IdeaStorm
Over 18,907 ideas submitted. 740,943+ votes. 97,856+ comments. 531+ ideas implemented.
Comments Page (1 of 21)
Windows 8 Reinstallation Media Request and Download Link [Revised]
Dell should force Microsoft to provide a direct link to a Windows 8 .iso that is available free of charge for everyone. Microsofts current online distribution mechanism for Windows 8 is awful. It firstly requires the user to have a functional previous version of Windows installed. Next it does not allow the user to select 32 bit or 64 bit only downloading setup files which correspond to the bit of the previous version of WIndows. Finally it requires the user to pay for an additional product key. It should be noted that users already have a product key with preinstalled Windows 8 but it is hidden within the system's BIOS. They cannot use this product key to download a Windows 8 .iso. Right now everything is downloadable except for Windows which is required to run everything else Dell have available to download. The .iso would allow users to download everything they require for clean installation of Windows which is necessary to resolve many software issues including complete corruption of the Operating System due to Viruses/Malware and also allow users to get back on their feet after common hardware failure such as the hard drive failing. The Windows 8.iso would also allow users to perform StartUp Repair and to repair installations. Moreover a clean Install of Windows offers vastly superior performance to the Dell factory settings especially after Service Packs are released and is documented in my worldwide adopted Windows Reinstallation Guide: http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/ In addition there are alot of software issues including out of box experiences, the inability to make recovery media using Dell DataSafe which could all be resolved with a Windows Reinstallation DVD or USB. Note with the Windows Reinstallation USB it should be identical to the Reinstalaltion DVD and not have any bundled drivers or software not present in Microsoft retail Windows DVDs. Otherwise it is as useless as the factory settings. Due to the new product activation in the OEm version fo Windows 8 a generic Windows 8 .iso could be used to Clean Install Windows 8 without the need for phone activation. Users should be able to: Download a Windows 8 .iso from Microsoft. Procure a Reinstallation DVD or USB with the system at the time of purchase. Dell used to be great at user customisation but their software options have become increasing limited. The reinstallation DVD or USB is an example of this. The current method of getting a Reinstallation DVD or USB is waiting for the system to arrive and then having to contact Dell Technical Support. This forces users to use the factory settings until the DVD or USB arrives. In which case there can be alot of software issues, the XPS 8500 had alot of user out of the box bad experiences which could have been easily resolved if they had the Reinstallation DVD or USB. Bare in mind also there is only a limited time the user has to send back the system and if they are diagnosing an out of the box experience time is lost waiting for the Reinstallation DVD to arrive. There should be an online form to procure Reinstallation DVD/USBs from Dell for customers outside the US. The US form is here http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1&DoNotRedirect=y HP for instance have the ability to request media via an online form in the US, Canada, most European countries and elsewhere http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=uk&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=bph07143 however the HP Recovery Media are equivalent to the Dell DataSafe Media (i.e. factory settings). There has been many a user dissatisfaction for Dell users requesting recovery media in this poll here: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/4677/t/19476992.aspx This would improve Dells software services significantly.
Categories: Desktops and Laptops, Operating Systems, Service and Support,
Implement also AMD graphics, like all consoles have done it!
May 24, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
No it is official, all new-generation consoles -- Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Wii U are use AMD internals. It is also time for laptop manufacturers to switch from Nvidia to AMD graphics for efficient gaming! Put the newest generation AMD graphics near Intel CPUs, while in smaller laptops (12-14") use the newest AMD APUs, such as A10-5750M and A10-5757M.Do not do reverse; A10-5750M only in monstreous 15" and 17" laptops, because that does not make sense!!! A10-5750M and A10-5757M must be in 12-14" laptops, 15-17'' Intel + AMD graphics!That how easy and logical to make succesfull laptops! if you do, than there is still good chance to catch up. Please do not sink further with bad internal choice!!!
Categories: Desktops and Laptops, Gaming,
Clarify Original Configuration Parts List
May 23, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
I'm a long time Dell tech, and having recently retired, I've got a small business buying up broken Dell machines andrepairing/refurb'ing, putting Linux on them and reselling.. I specialize in D-series Latitudes and especially look for oneson Craigslist/eBay with the Nvidia video options. My suggestion is to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE clarify the "system configuration/original configuration" parts list. Currently, reading it, is like trying to read swahili. Since I request the service tag from the selller prior to buying the broken system, I use it to *try* to determine the original configuration of the machine, ie: video adapter, hard drive size, etc... I'm sure Dell employees understand all of the abbrieviations used in the parts list, but the rest of us do not.....
