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22916

Design & Form Factor

22916 points posted to Desktops and Laptops by logi 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

This forum is a great idea to get Dell back to #1.

What I like to see is new and innovative styling across the board on notebooks and desktops. Dell's product line looks 5yrs old and needs a total refresh.

As you can see Apple Inc. is winning conumers hearts because Apple owners are actually proud of displaying them in the living rooms instead of hiding them. Get rid of that XPS desktop design that thing is so ugly.. and come up with something consumers would be proud of displying in their media rooms.

Also I would like to see Dell create a sleak new design for a media center box so we can utilize vista home for the entertainment room and display it next to my audio and video units.

Thanks for listening Mr. Dell.

Hope_l talks about how passionate we are about design in this thread. To read more about how this idea is being put into action click here.

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pdonket 02/16/07	I vote for a p3 case generally for alienware to be used on the next XPS! No fruity white boxers of a mac.
kimball17 02/17/07	Personally, I have an XPS 600 and XPS 700 and I think there appearance is very pleasing in a media room. Stainless steel casing with lights...what more can you ask for in appearance?
mfleischm 02/17/07	I have had an idea for many years for a small notebook that I have yet to see anyone produce but believe would be a blockbuster. They came up with the expanding keyboard years ago to reduce footprint, why is it that no one has yet developed an expanding or foldable screen? Perhaps a double screen on tracks (might have a tight seam when clicked into place) or something flexible that pulled taut so that one could have a vertical screen at full extension. Could also do it so that it folded out horizontally, regardless, could have a full sized screen on a sub-notebook that was very light and portable. Doesn't seem like rocket science to me, and something truly different and useful that you could market out the wazoo a la Apple. Feel free to contact me at the email I gave for registration for more detail, all I ask is for some attribution (I'd even help you market it) on the idea. -- Marty P.S. I interviewed almost 10 years ago to be exec. asst. to Michael Dell but made the mistake to do it when easy for me but he was out on vacation. I run a successful internet company now, but wonder every once in a while how different life would have been if I had waited and picked a better time. Good luck getting things popping again.
dkcan 02/17/07	i agree on this one...not only desktops but also XPS laptops should get better design as well...something much slimmer, sleeker, and sharper P.S. foldable keyboard...that sounds like a good options.
harborsparrow 02/17/07	I agree completely. Why do computers need to be so ugly physically?
joshnor713 02/17/07	I agree that we should see something new of the notebook form factor, the same look has gone too long. Though it has been nice, I'm sure I'm not alone in saying we could use something new for the next line of systems. And especially for the new santa rosa chipset coming soon, the new and attractive looks would probably do wonders for sales.
pdonket 02/17/07	I agree Joshnor, can't wait for all the new goodies.
sashok 02/17/07	I agree as well. I think Dell desktops, the new "semi-BTX" cases and especially the XPS700 are very well-styled. It's the notebooks that are lagging behind the competition. Apple has amazing industrial design on all of their products, but their notebooks are just so well-designed, it's just amazing. When I look at my Dell notebook and compare it to my friends' MacBooks, it looks like I'm using something that was supposed to be bundled with Win 95 or DOS. Just look at how thick the Dell notebooks are. I'm looking especially at the Inspiron line and the XPS line. Look at the latches - they're still sticking out instead of being magnetic. Apple is great at design, but even HP has gotten their act together with their new Pavillion notebooks. They're simply beatuful. And please dont' imitate Macs by throwing on a cheap and plastic cover. If you really want to be the best, design your notebooks with the best materials as well. If Apple can do this at a $1100 price point for the MacBook 13" and soon to be 15", I see no reason why Dell can't do it either. Or am I expecting too much of this #1 company? Please, look at your competition.
pdonket 02/18/07	Yeah, for one....the macbookpro screens i've seen are SLIM...they in the casing are about half the width of my E1705's screen. Now, I think to tell you the truth thinner is not going to happen with dell because I'm thinking soon with DX-10 cards in their new line of laptop along with santa-rosa, they are going to need space to get rid of the heat developed inside.
grplant1 02/18/07	You only have comapre Dells laptop models with HP's and see the difference. As for desktops they really could do with a refresh, something simpler and smaller.
pdonket 02/18/07	smaller? Absolutely not. If you want small, you must not be looking for a gaming computer, in which i'd suggest that small form factor one they have now. I'd actually prefer if they moved up to ATX boards, and full tower cases. (bigger)
dhgoodman 02/18/07	I think the movement in design should be toward building a "greener" computer. Virtually solid state, beautiful and incorporating natural products. Something like this: http://www.collegenews.org/x5120.xml And yes, I posted this link under the Green thread too. But if I were in the hot-seat to make something really radical happen, this is where I would head.
