couleecroche

Disable the spyware pre-built into Vista - or warn customers about it before the purchase

Operating Systems, Software submitted by jmxz 03/21/07

One of your software vendors (Microsoft) seems to have a habit of building spyware into the software they get you to pre-install.

There are many examples, but I'll give 3 specific examples here to let you know

For one example, the Windows Media Player
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,3995,00.asp
"February 21 Associated Press report that alleged the existence of DVD-tracking spyware hidden deep within Windows Media Player for Windows XP (aka Windows Media Player 8, or simply MPXP). .. It's bad enough that the very existence of a DVD cache might tempt nosy roommates, private investigators, and overzealous government agents. But, the article asserts, privacy experts fear that the ID-based tracking mechanism could even be exploited by media conglomerates"
I don't really want Microsoft and my ISP knowing my preferences in home movies; and I assume neither do many other Dell customers.

For another example, Windows Activtation's Hardware checks. I don't want Microsoft checking on what kinds of hard drives I put in my system - for example, if they don't like one particular hardware vendor in the future, I don't want them making my machine flaky on purpose.

For a third, Vista has spyware that scans your software as well looking for software they don't like:
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/item/?ci=20916
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/6149/983/
"Vista 'Spyware': The Best Thing to Happen to Linux" "Microsoft's intention to crack down on software piracy by putting what amounts to spyware on users' computers. Now I'm thinking twice about whether I really need or want this new operating system."

.

Remember, it's us your customers buying these machines - not Microsoft.

And I promise you your customers would prefer getting their machines spyware-free regardless of how well-intentioned it was.

And as much as your home customers don't like it; corporate IT security should be even more panicked that your servers out of the box are off sending packets around the internet at one of their competitor's (many of your customers are competitors of the company in question) requests.

If you can't (for technical reasons) disable these spyware features - please make sure a pretty visible "spyware warning" is placed right on the infected OS's right on the "select your OS" part of your web page; since I'm pretty sure your customers would at least like to be warned that you're helping companies spy on your customers. 15 Comments »

Let customers choose what trialware/demoware to pre-install to subsidize their machine.

Sales Strategies, Software submitted by jmxz 04/19/07

Many people understandably complain about third party software on Dells (it's one of the top rated items on ideastorm).

Many people also respond by defending this software pointing out that it subsidizes the cost of the machines.

And perhaps show it in a "optional trial / reduced functionality software" section like this:

on your purchase pages.

That would give people who don't want the hassle of the third party windows software ways to avoid it; and it would give power users who don't mind it and know how to uninstall/avoid it the benefit of the cheaper subsidized machine.

Personally I would get them all -- yes, including Norton and Macafee and any other antivirus programs - because the first thing I'd do is remove Windows from the machine anyway. But it would be interesting to see if I can get a machine sufficiently cheaper that my savings would offset the time it would take to install Linux vs the presumably higher cost of buying a less subsidized pre-installed Linux machine. 9 Comments »

Ditch the Home/Small Business/Enterprise trichotomy

Sales Strategies, Small Business, Laptops submitted by majid 02/17/07

What products I am interested in do not correlate with myself or my company size. It used to be that high-end thin-and-light laptops would not be available in the Home segment, only the Enterprise segment. I'm sorry, just because I am a small-business owner or a home user does not mean I am ready to settle for inferior options deemed "good enough" by the powers that be.

This whole notion of three segments is a relic of a company-centric rather than customer centric marketing culture. 9 Comments »

Make a Flash Drive Laptop with *LONG* Battery Life ! ! !

Laptop Power submitted by reg 02/26/07

Make a 12.1 Inch Flash Drive Laptop for $599.

No Hard Drive, No CD Drive - put them in the base station / docking station.

The 12 inch laptop will have 2 internal USB 2.0 connectors, so you could plug in two standard USB 2.0 High Speed Flash Memory Sticks. (a double slot so the mem-sticks don't stick out of the case.)

Comes standard with one 8 GB memory stick with
Puppy Linux Pre-Installed .

