Visible Link to IdeaStorm on main Dell site
Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, IdeaStorm submitted by ipaw
07/01/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
IdeaStorm should have a visible link and explanation on the main Dell site as well as a Desktop shortcut on all new installations.
I've been a Dell customer since my XPS-500 back in the mid 90's and I only just found out about IdeaStorm through a PodCast.
If people know they can have a voice and make a difference, they'll use it.
Thanks
This idea has been partially implemented, as our new home page now has a prominent link to "Dell Community" - within that page are links to IdeaStorm and our other community properties, including Dell Community Forums, Direct2Dell, StudioDell, etc. Thanks for the idea!!!
9280
Use better LCD panels in laptops.
Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by mlazarov
Feb 26
In order for laptops to be a viable platform for graphical applications, the color reproduction and viewing angles of their displays must be addressed. Most laptops use TN/CCFL displays that suffer from poor color range and color shift. Dell should at very least offer an S-IPS/LED display option in their workstation-class laptops. I realize several of Dell's laptops already have LED backlighting, but there would a significant improvement quality if S-IPS panels were used.
Update: I thought it'd be best to illustrate the difference between TN and S-IPS displays. Below is a side-by-side comparison of a TN (left) and S-IPS (right) display from an off-axis vertical angle.
http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/10884.jpg
Having such dramatic color variation at different angles almost precludes any sort of in-field collaborative image editing or similar application. The laptop on the right is a (discontinued) ThinkPad T60p.
1120
Fix the M1330 Defects
XPS products, Laptops submitted by hoodedthing
Mar 18
Okay, I just bought this great XPS m1330, but it's literally falling apart. The top left hinge cover fell off, because it can't clip in because it's not the right size to begin with, or the frame is shifted too far right to begin with (factory defect, nothing is broken on the part). The plate that covers the two headphone jacks and the microphone jack also fell off, I guess it wasn't glued on well enough. I'm not real upset about this, but it's pretty pathetic when my state of the art flagship laptop has pieces FALLING OFF of it. I fixed both instances with some superglue, and they're as good as new now, but tweak the assembly line for the m1330 or something so that this doesn't keep happening.
Here are pictures of the hinge cover:![]() http://www.freewebs.com/iacobus/xps1.jpg
![]() http://www.freewebs.com/iacobus/xps2.jpg
Also, it seems that everyone has this problem with the hinge cover, and that it's not just me.
http://www.obscurehideout.com/
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=183602
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=208643
http://forum.osnn.net/showthread.php?p=808820
470
Dell's Website must work with Firefox running on Linux
Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by qgonjon
07/16/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
It's discouraging to have a Tier 1 vendor (Dell) selling Linux products and yet not really tailoring to Linux. Don't get me wrong Dell, I am not trying to take away all the good you have done. Offering Linux is a step in the right direction and I would like to see more steps taken in a monthly or quarterly basis. But, it seems that the basis for your current Linux promotion is for the Open Source enthusiast like me. I use Linux at home and at work as my main operating system. I use Firefox as my browser and I'm trying to order a Dell Inspiron 1420N. However, it seems that the embedded flash script that shows the different colors choices for the Inspiron is not working under Linux. It also shows that I can't see the different images thereafter. It works with Windows running Firefox as my vmware machine verified. But that is not the type of user that will most likely purchase a Linux laptop.
My request is simple. Can someone fix and verify that this page works well with Linux browser technology? So, that users can enjoy purchasing your Linux products and demonstrate that Dell really cares about their customer's operating system preference.
Dell I wish you the best in this venture as your success in this territory will help the Linux Desktop become a reality to the open source community.
9800
256MB Geforce 9500M GS Upgrade for the M1330! Possible!!!
XPS products submitted by q0987
Feb 23
For all those of you who wanted 8600M GT performace inside a 13.3 inch shell read on...
The next generation of Nvidia graphic cards have just been released and the Geforce 9500M GS should definitely be the prime candidate to replace the current 8-series 8400M GS residing within the m1330 chassis.
Now you may notice that the model numbers (400-500) suggest that the 9-series card is more powerful than the 8-series, which it is, but you may also be apprehensive and reluctant to cry out in joy because of all the talk about how a more powerful GPU fitted into the m1330's small body would generate too much heat and reduce battery life resulting in the loss of true portability.
I share those feelings, however you should know that Nvidia's 9-series has a card up its sleeve (no pun intended). This card comes in the form of a smaller fabrication process.
You see the 8400M GS was built using a 80nm fabrication process to manufacture it. The 9-series uses a 65nm fabricating process which reduces the size of the chip and has the benefits of reduced power consumption and lower heat emissions. Don't ask me exactly how this works because I only have a vague understanding.