pdonket 02/18/07	hehe, I vote for something with giant 250mm fans to cool everything http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811103010
joshnor713 02/18/07	lol, that previous discussion is something you can't win on, because it's up to preference. I agree with you pdonket because I'm a gamer as well, but this isn't a post of just gaming desktops and laptops, it's all of them. So you're going to find people who want the biggest bad a$$ or smallest slim desktop or laptop. Because I'm a gamer and a notebook is my only choice at the moment, speaking on behalf of the xps line I don't mind too much the thickness of the laptop as much as I do the size (I think 17 inches is big enough, past it I don't regard it a laptop anymore, it'd crush your lap lol). It's also important for manufactors (and for us) to get DX10 in the laptops when santa rosa hits or very soon after, and that involves getting around the heat (especially if we're talking a go8800GTX). So for me it comes down to a trade-off between thickness (and weight) and getting these components out in Q2. In addition I'm glad that this post is rising steady, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels it's important. I'm also glad that Dell has made this site and welcoming our opinions and I hope sincerely taking them under consideration.
pdonket 02/18/07	I couldn't agree with you more Joshnor. However, as you've said I personally would take the weight and thickness if it meant getting those amazing components in a (somewhat) mobile form.
joshnor713 02/18/07	Yeah, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't buy a 5 inch thick laptop weighing like 15-20 lbs, and big bulky laptops aren't attractive. I wouldn't mind waiting some extra time for them to tone it down, but not so much time that it puts mobility graphics behind.
pdonket 02/18/07	Of course, I'm still talking 8-10 lbs, 17inches, not a giant mobile desktop, but a mobile gaming laptop
mito150 02/19/07	Yes pleaseeee! pretty designs :D~~
aridog 02/19/07	I know I am the house troglidyte. Don't care about pretty, just functionality. Thin or foldable anything = breakable....more to go wrong. I hate that. Then, I am no gamer either, so I don't know what strikes the fancy there. After whacking my brain up with AutoCAD or Microstation, I prefer my entertainment breathing, smelling good, with libations on the side.
electrooverlord 02/19/07	http://www.laptopdesignusa.com< have some corporation determine what your computer is going to look like....you decide. We also do towers, xbox's, kitchen aid mixers, ipods, server racks, and all things that need a face lift. BTW we do not use skins....skins are usually crap.
logi 02/20/07	Please add a 10Key to the 17" notebook. I got a HP 17" just because it has a 10Key... some of us finance guys can't use a keyboard w/o a 10key.. what were you thinking Dell?
coopersecurity 02/20/07	I like the new Optiplex series desktop line. I mean, really, Dell did a great job with this setup. I do some consulting work with some government agencies, some who are really aesthetically apprehensive when it comes to the design of the computer. I always recommend Dell Optiplex to them, since the support is great and everything, but now with the BTX design, the design sells itself! Great job.
thx84 02/20/07	apple is so ahead design-wise... i'm looking for a new laptop, and this could be really important in my deciding process
joshnor713 02/20/07	I am looking to buy a high-end laptop when the new chipset is out. So if Dell says that the best is yet to come then I say bring it :D, and I'll have my money ready if you show me something great and worth it. That's all it really comes down to.
logi 02/20/07	Something worth it and revolutionary!! Does anyone one from Dell moderate these forums.. I hope this site is not put up as a gimic.. they should setup moderators from top management to respond to what there consumers want!! I am about to do another round of upgrades for the Vista platform and if Mr. Dell doesnt change things soon then I will jump ship again. With PowerMacs delivering both OSX and Vista it should be the clear choice but I want to give Dell a chance for a turnaround. Afterall, I bought my first Dell back in 1992 when they were nobody. We want thin!! lightweight!! and a revoluitonary design!!! across all platforms. Lead again and not follow all the other pc makers.
iskander0 02/21/07	Yes I agree to this post... reshape the Dell notebook designs... plus the XPS is Ugly and why to do not integrate both lines? And why not a 15,4" gaming notebook???? Soon asus will crush dell line of products with price and alternatives that dell does not have.... Ohh! Why not the colored images in the back of the notebooks? By the way, the ones in the chrstimas promotional campaign were literally very ugly! So do not take that experince as example of the market acceptance!
rolanbru 02/21/07	I would like also to see new laptop design. They look really a bit dated, and need to look more reliable. The design should be smooth with not too many edges and layers.
dallaskims 02/21/07	I think design is important. From an appliance standpoint, what other item in the house do you use more....a tv, maybe a phone (if you're a teenager), but you can do both on your computer anyway. In the office you're as intimate with your computer as you'd ever be with your spouse, I certainly spend more time with my desktop than my spouse. I think that one of the other posts had it right on, its about personal preference. I think people want a variety of choices when it comes to the appearance of their computers. I think Nike has a pretty cool thing in Nike ID where you design your own products. Nike for all intents and purposes is a design company. Its basically what they do since their manufacturing is done overseas (my latest pair: Made in Vietnam). Take a note from a top design company. Have a process when ordering your Dell products that you can pick colors, put your college logo on it, instead of a tower pick a box, put it in a tube, put some spinners on it (a la the Sprewell wheels), etc...whatever the heck people want.