Puppy Linux is FAST! Runs Completely in RAM.

Have 4 more USB 2.0 connectors, widely spaced along the left hand side of the laptop - hook up 4 more flash drives, or printers/scanners/cameras -etc. any four USB 2.0 high speed devices.

Tech Specs:
12.1" 32 bit color LCD Screen, ULV CPU at 2.0 GHz.
1 GB RAM standard, 2nd GB slot available for max of 2GB.
6 USB 2.0 High Speed connectors (4 external, 2 internal)
Built in graphics & Video accelerator hardware.
All Graphics, Audio, Video Linux drivers included.
1 PCMCIA slot (for CF cards, microdrives, etc)
1 Express Card slot t (for newer, faster PC cards)
White LED light on screen lid that illuminates the keyboard (like IBM thinkpads)
HDMI, VGA output, Component Video Input + Stereo Audio input.
Stereo Microphones mounted in the coners of the screen lid.
Rotating XGA Camera for video and pictures.
Audio headphone jack on front AND on back.
Docking station expansion port connector.
14 Hour Battery Life.
(Remember - no hard drive, no CD drive in laptop, and using ultra low voltage CPU with no fan running when idling...)
WiFi Wireless Networking.

Configure Puppy Linux with popular software, such as GIMP and Open Office and have it pre-installed with
all the hardware drivers on the 1st USB flash drive. Puppy Linux already comes with all these Applications .

Along with the Ultra Life Notebook, offer a base - docking station,
with configurations of Hard Drive (160 GB up to 1 TB) and
CD Drive (DVD, or Dual Layer DVD burner), and port replication.
(4 USB 2.0 High Speed Hub, Bluetooth KB/Mouse support)

SAMSUNG has a Flash Laptop,
it is time Dell caught up with the Marketplace. 3 Comments »

BOYCOTT VISTA!

Operating Systems submitted by reg 03/21/07

Dell Dudes,

Microsoft reserves the right to spy on your computer.

The more you learn how Microsoft EULA has the right to enter your computer, check out what software you are using, and also use the DRM tools in Vista to prevent you from seeing files, data, videos, or hearing 'unauthorized' music files - the more you get a sick, sinking feeling in your gut that someone else has taken control of your machine.

US Federal Government Agencies have BANNED Microsoft Vista, and for good reason.

The Microsoft EULA takes control of your machine, stating directly: "this agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights." Even potentially deleting files or disabling programs.

Compared to the costs of Apple OS X or any Linux Distribution,

The Costs of Windows Vista are Unacceptable.

Keep in mind that Microsoft was convicted by U.S. Courts for its criminal behavior, and is being forced to pay $4 million A Day by the European Union for being in violation of their judgments.

Anti-freedom Vista takes away your rights - do you want to Confirm or Deny?

BOYCOTT WINDOWS VISTA MACHINES!

If you support Linux, freedom, democracy, or just want to keep control of Your own machine that You buy with Your own money, PROMOTE this idea now.

Microsoft - Where in the world did you think you were going to go today?

Let Dell know - You Don't Want Windows Vista. 995 Comments »

6 major issues to be fixed by Dell

Dell, Sales Strategies, Service and Support submitted by jervis961 02/17/07

Dell became a top company by providing choice and customer service to a customer that wasn't available at the time but has since fallen behind the pack in these areas. Needing a translator when calling customer support is unnacceptable and other companies are rapidly passing Dell in technology advancements. While this site is a good start, many things need to be changed for Dell to become the market leader again.

1. Customer support needs to be in well spoken English and with employees who are allowed to do more than just read from a script. If they are speaking with a computer savvy customer the rep should be allowed to deviate from the script as long as they don't go outside the relm of normal policy.

2. Better options: Other companies offer high end components in small computers but Dell only supplies intel video processors in its 14" laptop. Dell needs to allow customers to get the size computer they need but with options from low cost through the high end so they can get a computer that is "Purely you".

