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How IdeaStorm Works:
Linux submitted by cosh 03/30/07 **COMING SOON**
And for comparison, the disadvantages of Windows
Linux is not the be-all and the end-all, but it is growing faster, much faster, than Windows. The Linux community can scale ten times the number of developers that Windows can. Arguably, it's set to soon be superior to Windows in virtually every respect. Dual-booting options with Windows and Linux give maximum choice to the user. This option is a must for Dell computers. Microsoft's vendor-lock-in contracts which force PC retailers to support and "recommend" only Windows are unethical and we don't like them. It's gone on for too long. Let's be honest Dell, ask yourself, what are Microsoft so afraid of? Will they lose money through dual booting both Windows and Linux? No not if Windows was the better OS... So is Microsoft quietly admitting to it... Come on Dell, we all want you to show the world how much more a computer can be! We want you to show the world what a computer is meant to be, and marvel at people's suprise and delight! Giving your customers choice can only be a good thing. Don't ignore this chance to become the open source pioneer. Might I suggest that promotion is vital. Linux computers will not sell well if they are hidden in some back-alley part of your website. To get the best results for the work you put in, make sure people can see it and that it is well-described, so people who've never heard of it don't get confused. Make sure that you make these computers available to markets outside America too. Don't ignore us here in Europe! The European Commission's had quite enough of Windows anyway, after fining Microsoft €497 million ($603 million USD) for anti-competitive behavior. Another idea, to iron out compatibility problems and get interesting extra feedback, beta-test some of your new Linux range with a large-ish selection of people before making it fully available. Unlike with Windows, you have full options to customise the style, background and layout and almost complete behavior of the OS. You might want to put your own touches on it. For example the default installation of Ubuntu is a light-brown/orange colour, which lacks much universal appeal. Test to see whether people want something layed out similarly to Windows or just barebones Linux defaults for the particular distro(s). (I personally would like something similar to Windows' look.) Open the window. Linux is ready for Dell, and Dell is ready for Linux. We appreciate the promises you've made already Dell. Thank you. We're all behind you and look forward to the results. 52 Comments » Linux - Distribute Live Disks!! Linux submitted by cosh 04/01/07
Earlier, I was trying to join the general support for Dell to do more computers with Linux pre-installed. But, reading the US Deparment of Justice Findings of Fact in the old Microsoft anti-trust case, I realised what a shockingly tight grip Microsoft have on OEM retailers. It's a long, confusing and scary read, but the important notion is this: Our presence also attracted one of the Ice House employees. He crossed the street, fully clad in Windows Vista sweater and hat, and approached me. "Hey, are you guys promoting Linux?" he asked. I nodded, smiling. "Can I get a CD? I'm curious, I'd like to try it," he continued. Trying not to laugh at the irony of it all, I gladly handed him a CD. He thanked me, and quickly ran back to the Ice House before anyone saw him with the Linux people. Translation: Lots of people would like to try Linux, even if they wouldn't have it as a main operating system. Open the window. Linux is ready for the world, and the world is ready for Linux. 9 Comments » Service and Support submitted by cosh 04/14/07
"Is there anybody there?" said the Traveller, After posting an idea; And his screen in the silence, echoed neglect, For no action would appear: A forgotten promise from the moderator, Was little to be read And he stormed his idea a second time; 'Is there anybody there?' he said. But no one ascended to the website; No head from distant support Leaned over and took up the keyboard, To update the action report. But still a cohort of heroes That remained in the derelict then Stood resolute in their conviction For action- how much? and when? Stood listening to the cries of despair, For customer support and software, With freedom from vendor lock-in, And licenses unfair. The Traveller felt in his heart the indifference, Of Dell to the World's request, For Linux, lit keyboards, and webcams That would set Dell out from the rest. For he suddenly smote on the keyboard, even Louder, and turned on caps:- 'TELL THEM I CAME, AND NO ONE ANSWERED, THAT I KEPT MY WORD', he said. Never the least stir made the moderators, Though every idea he wrote, Went to the heart of the people, As they rushed to demote or promote: Ay, Dell saw the excite on the website, And made token talk of work still to come, But other retailers watched closer, And soon had everything done. The original is here. Some lines of it I didn't modify at all. Turned out Walter De La Mare had amazing forsight to predict in 1912 what would be happening on Dell Ideastorm 95 years later. If you read the comments there's lots more that people have added too.  33 Comments »