logi 02/21/07	well... customization is cool but lets just get Dell to revoutionalize their product line. If we were comparing apples to appels I would say Apple and Sony is winning on the design front. Sleek thin machines... DELL are you listening to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fire your entire design staff and management and hire some great industrial designers and stop getting all this OEM crap from Taiwan!
camix 02/21/07	I would love to see a better designed laptop. As much as I hate Apple they've got a sweet a$$ laptop design going for them (minus the single button mouse pad). For once I'd like to pick up my laptop and not feel like the outside plastic casing is going to bend or break. I'd also like to be able to use my laptop and not be afraid of the paint rubbing off. I think the problem with Dell is that they've lost their original vision of quality and service and they need to refocus on that again cause come next year when I get a new laptop DUDE, I ain't buying Dell anymore!!!! I'll probably be either a Lenovo or Apple.
sjss 02/21/07	While I wouldn't mind a new case design, I would sooner look at a current Dell case than a Mac. Their aluminum towers are ok, but aside from that, the first thing I would do before getting a mac would be to find a place where I could hide it so I didn't have to look at it's ugliness.
sjqchill 02/21/07	If you're going to follow anyone's lead on design, look at Apple and Sony. I think a high-end like like the macbook pro made of mostly metal would be great.
vogateer 02/21/07	I tend to prefer Apple's design, though I think the System76 and HP laptops look better, too. I'll take a less expensive laptop that doesn't look quite as nice as a MacBook, but if I'm going to buy something new, I don't want to be embarrassed by its appearance. Please lose the clunkiness and make the appearance very clean and uncluttered. It doesn't have to copy Apple, but it's those aspects of the MacBook that I like the most. Rounded corners don't hurt, either, of course. I doubt this is feasible, but losing all those blasted stickers would be a start in the looks department. I'm sure you'll have to keep them on, but as least make them easy to remove for those of us who want a clean look, and please make sure it doesn't leave behind residue.
logi 02/21/07	Yes clean designs, thinner, more screen less bezzle around the screens.. add a web cam , add 10Key to the 17" notebook. Cut some useless management and staff and spend some money on design and better products. Dell you don't need fat management go lean and get some revolutionary products to market ASAP!!
amond 02/21/07	I was really hoping that the computer manufacturers were going to surprise us with some awesome new innovative form factors and designs when Vista launched. Alas, most look exactly like the boxes we all have seen a million times before. I did see a cool one from Sony (the VAIO TP Series Living Room PCVGX-TP1), but nothing from Dell. Get me to say "cool!" when I see it! Surprise us. Think out of the box.
papas 02/22/07	I think its time for a new external interface design. All new 17inch laptops have full keyboard and lot of extra function leds. Another matter is the color of the keyboard. I have an 9400 c2duo and i think that if it were with a white full-keyboard(with num keys) it would be more beautiful and competitive. White keyboard stucks with silver-white interface. Also remove this blower on the left back side of the laptop and replace it with a normal fan if possible because its really too noisy and gets on my nerves especially on summer.
joshnor713 02/22/07	If I were to complain it would be about the notebook palm rests, they wear and lose their color too easily (especially for gamers because when you play hard your hands have a tendency to sweat). I had to learn this the hard way when my previous laptop palm rests color began going towards black and it looked really ugly. So now with current new laptop when I type or play I've had to keep my palms lifted if I want to prevent this and even still I'm seeing some blemishes on the palm rests. My point basically is that palm rests are the places on your laptop where you're supposed to rest your palms, so make them reasonably resist to wear or it takes away the point and therefore you shouldn't call them palm rests because to rest your palms would cause damage to the chassis.
crom 02/22/07	This is a good idea. When Dell purchased Alienware I thought that you would see a trickle down of the design from that company into the rest of the Dell line. That isn't the case. Sure the Dell black with a silver circle is a very identifiable item, but it's also very boring. When you see a Dell tower or laptop it's almost like the new "beige box". Apple is light years ahead of Dell in this respect.
logi 02/22/07	Wondering if these posts are written in vain.. I like to see some of these posts replied to... Dell products really has suffered these past years and I like to hear what Dell will do about all these complaints. Someone should start a new post regarding it's website... that needs a total redo as well.
chipviv 02/23/07	10 Key on the 17" laptops. You are WAAAYYY behind. Get with it, NOW! I've personally owned 4 DELL desktops, recommended hundreds as a CITP for my Firm, clients, friends and family. Now I'm thinking the UNTHINKABLE...I'm seriously considering buying the HP DV9260NR notebook solely because it has a 10 key. I'm not the only one. My sister bought the DV9000 this past year for the same reason. Sadly, I may even LIKE the HP Notebook when in the past, I wouldn't even consider it. Did you know I visited the computer side of the HP site for the first time this week? Does that tell you something? I used to be such a hard core Dell supporter and promoter, my friends called me "Chip & Dell" ARE YOU LISTENING?!