3. Less forced options: I hate that I am paying for and XPS with internet security when I don't need it because I already have a subsciption that will transfer over or AOL is installed when I know I don't need it. They need to add an option of none of the above to all the added software sections.

4. Better pricing: Why is it over $200 to upgrade from 1 GB of 533 MHZ ram to 2 GB of 677 MHZ RAM? I can go to Crucial.com and get the 2GB 677MHZ kit for under $200. Upgrading with Dell after you own is even worse at over $300 this is crazy.

5. Custom Dell website: Customers want to feel special why not make a MYDELL website that when you log in you get a site designed the way you want it. If you aren't interested in the small business site it gets removed, you don't like to go thru the accessories sections when customizing a system so you don't see that section. Click on customer support and a list of your computer pops up asking which one you need help with and only shows the options for that system.

6. Customer loyalty rewards: I have bought 6 Dell systems over the last few years, why can't I get better customer service or pricing due to my loyalty to the company? 78 Comments »

Affordability and Durability for Student Laptop Initiative

Education, Laptops submitted by hdrews 02/21/07

If our district was to even consider a 1:1 student to computer ratio, we would need something much more affordable than what is out there now. Money could be saved by cutting storage space, video quality, and more. What our students generally need at their desks is the ability to surf the net and work in an "office" suite. Advanced projects can be done in our more robust labs.

Also, a laptop initiative is no good if in-house support increases 10-fold. These have to be durable. If they fall off a desk, they have to keep working. Replacement batteries need to be less expensive or an extra battery should come with each purchase. 18 Comments »

Bring support back.........

Service and Support submitted by onthemovefit 02/17/07

Dell used to have the best support, so good you advertised being the consumers choice. Now, at least for home based support, Dell's support is terrible. Business support still seems to do a good job. It's time for Dell to get back to basics.

As an Software Developer for 15yrs I always used Dell's products. First Dell computer was a Pentium II Workstation. I also would recommend Dell products to anyone who would listen. This has now stopped. The last person I recommended to Dell had such terrible support (from india) I doubt they'd ever buy a Dell again. I've even considered looking elsewhere for my next laptop and PC. Comment »

OS Reinstall CD's

Service and Support submitted by xhotardx 02/24/07

How about auctually including real install cd's for the original OS. So when you have to reimage I dont have to spend 2 hours uninstalling stuff that I dont want. Why can these not be provided for free? If a consumer is paying for a license there is no reason that you cant front the 4 cents and give them a copy of that software (even microsoft is cool with that). 10 Comments »

Get rid of the powerbrick

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptop Power submitted by fcnc05 02/16/07

I have a Dell 17in notebook and I love it. Don't mind to carry around at all. But haveing to unplug, wind up all the cables and pack the power brick together really annoys me. So It would be very nice if dell make available for the large form factor laptop (at least the 17 and 20in) a power brick the same size of the battery, so I could replace it (an internal power supply). A retractable power cord inside would be a plus. Even better if had 1 or 2 batteries cells inside so it could give a 15minutes for emergencies. Why have 6 or 9 cells...it barely gives me one hour anyway....This kind of notebook really is a Desktop replacement, so why bother about batteries? Get rid of the power suplly and it would be MUCH better! 14 Comments »

4 RAM slots on laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by theblackcat 02/19/07

Currently most desktop PCs come with 4 slots to insert RAM. This is extremely useful since it is often much more expensive in total to buy 1 DIMM then it is to buy 2 DIMMs that are each half as large. However, DELL laptops only come with 2 slots for RAM. So if you wanted to get 4 GB of RAM you would need two 2 GB modules, which is extremely expensive (as you can see on the website). However, if the laptops were to have 4 RAM slots instead of 2 then you could have four 1GB modules and save a ton of money (close to $500 on the Latitude D820, for example). At least on the larger laptop models there is plenty of space, the RAM modules are pretty small relative to the size of the laptop and the bottom of the motherboard is mostly empty space from the looks of things. This could also be extremely useful with the move to 64 bit processors, since they can use far more than 4 GB of RAM but currently it is not possible to have more than that simply because of how the laptops are designed. 2 Comments »

Add Mac OSX

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 »

Provide Notebook Battery Runtimes (for each configuration!)

