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8070
BIOS Profiles for Heat Management By afhstingray,  Dec 1, 2009

Hi All, 

On the forums, i constantly see people complaining about the heat their laptop produces. Some people (like me) who use their laptop on their lap a lot, prefer to have the fan on constantly, to keep the laptop cool to the touch.

Others, they hate the noise the fan produces so they prefer the laptop to be not so cool, but they want it silent.

From what i can tell, my particular model (Precision M4400) the fan activates at processor 35*c ish and GPU 65*c ish. Then it cools it down a bit, and cuts out, upon which the temps rise again.

What i would propose is to have 2-3 profiles in the BIOS, for example

1) Silent
2) Max Cooling
3) Balanced

I think this would help owners enjoy their laptops more!

thanks!
afhstingray8070.0
  Wed Dec 02 03:25:59 GMT 2009
Comments: 29
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.)  Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged


10660
Do not hire nontechnical people for techsupport By jbrogers,  Feb 17, 2007

This is the main problem with the India call centers - they have no idea what they are doing. They are obviously reading a scripted diagnosing tool and have no personal knowledge of computing issues.

I have both home and business accounts with Dell. When I call in for support on my Business account, I get a good old-fashioned American geek, who instantly understands that I am fairly technical, and doesn't treat me like an idiot.

The Indian call centers, not having knowledge themselves, do not recognize that I know anything, and treat me like an idiot as they read from the diagnosis tool. Yeah, I know the computer is plugged in. Yeah I know that I have internet connectivity. Sheesh.
jbrogers10660.0
  Sat Feb 17 16:09:25 GMT 2007
Comments: 44
Categories: Service and Support  
Status:Acknowledged


9070
Give us real bios control By retro,  Apr 21, 2008

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.
retro9070.0
  Mon Apr 21 22:52:53 GMT 2008
Comments: 15
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.)  Desktops and Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged


5500
Please give us BIOS support for SATA AHCI mode on Inspirons! By soulreaver,  Nov 26, 2007

Inspiron system such as the Inspiron 6400/9400/E1705, etc. does not have the option to use/enable AHCI (Advanced Host Configuration Interface) in BIOS so the SATA drives are not running at maximum performance.
The system board chipset supports it. The transfer mode is set by default to standard compatible mode. Can't take advantage of NCQ capabilities.
Using Inspiron as my system at home and Latitude/Precission at the office.
I can see it supported on latest Inspirons (1720, etc)

Please introduce AHCI support with the next BIOS upgrade on our models as well.
soulreaver5500.0
  Mon Nov 26 17:20:14 GMT 2007
Comments: 17
Categories: Service and Support  Inspiron  
Status:Acknowledged


9370
Enable AHCI in Dell Notebook BIOS By ldr,  May 6, 2007

Latest Dell notebooks are based on ICH7M chipset and even have SATA hard drives with NCQ support. But, the option to enable ahci, and therefore to enable SATA NCQ is not available in Dell BIOSes (other brands give the option).

Having this option in Notebook BIOSes would allow a up to a 30% performance gain under Linux and Vista.
ldr9370.0
  Sun May 06 20:19:36 GMT 2007
Comments: 14
Categories: Laptops  Operating Systems  Sales Strategies  
Status:Acknowledged


100
Website needs improvement By Jakevt,  Feb 3, 2010

A series of improvements to the website could make the purchasing experience much smoother and less frustrating.

I recently ordered a new desktop and frankly if it wasn't for my brand loyalty I would have given uo and ordered from somewhere else.  I think some small improvements could go a long way to provide some more information with out it being to confusing for the more novis computer purchaser.

1.  Every product or option should have a link for more information.  This currently exists for some items but thet are few and far between.  when  was presented with my monitor choices in configuring a system I shouldn't have to open another window and google them to see the features, connectivity and specs.  Still provide the "help me decide function" for the novice but an option to open a new window with the product specs for each would also be appropriate - especially for someone who knows what they want.

2.  The same as above for video card options with their ports listed.  I will not know until my system arrives if I can use a displayport cable or not and then I have to order and wait for that to arrive.

3.  I know I don't know your customer base as well as you do but I think there needs to be more of a crossover between the products offered to buisness and the home user.  I use a zino for my media pc so when I ordered a desktop it is for other things, like catching up with work at home.  I wanted a monitor that has integrated speakers.  What I wanted wasn't availible in configuring my system, the lady I ordered it from could' order anything from that line of products becuase they are handled by a seperate sales rep so I had to place multiple orders for one system in two different spots.

4.   Video card descriptions dont exist.  How am I supposed to know on the home side if it supports multiple monitors?  the buisness side of the site makes it clear. 