chipviv 02/23/07	I just gave you another chance on your website and I can't configure the laptop the way I want without spending stupid money on an XPS. QUIT hording components for the higher end laptops. I know it's part of your marketing and product differentiation strategy, but it comes off as unnecessary and arbitrarily restrictive. Beside marketing, there doesn't seem to be a good reason for having some compatible components on one laptop and not on the next model. For example, most current chips will work in all of your laptops, so why limit my choices to what you want to SELL me. QUIT bundling garbage and warranties. LET ME DECIDE what I want. We are not all idiots and most computer buyers are sophisticated and choosey.
logi 02/23/07	I just went into Dell's website again, man do their products look cheap!! The notebooks are so thick and ugly and the PC look like I could have done better. Whats the point of buying Alienware if you're not going to integrate?!!
bonbrightbd 02/23/07	I would like to see a very small compact PC form factor. I really like the idea Apple has with its iMAC line. It fits on a desk without wires running everywhere. Dell needs to come up with an elegant computer that actually looks good on the desk, without spoiling it with a large number of wires coming out of it. Also it should have a large screen in a HD format so it can play HD or BlueRay movies on its screen.
jcc 02/23/07	I agree that the form factor has a lot to do with how well your products will sell. Just take a good hard look at Apple. When Jobs returned to Apple in the late 90's the first thing he asked his employees was, "what's wrong with Apple." he followed it up by answering his own question, "our products stink." Dell, you need to do the same. Design products that people will actually WANT to own. Think about it Dell. You build the company on one vision,"to sell a great PC at great prices". You did it by cutting costs. Imagine that you renew this goal and built products that are not only great like Apple but costs LESS. Start thinking yourself as a low cost producer of Apple like products.
europria 02/23/07	Dell Latitude 820 is little better but all other Dell consumer laptops look like something between Altoid Boxes and 80s pencil boxes. Auto manufacturers were going through the same phase, they opened concept design offices in NY, California and Europe. To me Dell designs are like Chevy, they don't look nice but you buy them for price. You need a fashion style adviser. Have them designed by Porsche or BMW. Looks how much attention Sony and Apple gets from their case designs.
balakris 02/23/07	I think this is a wonderful idea! I think it goes beyond just the XPS line. The whole Dell marketing campaign is dull and lackluster. The Dell dude, was a great idea I think it really generated some interest and press even before the guy got tweaked and arrested. But a creative campaign, and some sleek designs would really help the image of a brand percieved as a corporate-box dullard.
jeff_c_brown 02/23/07	Look at Apple PowerBooks...they are solid, look beautiful, and they are skinny.
mountainfogstudio 02/23/07	I own a Dell Inspiron 5160. It is heavy, and its almost 2 inches with the lid closed. This laptop has so many design flaws, if you sent it on your bare skin, it could burn you. I have to set the back end up on pieces of wood because it runs so hot, that when it was flat on the desk it would overheat and shut down. Yes I do have a P4m in my laptop, but I don' think I should have to prop it up, or put a piece of wood under it if I want to have it on my lap. Also get rid of Intel GMA's, specially in the laptops, or add more options for graphics cards.
idrop8 02/24/07	I really want this idea to be heard by DELL. Many other competitors all offer way nicer and thinner and lighter laptops, and I see no reason why DELL keeps sticking with the current design. It is really outdated and ugly. If DELL could ever design the laptops as nice as Apple, I think I will be a happy guy.
logi 02/25/07	Yes powerful notebooks with 1" thickness and small screen bezels would be soo soo pretty!!
ra0 02/26/07	i've just tried the XPS M1210. I cannot believe how DELL designers could go ths wrong... This laptop is awful. No other words. Despite the efforts to have an ultra (12" screen, and so on), the laptop is heavy, and has still "huge" dimensions. In comparison, just have a look t o Asus W5Fe or Sony... For having worked on X300 or D420, I dont understand how this "E.T." could have landed in DELL products. At first sight and touch, I had the bad feeling to handle a laptop from middle-90's period.... LOL X300 was a good ultra laptop, D420 is a bit less one. XPS M1210 is a joke...
vozome 02/26/07	and I'm sorry to say that, but that applies to Alienware systems, too. In terms of sheer power no gaming PC can come close to an alienware system. but their design is a bit, say, tacky. if there could be alienware computers which don't look like some flying saucer, I would replace mine even more often :)
acb15 02/26/07	Dell makes computers, while Apple makes jewelry...is this idea really all that important?
logi 02/26/07	yes it is, customers should be able to have both.
warthogdriver 02/27/07	My Two Cents: Please slim down your Laptops. The M1210 would be near perfect if it were slimmer. BTW, while on the topic of the M1210....why is there no Inspiron 12"????? You cannot just have an XPS 12 incher...there should be a budget 12 incher for us folks who can't afford or simply don't want the XPS line. Also, I agree with the Folks who are asking for a Media Theater oriented Desktop. Something along the lines of the Zalman HD160 or 160XT. Give us the option of buying it with or without the LCD touchscreen. That is sorely lacking in your lineup. Thank You.