Before I go on lets quickly take a look at the graphic cards that were released -
The 9-series currently consists of two mobile graphics cards. The 9300M G is basically a shrink of the 8400M GS with the exact same performance but slightly more power efficient and with less heat being emitted as a result. The second card released is the 9500M GS which has the same performance as the 8600M GT but also gains the same benefits as the 9300M G. Both the 8600M GT and the 9500M GS have more than twice the power of the 8400M GS.
What this comes down to then is that if Dell used the 9300M GS to replace the 8400M GS in the m1330 then you would get improved battery life and less heat emisions without sacrificing performance.
This next bits gonna be alittle more tricky to put into words, but here goes anyway... Next up, the 9500M GS.
Well as I see it, if you can use the benefits gained from the newer cards you can upgrade the performance without generating more heat and using more power than in the current 8400M GS equipped m1330. This would undoubtedly mean we lose the battery life we could have saved and the lower heat emissions but we gain a performance boost without using up anymore battery life than the current m1330 - there you go Dell, two problems solved in one neat package.
Although even if we do use slightly more power and produce more heat than the current m1330, the benefits gained from other revised components such as the newly available Penryn processors will compensate for this and help to negate the overall effect. Also once Montevina becomes available the RAM upgrades from DDR2 to DDR3 will further improve battery life and heat emissions so in the end the fan won't have to work any more harder than it already is today. Plus the m1330 does also have the Solid State Drive options and LED backlit screens for even more power efficiency which you could make compulsory when adding this mainstream graphics card. If you really have to cut down anything, then give us ATLEAST 256MB of the available dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory with the 9500M GS instead of the maximum 512MB. That alone would be a vast improvement over the measly 128MB provided with the 8400M GS (not counting the 128-bit memory interface the former would also bring).
Another thing that Dell could also do is change the materials used to construct certain parts of the m1330 such as the lid and base. For example if titanium was used to incase the components then it would allow for better heat dissipation so you wouldn't have to worry so much about things getting hot inside. I am sure people wouldn't mind paying alittle extra for this luxury (seeing as how it is targeted towards the enthusiast afterall). I know I wouldn't.
If this were done correctly then the m1330 would become the real portable gaming rig it was meant to be.
If however you don't really care about the performance boost and like it just the way it is and would rather have the benefits of improved battery life and lower heat emissions than you can opt for the 9300M G. Even better for those not too concerned with performance but want the rest than you would be able to choose the integrated X4500 (when Montevina comes out) which will supposedly be 3 times more powerful than the integrated graphics available now and may also promote improved battery life and heat emissions (even when compared to todays integrated graphics equipped m1330).
Dell should make these options available so the m1330 continues to appeal to all types of customers e.g. gamer, college student, business user etc.
Dell I am tellin you, make sure you let the consumer decide. I am actually giving you the options you should list -
1. Integrated Intel GMA X4500 (Business user)
2. Nvidia Geforce 9300M G (College student)
3. Nvidia Geforce 9500M GS (Gamer)
4. ??? - BinaryGFX/Hybrid GPUs (ALL USERS)
Even better than this would be if you just add both integrated and discrete graphics cards and have the ability to toggle between the two. You wanna game, switch to discrete. If your browsing the internet or typing up an essay then use integrated.
Alienware have done this with their m15x and using what is identified as BinaryGFX. This has allowed them to add a 512MB 8800M GTX into a 15" chassis and when switching to integrated they have a touch-sensitive control labelled "stealth mode"!
And in case your thinking "thats a 15 inch thats why you can add both" then take a look at the 13.3" Sony SZ6 series or how about the 13.3" Asus U3. If they can do it why can't Dell. At the rate the m1330 is going at its gonna be left way behind! Even LG has been able to put in a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M class graphics card into their 13.3" P300!!
Alienware have also used another great idea. They've come up with the Smart Bay technology which can also be found in their top-of-the-line m15x. If this were also thrown in as a feature with the m1330 then you would be able to swap out your optical drive to obtain an enormous increase in battery life. As this is just an after thought it may just be too radical an idea to pull off. But I thought I'd mention it anyway. Afterall, you never know what might happen.
Dell owns Alienware, right!? So why are they so behind when compared with Sony, Asus and LG?
But suppose if everything I just mentioned was added to the m1330 - you can all imagine the impact it would have on portable gaming! It would be Sweeeeeet!
The m1330 could end up desimating all competition in 2008. To be honest, I consider this to be the real ultraportable XPS that we've all been waiting for all this time! No wait (adds Gigabit ethernet, backlit keys and tweaks the design to reflect coolness) - now we're talking!
Oh! One last thing to think about. Would changing the name to "The M1337" appeal to anyone other than myself!? :)
EVERYONE START PROMOTING NOW TO MAKE THIS A REALITY!
Feedback on this idea would be welcomed both from Dell and IdeaStorm users.