5.  You must be keeping track of it so that a customer doesn't add more than a chasis will hold but why can't we get the info somewhere that tells us the configured tech specs - primarily connectivity as suggested above along with remaining bays and slots.  I for example have a specialty item I am going to have to add once my system arrives and I can only make a guess as to what my current configuration is using and that there will be room.

there was some other frustrations with the site but I am on mr logitech denovo mini at the dell zino and it is a great keyboard but not designed for a lot of typing.
Jakevt100.0
  Thu Feb 04 01:56:33 GMT 2010
Comments: 0
Categories: Dell Web Site  
Status:Acknowledged


12020
Bios release By gabiz_ro,  Oct 22, 2009

Can we expect some bios update for Inspiron 9400?
Almost 2,5 years and no update for this model.
New version could fix demands you received in time from users,but most important will be
- SLIC update
- HPET support  for real not just declared in ACPI
- AHCI support
- and some thermal settings or even profile.
I use most of time on power adapter and would be good to stay cooler but fans start at ~60° Celsius
I just saw on HP suport for some old model from 2005 latest bios release is from june 2009 and we at Dell are left alone.
gabiz_ro12020.0
  Fri Oct 23 01:21:23 GMT 2009
Comments: 20
Categories: Service and Support  Inspiron  
Status:Acknowledged


10150
Dell BIOS and HPET timer support By josehernandez,  Jan 22, 2008

HPET timer will be useful for different purposes:
1) Kernel uses it for timer interrupt and time source (gettimeofday).
Kernel will use one particular timer among available HPET timers
(typically 3).
2) The HPET driver exports the HPET device in /dev which can be used by
other kernel drivers or user programs.

In this particular case, with forcing of HPET, (1) above seems to be
working fine.
But, (2) is printing 0ns. Probably because missing HPET information in
ACPI. You may need to do some more changes in drivers/char/hpet.c in
case BIOS doesn not support HPET.

But, this will not affect normal kernel functioning. This will only
affect is someone wants to use /dev/hpet interface.

source:http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/6/8/267


DELL/ Status Update

HPET is enabled and exposed by BIOS on most newer systems.
josehernandez10150.0
  Tue Jan 22 22:40:34 GMT 2008
Comments: 24
Categories: Software  
Status:Partially Implemented


90
Purchase Dell with out paying for microsoft By thebrok2,  Feb 3, 2010

Microsoft has burn the bridge. I will do what ever I can to make sure my money does not go to them and their bloated insecure operating system. I really have been a strong advicate of dell and have worked for several large companies and have made sure we have used dell.  unfotuanly you guys you offer very limited options for ubuntu. There is no way I will use another microsoft product you need to offer ubuntu or some other linux OS so I can purchase another PC. Please expand out of the netbook area!
thebrok290.0
  Thu Feb 04 04:06:52 GMT 2010
Comments: 5
Categories: Dell  Desktops and Laptops  Linux  
Status:Acknowledged


80
Bad Idea By bandhriot,  Feb 4, 2010

I recently purchased a 3-pack of ink online for $90+.  I do not find it amusing that included in the shipment was a flyer offering the very same 3-pack for $70+.
bandhriot80.0
  Thu Feb 04 16:53:49 GMT 2010
Comments: 0
Categories: Advertising and Marketing  Printers and Ink  
Status:Acknowledged


3300
Notebooks BIOS should support AHCI. By timotheus25,  Jul 30, 2007

Most of the Dell desktop and workstations now support AHCI operation of the SATA controller. This operation can give significantly increased hard drive performance; but requires special support in the BIOS, the motherboard/chipset, and the hard drive itself.

I own a Dell 640m with T7200 chipset, most features maxed-out. The fact that the BIOS does not support AHCI, while the chipset does, is very disappointing. The notebooks from Apple and HP both do offer this feature for the same chipset(s). (HP in its BIOS and Apple in the firmware.)

It should be feasible enough to add the functionality to the notebook BIOS since the desktop BIOS do have the feature available, yes?
timotheus253300.0
  Mon Jul 30 19:31:50 GMT 2007
Comments: 0
Categories: Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged


80
Shipping Delays on replacement computers By onlinespaces,  Feb 3, 2010

When my son's XPS laptop died, I called Dell to report the problem. Two days later tech support was finally able to get to my house at about 11pm. After looking at the system, it was determined that everything was fried and a total replacement was needed. Luckily I had complete coverage for this.

It has now been over a week and still no new laptop. And, after spending 10 minutes on hold, I am told that it is waiting to be built and there is currently no ship date. Luckily I had an extra laptop to lend to my son for college. If this was my business computer I would be screwed.

So, my suggestions:

1. It is amazing that a company like Dell cannot build and ship a laptop in less than a week. So, you need to look at how your orders are handled and optimize your manufacturing and distribution process.

2. If for some reason there is a delay, contact the person so that they at least know what is happening. If I hadn't of called, I would have no idea on the laptops lack of status.

Although these suggestions will not help me since I am no longer buying Dell computers for my business and will no longer be recommending them to others, I hope that you will get this fixed. I have been a Dell customer for a very long time and this it is a shame that Dell can no longer be counted on.