rmajoran 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/20/07 100% agreed.
camix 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/21/07 I'd like them to at least make the laptop more solid. Damn things have a cheap chinsy plastic feel. As much as I hate Apple I really like the look and feel of their laptops. Another thing I hate is all the freakin stupid software that comes preinstalled on their systems. Why???? First thing I always do is reformat and reinstall.
logi 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/21/07 I like to see Dell laptops or notebooks go thinner and lighter.. with more screen less plastic border.. follow the lead of Sony TX series notebooks the bezzle on the screen is in cm not inches. Also I like to see 10key keypads on their 17" notebooks.. I had to buy a HP 17" notebook just so I can do my finance work on it. Let's get it together Dell and implement some of these changes, otherwise why have this site?
mito150 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/22/07 100% agreed too
chipviv 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/23/07 10 Key on the 17" laptops. You are WAAAYYY behind. Get with it, NOW! I've personally owned 4 DELL desktops, recommended hundreds as a CITP for my Firm, clients, friends and family. Now I'm thinking the UNTHINKABLE...I'm seriously considering buying the HP DV9260NR notebook solely because it has a 10 key. I'm not the only one. My sister bought the DV9000 this past year for the same reason. Sadly, I may even LIKE the HP Notebook when in the past, I wouldn't even consider it. Did you know I visited the computer side of the HP site for the first time this week. Does that tell you something? I used to be such a hard core Dell supporter and promoter, my friends called me "Chip & Dell" ARE YOU LISTENING?!
iphtashufitz 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/23/07 One thing that absolutely amazed me when I bought my MacBook a few months ago was the power cord. I've seen plenty of cases of people tripping over laptop cords (Dell and otherwise) and damaging the plug and/or the PC itself. Apple was ingenious in using a magentic attachment that doesn't cause any damage to either the cord or the laptop if it gets yanked out. Simple things like that are VERY impressive.
logi 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/23/07 Interesting.. the Apple guys think of everything!! Can't wait for the iPhone w 3G capabilities to come out!! Come Dell, of all the pc folks out there I know you can be a revolutionary with your products again.
j40climb 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/24/07 While I like some parts of the apple laptop design, I don't think it is a panacea. I would like to see dell provide 2 unique looks: one for the business professional, which Sony does well, and one for the consume, which Apple does well. This would also compliment the differentiation in your web site between business and consumer, which I still get confused by. I would also pay more attention to detail. See the power cord comments above.
praveens 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/24/07 Can't be any truer! designs suck. Hp wins hands down considering the design factor. it probably contibuted to loss of market share
jbrogers 02/27/07	Merged Idea originally posted 02/17/07 Get a better Laptop Designer The inspirion 9xxx looks cheap and plasticy. The white plastic strips on the side help remind you that it is plastic. It just looks cheap. Look at an Apple laptop. Then look at a Dell laptop. I know form factor can cost, but geez guys, you can make plastic look better.
boblockhart 02/27/07	Merged Idea originally posted 02/20/07 Think Inside the Box The time has come for someone, like Dell, to redefine the box. Integrate the LCD screen on the side of the box. Incorporate a place to store the keyboard on the top of the box (with a pocket for a minimouse). Add a small UPS/surge protection before the power supply inside the box. Incorporate speakers in the box. add a carrying handle to make lugging it a reasonable easy task (and add to system mobility). One power cord only (OK... ethernet connection, too)....wireless keyboard/mouse. True, the component costs will be higher to start...but you (and the consumer)saves on packaging costs, space considerations, excess cabling, and ease of installation. Designed correctly, Dell can probably get a premium and grab significant market share while giving the consumer a more streamlined system that has less set-up requirements and saves valuable real estate space (in your inventory and on my desk).
kyliemanders 02/27/07	Merged Idea originally posted 02/16/07 Make your products look better ! Please hire some design specialists and start producing some better looking products! What you got is fine for the office but how about home gear?
pdonket 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/16/07 I agree. Have you seen the Alienware line? I wish Dell started making sexy computers like those for a more affordable price.
kman79 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/16/07 I agree completely. The white and grey is getting old. It doesn't even have to be an over the top design, simple and clean works! Look at the macbooks and asus notebooks, or even the Sony notebooks! The design is simple, but stylish. The XPS M1210 is a start, it's a simple design, but looks way better than the old white and grey.
pdonket 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/16/07 Plus...since when did white and grey go well together? Although I don't think the macs are a good example since what dell is trying now is that of a mac book, just different forms of grey and white
snife 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/18/07 Dell have come on leaps and bounds in design and build quality when I compare a dell laptop from 2 years ago with a current, they are still behind Apple in deisgn and Lenovo in build but they are catching up. Black is back in fashion though so this may be a better idea than white for the ones wishing to be trendy. pdonket - Dell own Alienware so in a way they do make sexy computers - obviously they are not cheap but if they made alienware systems at regular dell prices it just wouldn't add up and they would lose money
pdonket 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/18/07 I do know that, and of course it's un-realistic..but i'd love it anyway :-p
jc2it 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/23/07 Just because it looks nice does not mean that it works well. I would rather see a rock solid motherboard design and manufacturing process than flashy fans and stickers. Maybe this means a clear acrylic case is in order.
