Ability to automatically restart after power interruption.
2. Ability to add storage via eSATA and USB ports. Additional storage should have the option of being directly accessible from the network. (Meaning, being separate logical drives.)
3. Low wattage. No more than 35watts at max storage.
4. Dimmable indicator lights.
5. 120MM low RPM Fan for quiet operation or fanless system (which might increase size and weight.)
Specs for included software:
1. Ability to automatically back up and syncronize files.
2. Ability to schedule back ups.
3. Ability to configure FTP or remote access.
4. Ability to create and delete folders.
5. Ability to mount as a network drive.
150
Provide a fix for Media Direct instead of asking user to reformat
Desktops and Laptops submitted by programatix
Apr 26
Dell Media Direct feature is too easy to break. A minor change to the partition layout or size will simply break it. When this happen, pressing the Media Direct button when the system is turned off will not start Dell Media Direct anymore.
The current solution from Dell is to reformat the HDD. This is unacceptable. There should be a way to fix it! So far, I tried in vain.
I've encountered this problem several times and I'm tired of reformatting the HDD just to make Media Direct to work.
The problem always started with error like, "MD Extention Partition Error" when the Media Direct button is pressed when system is off. This is what I've tried to fix the problem,
- Start using Media Direct CD. Quit the process to return to command prompt. Run "setupmd /diskno=0 /type=DD". Run "md3patch". Reboot. After this process, if I press the Media Direct button to start the system, it will just display Media Direct splash screen and stay there.
- Boot up to Vista. Insert Media Direct CD. Go to DellKit folder. Run "md3utils /mapmd3=x". Checked drive X: and everything seems fine. Tried to rebuild the drive by running "XPS M15301.exe" and "XPS M15302.exe" but it doesn't solve the problem.
- Since Vista is in partition 3 and MD3 is in partition 4, I tried running "rmbr DELL 3 4" in DellKit. Doesn't solve the problem either.
I also found out that the MD3 partition is hidden with unknown state because the type of the partition is set to "DD". If I set it to "OB", it will turn into FAT32 and can be viewed normally with Windows Explorer. I don't see anything special with the implementation of MD3 partition but why is it so complicated in reviving it when it is broken? Please Dell, instead of asking users to reformat the HDD, provide a way to fix it or rebuild it without reformatting the HDD.
340
Give us real bios control
Desktops and Laptops submitted by retro
Apr 21
Give us all full control of our hardware, I hate entering a bios and seeing only the most basic settings and not much of them, I may get some faster ram and want to set the cas or i may want to adjust my hard drive settings.
460
Does Dell have? A "What can I do with my Dell?" web link?
Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, Desktops and Laptops submitted by phubert
May 7
The suggestion is that, if Dell isn't already doing this, to have a link off each system description page titled:
"What can I DO with my Dell?"
This could also be a standalone section with different lists of functions for home, home office, SMB, Education, etc. Meaning, depending on the area you select, you would find different 'possibilities' and system options, configurations and accessories explored.
This is LIKE a 'solutions' approach but would be educational (to customers) as well.
It would tie-in well with Dell's new premium services program(s).
Of course a separate path "Dell Solutions" would serve a similar purpose, but from another perspective.
BOTH could be most useful to customers.
As I have said before, ORDER PAGES should have pop-ups highlighting specific features...
ONE example:
When ordering a KVM switch, a pop-up that asks "Have you looked at the supported SCREEN RESOLUTION?" and offered alternatives would have saved OUR site a very annoying (and unresolvable) mistake!!
130
Show Max Specs in System Descriptions
Desktops and Laptops submitted by dfrandin
Apr 23
It would make research on ordering Dell systems if the maximum values of RAM, hard drive size etc, were shown on the system description pages. A good example of what I'm talking about: The Optiplex 755, shows on the memory section, "Up to 4.0GB DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM, 800MHz, (4DIMM)". However, if you take the time to read the online Optiplex service manual, you find that the system supports
2GB DIMMs, for a total of up to 8GB.. A non-technical user would not know to double-check the service manual to find that information out.. Also the Storage entry states "Up to SATA 3.0Gb/s, RAID 1 Data Security, Capacities up to 250GB".. I strongly suspect that the 755 is not limited to a 250GB drive.
In the case of RAM, with 64Bit OS becoming more popular and RAM (other than Dell) dropping in price, the 8GB support on the 755, I'm sure, will be heavily used. Please let your customers and potential customers learn this info without resorting to reading the service manual...