Here is a list of articles on this site that have asked for a more powerful graphics card inside the m1330 -
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75366/Offer_256MB_discrete_Graphics_on_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/71568/DELL_XPS_M1330_with_more_Graphic_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75165/Allow_the_133_XPS_M1330_Laptop_to...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72990/Love_the_new_XPS_M1330_but_need_m...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73545/XPS_1330_Video_Card
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/74876/Less_plastic_please_on_the_XPS_M1...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/71342/M1330_Resolution__Graphic_Card_Op...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75525/Update_M1330_GPU_to_beat_specs_of...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75590/Updating_XPS_M1330
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75640/High_resolution_screen_and_new_vi...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75965/Implement_an_Option_of_an_Intel_C...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75526/Nvidia_Geforce_8800M_Nvidia_Gefor...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75526/Nvidia_Geforce_8800M_Nvidia_Gefor...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75879/make_the_a_XPSm1330_to_M1335_and_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73869/14_xps_notebook
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/76008/M1330_2008
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/71725/XPS_m1335
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/76168/Use_nVidia_Hybrid_SLI_technology_...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/102651/Offer_Core_2_Extreme_X7900_28GHz...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/75413/Can_Dell_upgrade_the_XPS_m1330_I_...
Further information: Like the Nvidia Geforce 8-series GPUs the 9300M G and 9500M GS support DirectX 10.0, SM 4.0 & OpenGL 2.1. However unlike the integrated graphics equipped in the m1330 today (Intel GMA X3100), the GMA X4500 was specifically designed and made to be an integrated hardware solution that supports DirectX 10.0 and SM 4.0 aswell as to handle Blu-ray/HD DVD footage.
1410
Avoid Glare On Screens and Notebook Frames
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by bobetsue
02/20/07
Glare and reflection from high glare screens, screen frames, and notebook computers is annoying and distract from function and use.
In stores, this may be a marketing ploy. Consumers may not fully understand the problem of glare. Online sellers like Dell should inform buyers when shopping whether the screen and case are "glare" or "nonglare."
When "nonglare" was introduced to television, shoppers considered it an advantage worthy of extra expense. In the art world, nonglare glass is considered worthy of extra expense.
How did we ever get glossy screens?
Dell should offer customers a choice between "glare" and "nonglare."
7848
Better Styling, More Choices on Video Cards and a Hybrid Video Design, and Definately less or NO pre-installed Software.
Sales Strategies, Software, Laptops submitted by kman79
02/16/07 **REVIEWED**
Dell probably does build one of the best performing notebooks that one could order, well at least you could make it to be one of the best performing notebooks, but they lack in style. Of course the priority of having the notebook is having good performance, but having a stylish exterior adds value and want for the notebook/laptop. The white and gray casing gets old, and needs updating. I like the simple yet stylish look of the M1210, the rest of the line should be updated. Maybe it's just me, but the rest of the XPS line of laptops need to be toned down, it just looks to kidish and has too many things going on with it. Design a better looking notebook with the current hardware performance you have available right now, and you can guarantee it will sell better. The design does not have to be complex, but anything is better than white and gray plastic exterior you currently use. Get ideas from Apple, Asus, Sony, Toshiba and even HP. Give the exterior look of the notebook some curves......maybe evem a glossy finish, and a little texture. People spend thousands of dollars on their Dell Notebooks, at least make them feel better by making the notebooks look like it's worth the money spent on them. Give the notebook some attitude, a personality and a soul and not just a piece of plastic with a keyboard and a screen.
Dell should also give customers more choices with the video cards. I wanted to get an M1210, but was dissapointed that it only had a Geforce Go 7400 as the only choice for video card. I was more than willig to spend the extra cash on a higher end video card. Also, if sony has not patented this design/idea, what about a Video Hybrid design where you have a choice between intel graphics while on battery, and purve Nvidia graphics when plugged in. I think the idea is genious and very useful. You can use intel graphics when your running on battery to save and extend battery life, and switch over to nvidia graphics for full-on graphics power when the notebook is plugged in.
More importantly, let it be the customer's choice on which programs and services they want installed on their ordered computer. I hate turning on my newly ordered computer and having all these unwanted software and services already installed. I hate having to spend the first minutes to hours after receiving my computer uninstalling programs or doing a clean OS install.
Over the past year we launched several laptops that were developed purely for the consumer. Check out all the details on mike_h's post.
7696
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.
4953
Fashion Computers
Laptops submitted by katlen70
12/12/07
I want a laptop that has a beautiful design that is created by a fashion designer. For example, Marc Jacobs or L.A.M.B would be two design houses who could work with the industrial designers who create the hardware aspect of the laptop.
How cool would it be to be in a coffee house with my cool Marc Jacobs designed laptop!