Laptop Power submitted by pchris 02/17/07

Please provide measured/benchmarked battery runtimes for your notebooks for all available configurations. Use a conservative realistic benchmark, PCMag.com for example, has used "MobileMark 2005 Battery Score" in it's notebook reviews. I know this is a lot of work to do, considering the multiple possible configurations, but Dell may be able to work with a reviewing company like PCMag.com, or an independent lab, or as a last resort, it may benchmark/measure a good number of common configurations.

The benchmarked battery runtime could be updated along with the price as the customer modifies his configuration.

I can not make a notebook purchase before I have this critical battery runtime, which is why I have to delay all notebook purchases until I've read a number of 3rd party reviews that provide this information, although for a very limited number of configurations, that may not be similar to what I'm looking for.

No computer vendor that I know of provides this information right now, and it is vital information for the customer to decide whether to purchase an extra large battery or not, and whether or not to purchase the notebook at all. Dell should not be afraid to provide the customer with vital information like this, but instead should engineer the products as well as possible so Dell is not ashamed of the battery performance, and is not concerned that the customer will go elsewhere (alternatively, Dell can provide a variety of battery options that will cover all possible customer needs). 2 Comments »

Don't Make Me Go Straight to Crucial after ordering

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies submitted by pepitoe 02/19/07

Memory prices are still ridiculous, and it is common knowledge that if you want more than the standard memory in a dell, you buy it elsewhere. If you priced it more competitively you might actually sell more. At the moment to upgrade from 1GB to 2GB in an Inspiron 9400 costs £211.50, the same from Crucial is £119.94 and you will have 1GB of Dells memory left to sell or whatever. 5 Comments »

Universal power adapter (power supply) for all Dell products

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptop Power submitted by rguptaos-dyndns 02/19/07

How many of us have to buy multiple “AC / DC Adapter or power bricks” for each of electronic devices and laptops? I have power supply adapter for home, office and travel bag… about 2-3 of these for my laptop, cell phone and external hard disk or other devices I use.

I have background in electrical engineering and I know technically it is possible to use the same power supply / adapter unit with some intelligence built in to power up cell phones, hard-disk, laptops, speakers, mp3 players etc. I also understand that the accessories are one of the most profitable business aspects for electronic companies like Sony and Dell.

Dell wants to be the leader and differentiator? Well...

>> How about a smart universal power adaptor for all DELL products that intelligently recognizes the product and supplies the appropriate power.
One power supply and connector for all products!!!

I know technically it is possible – I did design this and did work on the patent application but, did not file because I got focused on some other activities. I am pretty sure there are enough smart engineers at Dell to design this. If you want a head start contact me for details. 9 Comments »

Show the Vista performance rating during system configuration.

Dell Web Site submitted by jervis961 02/17/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

People may not realize that Vista gives your computer a performance rating based on several factors (processor, RAM, hard drive and video card).
Dell should show the performance rating on the side as you build your computer and update it as you go along changing the configuation. This should give people a guage as to if an upgrade will really improve your overall performance and also what kinds of games and programs your new computer will be capable of.

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87 Comments »

BloatWare Uninstall- single click software remove

Software submitted by raymc 02/19/07

I understand the importance to Dell of the additional revenue stream collected from the suppliers of 'free' bundled software. So to shift the decision making process onto the customer, can Dell make the removal of such bundled software a single click choice 'remove bloatware' on first power-up of new products? Ergo Revenue stream retained and customer choice satisfied! 6 Comments »

Solid State Drive as option in Notebooks

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by tablet205 03/28/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Definition

A solid state drive is primarily a data storage device, for use in computing applications that traditionally use a hard disk drive.

A solid state drive is based on non-volatile memory instead of the spinning platter and mechanical-magnetic head found in a conventional hard disk drive. With no moving parts, a solid state drive eliminates seek time, latency and other electro-mechanical delays and failures associated with a conventional hard disk drive.