Sales Strategies submitted by captainsensible 02/28/07 In the old days Dell used to give out a birth certificate with every Dell system, like having a geek cabbage patch doll or something. Dell should include something like this, along with a tshirt, coffee cup, bumper sticker, keychain, and anything else that users could show off their new system with! We need spirit! 10 Comments » 
Top Ten/Demoting Stories/Clear the Clutter IdeaStorm submitted by captainsensible 03/26/07
After about 8 hours of demoting linux repeats, suggesting changes to Windows (where's Microsoft's IdeaStorm), all kinds of 3rd party hardware Dell should sell, people posting their personal information, and blank posts galore, there should really be a Top Ten for the day/week/month/year. Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by captainsensible 03/29/07
I move around with my laptop, so I'm forever repeating the Operating Systems - Multiboot submitted by rmartin 02/17/07 Need to add Mac OSX. Esp good idea when bundled with Parallels software so you could run Windows and linux at the same time. v10.5 will be out soon that makes it an ever better idea. 136 Comments » Off sound switch before startup in laptops Operating Systems, Laptops submitted by socunasindria 02/19/07
Many times in silent places i've got to plug headphones in my laptop just to avoid the startup windows sound. Stop overcharging for upgrades (memory, hdd, etc. ) Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by uklathemock 02/17/07 Almost everyone I know buys the smallest harddrive and the lowest amount of memory for their Dell notebook, and then upgrades later. Why make your customers turn to other sources to buy memory and hard drives? I think quite a few e-tailers were created and have flourished because everyone (Dell, HP, Apple, etc.) overcharges for upgrades. 17 Comments » Software submitted by ootleman 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Would love the ability to have a clean Vista install. No AOL software, no earthlink software, no google software - just a clean, original OS. Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by terrymain 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
All new laptops should have a built in web cam and quality voice recorder/microphone. Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart 02/17/07
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by gautam 02/16/07 The Dell Axim PDA is not super-popular, but I think if it moved into the SmartPhone realm (especially in order to compete with upcoming iPhone) then it could pick up some market-share and be a great device for US cell phone providers. 92 Comments » Dell Web Site, XPS products submitted by silversow 02/17/07 Look at the XPS line on the US site. There are 4 systems to choose from, all basically the same, but with different base configurations and prices. Why not just offer 1 XPS system that the user can then upgrade to meet his/her needs. At the very least reduce the number of base configurations to 2 or 3 like on the Canadian site. 3 Comments » Internet Laptop Design Contest Advertising and Marketing, Laptops submitted by mucho 02/16/07 In order to get direct input from Dell customers, and tie more closely with consumer trends, why not sponsor a contest over the internet to design a line of laptops for home/consumer use? This would tie into Dell's philosophy of direct relationships. So the new laptop would not only be built specifically for you, but also DESIGNED directly by Dell customers. Of course, designs would have to be reviewed by Dell engineers to be sure that they are technically feasible and can be built within cost constraints, etc... Seems like this could be a very cool way to design a new generation of home/consumer laptops thru collaboration directly with Dell customers. 9 Comments » Environment submitted by adrian 02/01/07 **REVIEWED**
Environmental concern and sustainability are today real issues with consumers and voters in many of Dell's markets. It looks as if a genuine commitment to reducing carbon and cleaning up their footprint will become a more important factor for companies wanting to strengthen consumer loyalty in the coming years. Offer educational software with PCs Education, Desktops and Laptops submitted by kalopch 02/18/07
Offer educational software, such as the free software presented at:  track my votes
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