-110
makeup compact with camera
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by katlen70
12/12/07
I would love to have a little digital camera that is embedded into a makeup compact that has a mirror so that I can primp in the mirror and take a picture of myself. The compact can have a memory card that I can take out and download images to my computer.
-100
$2500 base price is outrageous for the XT Tablet
Latitude products submitted by jervis961
12/11/07
I can't believe Dell would shoot itself in the foot like this. After people waiting so long on Dell's tablet only to get a watered down spec list and huge price tag.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/dell-latitude-xt-tablet-is-official-sexy/
"12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) in CCFL ("outdoor display," up to 400cd/m2) and LED backlight options
Capacitive touchscreen(!!) with palm detection (this, if anything, could enable that supposed multi-touch), and active digitizer.
Intel Core 2 Solo or Duo ULV at 1.06 and 1.2GHz, respectively
ATI Radeon X1250 UMA Graphics
Up to 3GB memory, runs Vista Ultimate or Business
40GB or 80GB 4200 RPM drive, 120GB 5400 RPM drive, or 32GB or 64GB SSD
HSDPA or EVDO rev A., 802.11a/b/g/n options, Bluetooth 2.0, and gigabit Ethernet connectivity
ExpressCard54 and SD slots, 1394, VGA, (3) USB 2.0
Scroll wheel, biometric reader, TPM 1.2, super low profile power adapter
Up to 5 hours battery life with standard 43WH pack, up to 9 hours with extended 45WH pack; Energy Star 4.0 compliant
3.57 pounds (presumably without battery), 1-inch thick"
At least offer a version without the multi-touch to lessen the cost a bit. I am still in shock that this comes with only 1 speaker.
I'm still waiting for a 13.3" tablet with usable specs like the following...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66820/Put_some_attitude_into_the_Latitude
590
Show the Buyer What Different Laptop Battery Sizes *Look* Like On the Laptop
Dell Web Site, Laptops, Laptop Power submitted by jasondunn
11/22/07
It's a really great thing that Dell offers buyers multiple choices when it comes to laptop batteries: there's usually a 4-cell, 6-cell, and 9-cell battery option. Dell always lists the watt hours information as well - great!
But what's ridiculous is that there are no images, illustrations, or written information about the exact sizes of the batteries: specifically, which batteries will stick out of the laptop (the "hump"). This is a really important thing to know, because when I'm buying a laptop I usually want to get the biggest battery possible, but one that doesn't stick out. I just ordered a Vostro laptop and was given the choice of three different batteries - yet no indication of which one(s) was actually flush with the laptop.
In general I find that the "More Information" link does a poor job of providing the customer with the information they need about the given accessory or feature option.
1260
This text on your web site regarding "open source" is misleading, please consider changing it.
submitted by cosh
11/25/07
From www.dell.com/open:
This is the wrong impression to give, as it suggests that all open source software everywhere is somehow incompatible with Windows, whereas in reality many open source programs are ported to and available on Windows, such as Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, and OpenOffice, and some popular open source programs are dedicated entirely to it, for example Paint.NET (info).
A better and more accurate thing to say would be:
"The main thing to note is that when you choose an open source operating system like Ubuntu Linux®, you don't get a Windows® operating system."
or how about:
"The main thing to note is that when you purchase a Dell computer preinstalled with Ubuntu or FreeDOS, you don't get a Windows operating system" etc. etc.
Concise, clear, and accurate. If I remember correctly there's a similar message on the other language versions of the Dell web site, so it should be changed there too.
If you've a better suggestion post it in the comments.
740
More Dell <-> Community Communication
IdeaStorm submitted by mistern
05/15/07
Certainly, Dell's move to start IdeaStorm was a good one, and I think it will improve the situation quite a bit.
What I'd like to see is more direct and spontaneous (but somewhat official) communication between Dell employees and the users of this site. dell_admin1 does communicate with us, but mainly about administrative issues.
You get our feedback. We want your feedback. Agree?
jmxz's part of the idea (his article was merged here): IdeasStorm needs more participation from Dell Management and EmployeesDell has meetings with the management to discuss Ideas that are posted to the site. Why can’t some of those managers stop by and ask questions or maybe enlighten users when they suggest an idea that isn’t feasible. I’m not saying they need to spend the whole day doing this but maybe just pop in once in a while. I believe that such conversations lead to better ideas not only from us but from Dell employees as well. This kind of interaction would also make users know that they are being listened to. Further information in the comments of this Idea.
4480
Dell: Support Open BIOSes for Linux
Dell, Linux submitted by phubert
10/10/07 **REVIEWED**
An Open BIOS for Linux would free it from the DOS legacy code and speed boot times.
The current BIOS is a legacy throwback... it's time to replace it!
Our current priority is to expand Linux availability by bringing more platforms and languages to market. Read what daniel_j has to say.
5620
 track my votes
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