Advantages

* Faster startup - Since no spin-up required.
* Faster read time – In some cases, twice or more than that of the fastest hard drives.
* Low read and write latency (seek) time, hundreds of times faster than a mechanical disk.
* Faster boot and application launch time - Result of the faster read and especially seek time. But only if application already resides in flash and is more dependent on read speed than other issues, eg. OS bootup that detects devices will not be significantly sped up even with faster seeks & reads.
* Lower power consumption and heat production - no mechanical parts results in less power consumption.
* No noise - Lack of mechanical parts makes the SSD completely silent.
* Better mechanical reliability - Lack of mechanical parts results in less wear and tear. High level of ability to endure extreme shock, vibration and temperatures, which apply to laptops and other mobile devices, or when transported.
* Security - allowing a very quick "wipe" of all data stored.
* Deterministic performance - unlike mechanical hard drives, performance of SSDs is constant and deterministic across the entire storage. "Seek" time is constant, and performance does not deteriorate as the media fills up (See: Fragmentation).
* Lower weight and (depending upon type) size
* Faster than conventional disks on random I/O
Check out the Idea in Action on the SSD enhancements Dell is making.




49 Comments »

Lighter laptops - some suggestions

Laptops submitted by amri64 02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Would like to see more laptops below 2kg (4.4lbs).

Suggestions:

1. Replace Hard Disk with solid state storage device. Advantage: 1) lighter 2)no moving parts means less probability of breaking down (esp due to wear & tear)

2. External DVD drives. On the road, most things needed are already in the laptop. Leave the movie-watching & software-installing to the home/office/hotel room. The DVD drive can be checked in the suitcase.

3. Option to power off graphics card, camera, etc when not used for task at hand. Prolong battery life.

4. Lithium polymer batteries? For comparable charge densities, aren't they lighter?

Challenge: Fujitsu already has a 15" notebook at 2.4kg, though specs aren't so impressive, imho. Can Dell produce one at 2kg or less, & with specs "to die for"?


Please see jackie_c's comment
24 Comments »

Should Apple licence OS X to Dell? | Bigmouth Strikes Again - Freelance journalist Gary Marshall on technology, the Internet, music, Macs and more

Operating Systems submitted by pwalker 01/30/07

There was an interesting op-ed by Doug Mohney in The Inquirer yesterday, which suggested that the launch of Vista provides a good opportunity for Apple - if it licences OS X to Dell.

However, Vista is being beaten like a dead horse by the mass media – most of them already are enthralled to the God of Jobs if you read between the lines, so Microsoft could make nuclear fusion work tomorrow and they’d give it a lukewarm review at best. The consensus view out of the babbling punditry is “Don’t buy Vista today, unless you have to buy a new computer tomorrow.”

On that front, I think the babbling pundits are right. Heh.

So what about Apple?

If Apple was serious, and I mean really serious, about gaining more PC market share, they’d realize they need to license/sell their operating system to another hardware manufacturer or two. Sure, Apple’s tried the license route before with mixed results, but it’s about time to bite the bullet, look into the mirror, and realize they should try something bold.

Apple should license their operating system to Dell.

Mohney isn’t suggesting that Apple should make OS X available to any PC user; the dangers of that (such as hardware incompatibilities or really crap machines ruining Apple’s reputation) have been talked to death for years. Rather, he’s suggesting that Apple could team up with a single PC manufacturing firm to make decent clones, expanding OS X’s market share without diluting the core Apple brand. It wouldn’t be an Apple Mac: it’d be a Dell Mac. Dell’s good at churning out PCs, so if Apple laid down strict criteria about what should and shouldn’t go into a clone you could get decent non-Apple Macs competing in different markets to Apple Macs. Does anyone really think Dell is capable of making something as sexy as a MacBook or as iconic as the iMac?

I’m sure Mohney will be inundated with angry emails, but I do wonder how many of the senders will have reacted similarly to suggestions a few years back that Macs should run Intel chips. I think his idea’s fascinating. 48 Comments »