380
Make Next-Gen Connectors Standard on all XPS Models
XPS products, Desktops and Laptops submitted by icarus75
Apr 15
Dell, please make these connectors STANDARD on all upcoming XPS Desktops and Notebooks:
1) eSATA (Self-Powered)
2) DisplayPort 1.1 and / or HDMI 1.3b (both with Audio)
3) FireWire 3200 - IEEE 1394c (9-pin Powered)
or at minimum, FireWire 800 i.e. Alienware m15x
Please kill off 4-pin Firewire ports. They're unpowered, relatively slow, and flimsy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Also, of less importance, please make the following available in an XPS Cable Package (add $40):
a) HDMI (Category 2) to Dual-Link DVI
b) DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI
c) 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire Cable (1934b/c to 1394a)
d) 9-pin to 4-pin FireWire Cable (1934/b/c to 1394a mini)
430
Public Education
Desktops and Laptops submitted by infinitelink
May 6
While SSDs are increasingly more popular in lay-media, I recommend that Dell ensure that well into the future the traditional HD will be nigh available: reason being that SSDs, far as I know, wear-out very quickly after a certain number of write cycles.
Personally for important data and, well, unimportant data, as it's my data, I want to ensure it'll keep on being available and safe-enough, which the good 'ol platter-drive provides. SSDs are too fashionable and for being soft and quick to die. I wish that the media would make this more known: buy an ipod touch today...expect it to die in, maybe, a few years. : (
I like this order: SSDs backed-up by HDs, and only used in those little gadgets rather than for important stuff; tape to back-up HDs for especially long-term uses (suprisingly the tape holds up quite well when preserved correctly). Note: not saying Dell should (or should even consider) tape, just saying I hope it keeps HDs around for quite a while, even considering that HDs are less reliable than advertised, they're more dependable than SSDs.
Thus it would be nice that, when SSDs become more available at Dell, that education be provided (i.e. pages describing the pros, cons, and these details--more ably than I can!).
120
Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot
Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Offer the 3 top free Linux versions for free pre-installation on all Dell PCs.
Quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. For example OpenOffice.org, the Microsoft Office alternative, can shave hundreds of dollars off the price of a new PC. Cast your vote for OpenOffice and other free software.
Offer easy multi-boot options with Windows Vista, Windows XP, or NO Windows (yes, Linux can entirely replace Windows!)
Offer trade-ins and Linux CDs for older model Dell PCs. Cast your vote for the mini Linux Dell PC and the Universal Education Dell PC, both utilizing free software.
Would you try Linux if it were this easy?
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.
Please take a look at www.dell.com/open for linux options on the Inspiron.
151150
Solid State Hard Drive
Desktops and Laptops submitted by pablohs
Apr 29
I would like to have a "small" solid state HD. The idea is to have a solid state (i.e. flash memory) HD for the operative system(s) - allowing for a faster boot. A large, more traditional HD could be use for the everything else.
190
Nothing beats a hardware wheel for volume control!
Desktops and Laptops submitted by wheelie
Apr 22
A simple request – an old fashioned analogue wheel for volume control for every computer with speakers. Fiddling with software volume controls [beep beep beep beep…] is a miserable experience and even hardware button controls are limited – the increments are usually too big or small for a given audio file. Reinvent the wheel!
290
Programmers keyboard
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by johnh619
3 days ago
Since keyboards on computers only communicate with the pc and do not send data over long distances then they do not need to uses the parity bit. This means that the parity bit can be uses to double the number of keys on the keyboard. Of course we would not ever do this because it would make the keyboard to large and bulky and difficult to use. So what if we made the keyboard illuminated. Inside each key would be two leds; they would be two different colors and also in each key are two symbols; each sybols is matched to one of the colors of the leds. When the keyboard is set to normal then one color led would light and shine through the letter that is the same color and illuminate it; conversely when the keyboard is set to program then the other color led would light and show the symbol that is the same color as itself. Of course at the same time when the keyboard is switched from one mode to the other then the interface would switch also such that in the normal mode it would output the standard ascii set and in the programmers mode it would output programming symbols. This might allow the next programming language beyond c sharp and java to use special symbols and to avoid using the english punctuation for programming. So then the problems of literals would be gone and programming would be more understandable. Some symbols might be common like brackets and braces and would appear on both keyboard modes in the same place; also the period and comma and colon and semicolon might be common.
This would allow many programming symbols such as a caret with a equal sign together in conjunction. It would avoid having to memorize another set of macros everytime someone decided to change a language like c plus plus to c sharp or whatever. It might revolutionize the entire programming world so that languages would not continue to go through endless evolution.
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