pdonket 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/23/07 I would love a 100% clear acrylic case, light party in a box.
kyliemanders 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/24/07 Wow - I originally said "What you got is fine for the office but how about some sexy home gear? 1344 " - and Dell edited the sexy part out!!! so now it reads "How about home gear". Was this really necessary? Is the word sexy offensive to anyone???
pdonket 02/27/07	Merged Comment originally posted 02/24/07 I get very offended Kylie, when I see the word sexy I realize I'm not sexy, so I shouldn't have some sexy home gear. hahahahah Totally kidding, I guess they want to keep the site rated G, because obviously 10 year olds are posting and don't know what sex is yet. I mean, if I were 10, I'd be screaming for linux too. xD
antikristian 02/27/07	Merged Idea originally posted 02/25/07 stop making huge plastic laptops!! Stop making 30 diffrent laptops with the same crap in all of them, make one 15,4 inch laptop that can be customized the heck out of, make it a sleek mean machine. Do the same for a 14.1" laptop, a 12" laptop and maybe some of those humongus desktop replacements also. let users continue to choose those rediculously high resolutions, let the users be certain that the laptop will run Linux. make them durable, compact and make them affordable. Please, no thick grey plastic casings, current models make me want to puke.
pdonket 02/27/07	Well, huge I can live with (I have the desktop replacement E1705) However, do make them thinner. If apple can make it's LCD bezel's half the thickness of Dell's, I'm sure Dell can too. Also, make the laptops more sleek, such as some made by hypersonic. More of a smooth edged laptop.
electrooverlord 02/27/07	OK I am the guy from http://www.laptopdesignusa.com (shameless plug) agian. A few things most people do not realize about laptop designs is this. There are about 5 companies that really make the laptops they know about. DELL is not one of them. Dell buys from a ODM. http://www.xoticpc.com/info_pages.php/pages_id/11 http://www.gen-x-pc.com/laptopmanu.htm< the reality is that Dell is somewhat at the mercy of another company (not Intel this time). When you start to look at smaller Laptop OEM's/Resellers you will start to see the same systems over and over. If you are like me...once you get inside of the systems the differences are about the same. The same design over and over. Laptops are not easy to build and not every Tom, Dick and Mary should do it. I am sort of glad only a few companies specialize in them. Sure it is a ruse that many big name companies sell the same laptop inside as many others while calling it their own. The things that really separate the sellers of laptops are two things these days. Warranty and Price. AKA Laptops have become a pure commodity. Well at least a few companies we are dealing with have realized that one way to separate your product is via customization. Sure Dell has tried some Cheap skins...but we are the only company that is out there that can handle the numbers Dell wants and the small percentage that customers demand in personalization’s. Dell so far has not given us the attention we deserve. The truth is a company the size of Dell is like GM or Ford...so big that a simple change in direction of thinking requires much more time than a small OEM. Small fish can out move a whale any day...but the whale can eat that fish whole if it runs into it correctly. Anyways.... http://www.laptopdesignusa.com can give you what ever graphic you want on your system, we can make it what ever color you want, we can do metallic paints, chroming, marbling, Dye-sublimation, Metal Flakes, candy colors, etc, etc..... Until that becomes part of the Dell OEM experience...please think of us. BTW Dell if you are listening....the phone number is 877-853-9300 The Website is http://www.laptopdesignusa.com We would love to be your partner.
flyeagle100 02/28/07	I agree as well.I would rather have a XPS 1410 ,and thinner .
warthogdriver 02/28/07	Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! Thank you SO much for reminding me!! THAT was another thing that DELL has not thought of yet. The likes of ASUS and others have realized that the 14" market is a sweet spot for size & portability AND with that size chassis, you can include a fairly decent GPU. Now, why on earth is there NO GPU option for the e1405!!!!!!!!!!!! Come ON DELL. Give us an XPS 1410 or at the very least, the option to have a mid-range GPU (nVidia 7700 or ATI X1700) in the e1405. It would sell like CRAZY!!!!!!! I for one would be all over one of those. For some people, 12" is a little small & 15.4" tends too be a little bulky for travel. The 14" Laptop market is ideal for most of us. Think about it...please!
lvictor 03/02/07	Almost all the comments points to thickness, weight, and graphical design but I do believe that what drives apple is the customer experience more than the technology or the weight itself... For instance, the mag-safe plug, the magnetic hook to close the screen are simple yet non technical issues that really make the hardware friendly. moreover, if you look to an apple you will notice that there are few if any plugs on the rear side, because it really isn't practical when you have your laptop on your knees... I vote for this point because I do believe that dell hardware is cool... it just need a little refreshing based on the customer point of view... thx for listening.