You can calculate how many computers you sell but how many computers you won't sell because of such poor service? Well, it is about $6000 to $8000 a year from me and I am only one.
onlinespaces80.0
  Thu Feb 04 03:56:16 GMT 2010
Comments: 0
Categories: Service and Support  
Status:Acknowledged


60
Better form factor By freethinker,  Feb 5, 2010

You need to understand that part of the buying decision is the way the laptop looks/feels, not just the capabilities.
 
freethinker60.0
  Fri Feb 05 21:16:23 GMT 2010
Comments: 2
Categories: Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged


116980
Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office By dhart,  Feb 17, 2007


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


DELL/ Status Update

Dell is constantly reviewing options to offer to customers. As this is available for free today, we do not currently plan on offering this as an option to factory install.
.
dhart116980.0
  Sun Feb 18 00:47:16 GMT 2007
Comments: 628
Categories: Desktops and Laptops  Software  
Status:Not Planned


330
Overheating Warnings By ianv,  Jan 11, 2010

Dell Laptops should have proper warnings when they are overheating, the only information my laptop gave me when the cooling vents were blocked with dust on the inside was "Processor 1 is being limited by system firmware" and "processor 0 is being limited by system firmware" both in the windows event logs.
These warnings are pretty ambiguous with no real clue to the cause.
After some investigation which included dismantling the laptop case I discovered heavy dust build up on the inside of the vents which was not visible from the outside. This dust build up was blocking the vents and causing the processor to overheat.
This idea goes along with my other idea for a removable access panel on the back of dell Laptops to allow the fan to be dropped out and the vents cleaned without dismantling the laptop case.
ianv330.0
  Mon Jan 11 18:24:50 GMT 2010
Comments: 3
Categories: Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged


40
Laptop keyboard design By SouthernGal,  2 days ago

I recently purchased a Dell laptop and am MOST unhappy with it.  I have extreme difficulty in typing on the flat keys!  Apparently, no one considered women with fingernails when designing the laptop keys!  My nails are not very long, thus, I know this is an even greater problem to women with long nails!  While this may not be of concern to men, this is a BIG concern to many women.  It is an easy "fix" and most desktop keyboards have space between the keys.  This "space" is enough room for nails that extend over the tip of a finger.  With my new Dell laptop, there is NO place for nails.  It is virtually impossible to type with straight fingers so that only the bottom of the pads are used! 

FYI, this is NOT a problem on all laptops as I recently purchased a laptop (made by a different manufacturer) for a new salesmen.  While it isn't as easy to type on that laptop as on a desktop keyboard, it does have space between the keys making it much easier to use than my personal laptop.   As a small business owner,  my employees' convenience is important.  I want to be consistent in the laptops provided to my employees, and I cannot justify providing Dell after my experience with my Dell laptop.    
SouthernGal40.0
  Sun Feb 07 23:04:39 GMT 2010
Comments: 0
Categories: Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged



  From Storm Session: Dell Facebook: To “FAN” or not to “FAN”… What do you think?
40
Closed
Mobile Tablet PC? By ZaafTPC,  2 days ago

 I just came across Dell's Facebook page while creating a group for a tablet PC idea I wanted to share online.

After seeing HP's Slate and Apple's iPad, I reckoned tablet PCs could do with a few more features. So I've tossed my ideas over at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=323681220271

I've seen Dell's Latitude XT2.

Speaking of which, why not have photos of Dell's computers on it's Facebook page?

Have a pleasant day.
ZaafTPC40.0
  Sun Feb 07 22:53:18 GMT 2010
Comments: 0
Categories: Dell Web Site  
Status:Acknowledged


50
2009W should be upgraded to 2010W (LED + IPS) By Montago,  Feb 5, 2010

 the Dell 2009W should be upgraded to a LED + IPS version

alternately - you could make it possible for the costumer to choose which panel the monitor should come with...

TN are for gaming

IPS are for photo / design / work / arts


only use matte panels in Ultrasharp / Professional monitors... Glossy monitors aren't good because of glare/reflection. 
Montago50.0
  Fri Feb 05 09:45:43 GMT 2010
Comments: 0
Categories: Monitors and Displays  
Status:Acknowledged


50
Laptops By sanjay,  Feb 4, 2010

Create laptops which do not switch off on closing the flap(lid)

Have the display switched of but keep the programs running,

So one can carry it around with out having to swich it on everytime ...... its more convinient at work

Have a switch or some mode in the os which could make this possible

Thanks
sanjay50.0
  Thu Feb 04 13:15:37 GMT 2010
Comments: 1
Categories: Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged


50
Swivel camera on a laptop. By nrodrix,  Feb 4, 2010

Outline: Make the camera of the laptop to be swiveled.

Presently all laptops have a fixed camera, with the lens facing the user of the laptop.

It is desired that you design the video camera, so that it could be swivelled/ rotated along an axis vertical & parallel to the LCD screen, and rotatinng along this axis, or the camera to be mounted on a swivel ball at its present position, so as to cature the person facing the user of the laptop.
This way the user of the laptop can aim the camera in any direction he prefers, while he sits looking at the LCD screen of the laptop.

Naveen Rodricks.
nrodrix50.0
  Thu Feb 04 12:07:27 GMT 2010
Comments: 0
Categories: Laptops  
Status:Acknowledged


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