Categories: Service and Support, Small Business,
Shad-pad, a new type of computer interface
May 23, 2013
1 Vote
Status: Acknowledged
A new kind of computer interface, combining advantages of a computer mouse, a touchpad and a touch screen.Introduction - current state and proposed solutionThe advantages of touch screens are commonly known and include, inter alia, simplicity and comfort of use. However, such screens are at the same time not free from defects. These include above all provoking painful fatigue of the operator’s hand, especially when the display is situated in the position close to vertical, which is common while working on a notebook PC for instance (so-called gorilla arm). Another drawback is the very limited precision of pointing caused by relatively big sizes of human fingers. Also, this type of interface results in fingering the screen of the computer device and making it opaque.The possibility of working with a hand resting on a basis / mouse and greater precision are the main merits of a computer mouse. But yet, the necessity to move the whole device as well as the pointing system’s incompatibility with the spreading prevalence of the touch technique (e.g. Windows 8) are on the minus side.By contrast, although a touchpad eliminates the necessity to move the whole device, its week point is - like in a mouse - the limited compatibility with the touch technology.Generally speaking, the touch technique is being widely implemented as the most intuitive and comfortable. On the other hand it is not fully functional in certain situations.The proposed device is supposed to eliminate these shortcomings. It introduces a new quality in non-keyboard computer handling. The interface combines the feature of a computer mouse, that makes it possible to work with a hand supported by a basis, with the feature of a touch screen, which is the possibility to point with fingers; it also brings additional benefits such as no need to move the whole hand (just the fingers) and the more accurate - than in touch display - pointing. The system of precise pointing has been named the “virtual finger”.Device description and principle of operationThe device is a kind of a “sensor” in the shape of a flat plate with applicable software. It is used for “scanning” the movements of the operator’s fingers, wireless “transmitting” of the movements to the computer system, their visualization on the screen, and for activating the right action after touching the surface of the device (called “sensory surface” hereinafter). The device recognizes and follows the movement of the fingers above the “sensory surface” starting with certain boundary distance and transmits it to the computer display in the form called “shadow” hereinafter.While bringing one or a few fingers at the sufficient distance to the device (shorter than 3 cm), a “shadow” / “shadows” of the finger / fingers appear on the screen.Bringing the fingers closer to the sensory surface diminishes the circumferences of the “shadows” and increases their intensity (concurrently the “shadows” remain translucent, so that the icons under them are still visible).At the last stage of pointing an even more distinct pointer emerges (e.g. index finger icon).When the operator finally touches the “sensory surface” of the device, it reacts as if there was a click on the mouse.The proposed name of the device: “shad-pad” (from shadow pad).
Categories: IdeaStorm, New Product Ideas, Storm Session Topics,
High-gamut or IPS Matte screens
May 23, 2013
11 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
It would be nice if Alienware offered higher-gamut or IPS matte screens. Many potential customers require the GPU power of an Alienware and use their laptops outside or for professional work. Alienware's competitors offer high-quality matte screens, and such screens are already available for Dell's XPS and Precision models. Good anti-glare screens would remove the need for customers to create costly, risky modifications to replace the glossy LCD or remove the plexiglass above. Even if Alienware offered matte screens as optional upgrades to the glossy panels now available, the option would provide much additional value for Alienware laptops.
Categories: Desktops and Laptops, Alienware,
Can Dell please come up with a bigger and more powerful version of the XPS12 Ultrabook?
May 23, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
The flip design is an awesome idea. However, I would like a bigger screen. Why does a tablet have to be so small? Please make one of these with a 15" or bigger screen with more power and memory - and I will buy 3 of them: 1 for each of my student children and one for my wife and I. Beef it up! Please, please, please!
Categories: Desktops and Laptops, New Product Ideas,
Ability to purchase small replacement pieces (Laptop Keys) for laptops directly from Dell.
May 22, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
Recently a key broke off from my fairly new laptop. The warranty had just expired days earlier. I was shocked when I called the dell service desk, and they said the only option would be to send in my laptop and spend $170 for a replacement keyboard. I had done research before I called, and found websites that sold the keys (Keys, the plastic support piece, and the rubber cup) for around $4. When I told the Dell rep that I was going to peruse this other website for the replacement piece, he got angry and said "There is no website in the world that you can buy individual laptop keys from". I ordered the key, and it came a few days later. Worked like a charm.I find it hard to believe that it is impossible to buy the laptop keys from dell. I understand that older models would not be available. I would have much rather purchased this from dell, over some random website. In the end, this website came through like a champ, and I came away with a sour experience with dell.
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Dell Web Site, Service and Support,
Power over Ethernet (poe) for the RJ45 jack
May 22, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
Would be great if we could somehow implement a POE jack into the existing RJ45 plug.I spent alot of time playing around with IP camera's and wireless radio equipment - testing and configuring. normally requiring access to a 240v power plug just to power up a device in 12~24v capacity, im sure it wouldnt cost much and be a great way to market your product above the competition!Alot of devices are being powered by ethernet these days, from IP camera's to weatherstationsthanks,
Categories: Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops,
Use better CPU coolers in Dell desktops
May 22, 2013
1 Vote
Status: Acknowledged
As a owner of a Dell Inspiron 530s SFF system I got secondhand, I opened it to clean the dust and noticed how small the CPU cooler is, and needless to say I was shocked being it can handle a much larger CPU cooler, despite being a SFF system. There is wasted room in this and many other Dell systems like it where a better CPU cooler can be used, but isn't done. I have also seen this done on the BTX Dells where they use a puny heatsink in a huge CPU cooling shroud and it leaks more air then it cools. This is rediculous on so many levels, it's not even funny. I would like to see Dell use better CPU coolers then they do now. I find it sad the CPU cooler from a 2007 Barebone PC that fits in this system is much better then the factory one. I should not have had to replce my CPU cooler to get better tempatures for the CPU. I also used much better thermal paste then Dell, which made a huge difference compared to the stock material too.
Categories: Desktops and Laptops,
Better screen apect ration for future precision
May 21, 2013
2 Votes
Status: Acknowledged
For professional users, provide an option to get 16:10 format or 3:2 for the screen.What matter for us is high quality screen, excellent led backlight with decent physical _height_ because we program, design, use office suite and very little video.I'm not speaking of pixel resolution BUT physical aspect ration.I have a m4400 upgraded with an SSD and I'm just hoping not to need to buy a mac book pro just because they provide laptop with good aspect ratio for WORK...
Categories: Desktops and Laptops, New Product Ideas, Small Business,