pasific78 03/02/07	well..... i once worked in Dell. when they have a new model, they'll call for a trainning session introducing what's the new features in the design, but the interesting thing is, all i notice on every design is just the change of positions for the usb port, ac plug...etc but the design remains the same. try to a compare with an inspiron 6000 & the latest inspiron 6xxx model and you'll see what i mean. Dell really needs a more creative design team. those guys there are just some putting their lazy ass to do the work... wonder where did the brains went.
jedai 03/05/07	think that suxx. though there could be some models for moddy folks, but as for me (and plenty of some other users) I prefer "retro-style" or at least "classic"
wesha 03/06/07	Yeah, XPS are ugly as hell... Worse are only IBM/Lenovo with design simiar to that of a brick. On the other hand, I generally like the design of DELL m600 laptop...
pdonket 03/07/07	I think the M1710's look pretty awesome, gotta customize the palm rest however, as is it's just something pretty boring about the system. I think the all need an overhaul in time for the Nvidia 8400 and 8600
icudoc 03/07/07	What about putting higher end processors into the lower end mid-tower cases? I wanted to get a Quad-Core processor - but from Dell it is only available in the huge XPS700 or 710 case - which is 22 inches high and 24 inches deep - but, from Gateway, it is available in the smaller 18 in by 18 in FX530XT case. That was what drove my decision to go with Gateway - I could not fit the XPS700 case in my computer desk. C'mon Dell!! While you are at it - where a Media Center PC that will fit on a Stereo Rack - look at the HP x560 line - you can do that !!
pdonket 03/07/07	Probably because a quad core chip shouldn't be constrained in a smaller amount of space, with less air flow.
martinmulti 03/09/07	The devil is in the details The big difference between Dell laptops and Mac books is that the designer seems to be in charge of looks. I own a Dell Inspiron 8500 and it has been a good solid buddy for four years now, but I really dislike the hair dryer sound level and the look of it. The first thing I have no idea of how to improve, but the second thing – look and feel – is basically what I know and do. To make the casing of a laptop sleek and beautiful you need to pay attention when you make the tiniest details. Where the USB plugs meet the casing should be a part of the over all form language of the object and not look like the usual engineering solution. It should be shaped delicately in harmony with the entire casing. Why is this important? Well first of all because Dell users/buyers look dumb when opening their laptops next to a Mac – the Dell is bigger, clunkier and looking more ‘standard solution’ and like with any other life style accessory I want to look how I feel; like I am non-standard, unique and ready to provide my client with edgy sleek value. Right now I just look like a guy with a power point show. Not Good! What Apple is doing by making beautiful laptops is talking to a trend setting crowd and a lot of other people just follow suit. But Dell is an engineering and sales driven organization as far as I know, so the designer can never be dictating where engineering puts its parts or how thick the laptop will be or other subtle issues like that. But if just Dell would want to take design seriously and let formgiving interplay with the rest of the engineering of a new laptop, ask questions and inspire collaborators like designer always do, then we could see a huge change in the look, values conveyed and market position of Dell. As a designer I would be more that happy to help to do this work, especially in setting up the collaborative processes that would get more focus on the finished look without overruling engineering decisions, but in collaboration creating better products that all developers can be even more proud of. And while we would make a few laptops that are equally or more beautiful that Apple’s we would also develop the next trends in laptop appearance that the rest of the pack would struggle to follow. Lets hook up, Mr. Dell - Martin mvl .dk
tomd 03/10/07	Have you seen the D620 and D420? Nicest Dell's yet. The 420 is a real road warrior, light 3.5lb, and 7 hr battery (9cell) Both are in the Black/grey color scheme. They look very professional. and both are pretty solid in terms of feel, the lid doesnt seem like it will rip off and when you move it, you dont see all sorts of color distortion on the LCD like you get with the ultra-thin Apple screens. Sorry, but the Inspirons are toys, cost reduced too much to sell to buyers whose only concern is price. When you buy a $500 laptop, that's what you get, a $500 laptop. The D620 is way more versatile than anything Apple makes, You can drop a DVD, Hard Drive or extra battery in the Drive bay, 2 different capacity batteries for the main battery are available. The hard drive is easily removeable for different OS loads or external backups. You can also get internal Wifi and telephone networking cards and it supports the multiple docking solutions that have been around for a while in the Latitude line. I run mine with 2 Dell FP2001's at 1600x1200 each.
ctkachuk 03/13/07	Logi: Some of these ideas are going to the highest level of Dell. It's being promoted within the company and externally, and it IS BEING LISTENED TO. While it's not moderated per se, it is being watched and the top ideas are being looked at and being worked on for possible implementation. Dell is pushing this for a reason.
ctkachuk 03/13/07	I agree with most of your comments, BTW; a lot of our chassis need a refresh bad, and I want everything to be more customizable myself; especially the XPS systems, I'd like to be able to put DDR2-800 memory in there, rather than the 667 that's the only option, even on the XPS 710 and the H2C. Things like that. I'd even like to have these options for the cheaper systems; start cheap, and maybe build up from there, rather than having limited options for each system. Make them completely customizable with the parts that was have and parts available; I would have purchased a Dell, but I found I could build a better computer for cheaper and have the options I wanted. That's what Dell needs; that, and the option to overclock in the BIOS.
logi 03/13/07	I hope ctkachuk is a Dell executive... so he/she can hurry up and start implementing some of these posts...
wallyhorse 03/14/07	Tom: The Latitude PCs are only available to business customers or through Dell Outlet. I would also offer those to consumers if that's an issue. I also wish Dell would offer the OptiPlex Desktops to consumers, especially the Ultra Small Form Factor, complete with a complete choice of processors as is done on the business end for instance.
riddle 03/14/07	I must agree, the "looks" of dell's computers can do better. I own a Dimension 8300 and it looks newer and prettier then dimensions shipped today, same for inspiron notebooks. They're ugly. Optiplex, latitude and xps look great, but the first 2 aren't available for consumers and the last is too expensive for most users. For good laptop design, take a look at apple or sony. Those are great!
gtw 03/15/07	Frankly, I'm not really interested in style. I'd rather have something that looked dated on the outside as long as it was solid and held up. Dell Latitude and Inspiron laptops are made of cheap, eggshell-thin plastic that flexes and squeaks everytime you pick it up. It also uses OEM generic parts instead of manufacturer parts in order to save costs. You get what you pay for, so what do you expect from a $400 laptop? In the meantime, HP business laptops have a magnesium casing, while Lenovo uses a carbon fiber mix and Sony's upper line laptops use full carbon fiber. These are strong, solidly built and cost more. A lot more. As far as Apple is concerned, if you want Apple style, you can pay Apple prices. They've been having a lot of hardware recalls as of late, ever since they released their Intel-based line of computers last year. Apple's Core Duo is a disaster while their recently introduced Core 2 Duo have alleviated many of their hardware issues somewhat, so be careful what you buy over there. Both the Core Duo and the Core 2 Duo look the same. However compared to Dell, Apple Care is first class. I’d fully recommend paying the extra $250 for it.
wallyhorse 03/17/07	Style isn't that important to me either, however, I too would want a laptop that is a bit more rugged if possible, even if that cost a bit extra. The big thing is, make the ultra small form factor desktops available to consumers (especially the all-in-ones, as those would be popular particularly in New York where some people live in apartments smaller than the size of some closets).
wesd 03/18/07	Current laptop: Inspiron 9300, previous laptop: Inspiron 1100 Suffice to say the 1100 was a tough entry level notebook brick-like in nature. I love my 9300. Christmas 2007 will be time to replace the 9300. Dell offers NOTHING today I will buy. I do not want the E1705 - it looks just like my 9300. Needs to be 1/4"-1/2" thinner. New color scheme (how about black/silver like the D820). 10-key on the keyboard (silly miss DELL). High resolution screen (1900x1200) available non-glossy like the 9100/9200. I use my computer for both my consulting biz and personal games, and the gloss has no use for the business and promotes glare with floursescent lights. I worry though because the 1440x900 screen now is glossy too (although matte finish still available until they run out of screens????) Needless to say, I will be forced to go HP at christmas if Dell doesn't a new compelling product. I paid over $2000 for this great machine and will spend another $2000 with Dell if they provide the specs I desire above. Dell, be a leader again. I brag about my 9300 to anyone who will listen. The specs are great but the design is long in the tooth.
pdonket 03/21/07	Wesd, venture over to www.notebookforums.com if you want Dell updates, it has a load of users that work on helping people with problems. Also we find out release dates and all the other goodies. This year, we are talking release of a new system "9500" that will hopefully take on a new look and it'll sell like hot-cakes. This is predicted to be released somewhere from March to May depending on release of the new chipset that will premier codenamed "santa-rosa". From my standpoint though, I'm not sure why you would want a new laptop. Unless you play the latest games out (which you may) a new system won't help at all if it's main use is business. Otherwise, I too am looking at an upgrade later in the fall or summer....mainly for crysis and I'm looking for DDR3 system ram, partial or all FLASH HDD, best DX10 card available, and possibly Intel's penryn. Unless AMD rapes them intel with the opty quad in which case I'll step to AMD :)
ctkachuk 03/21/07	I really wish I was a Dell exec, but unfortunately, I am not. I'm just a low level Dell technician. I do know that we get a lot of info about some of the initiatives that have happened with this site, though. Some of these ideas seem like common sense but are really needed very badly. I very much like the look of the higher end Dimension systems but don't like the look of the XPS systems myself; but I can get better components on the XPS systems, which is why I think that any processor that will fit, and components that WILL work in the system should be customizable. And for instance, any Core 2 product will fit in any LGA 775 socket; that's the same for any LGA 775 processor since the P4's, except for the E0 and G1 step processors, which require different boards. But all new systems have compatible processors; every board for close to 6 months (or longer) has supported DDR2-800; it's not exactly new anymore. There needs to be updates to the line in between total refreshes, I think.

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