grimwolf

Sell Linux PCs Worldwide - not only the United States

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by ergo 05/02/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dell has now decided to sell computers with Linux pre-installed. GREAT MOVE! But for the moment, it only concerns the US... Here outside the US, we can't wait to buy a pre-installed Linux Dell PC! Please sell Linux PCs worldwide!


Check out the details on Dell Linux systems worldwide!
524 Comments »

Moderate or ability to vote-out a topic

IdeaStorm submitted by jlauro 02/27/07

Many of the items need to be cleaned out. I will not even talk about the problem of duplicate item. For example, in the Servers and Storage area, we can easily find several ideas that are laptop specific. Why bother having categories if they are not enforced, and there doesn't appear to be a way to vote misplaced articles out. Many times the ideas are good, the only problem is they spammed across all categories. 20 Comments »

Trickin' Out Your Dell

Dell Community, Dell Web Site, Desktops and Laptops submitted by john_saddington 02/17/07

Dell should provide ways to "trick out" your dell, or provide support for those who are interested.

For example, say a consumer of your XPS Desktop line wants to add cool looking LED lighting systems inside and outside of their box. Providing "support" for that (either using social media, like forums where other customers could help each other, or "official" support) would be nice.

Also, possibly providing places on a gaming system that allow "expandability" beyond just the usual memory upgrade... like addition of a cool attachment for headsets... microphones, mice, keyboard, whatever... or, creating "aftermarket" parts, like changing out the chassis or something. Just like a car! 16 Comments »

Minimum 2 Gigs RAM standard on all XPS machines

XPS products submitted by silversow 02/24/07

This should be pretty obvious. Nobody is going to buy an XPS machine with just 1 gig. 1 Comment »

Higher end Graphics card in 14.1"

Laptops submitted by notquitehere188 02/17/07

Dell needs to stop pretending that they can't fit a higher end graphics card into a smaller laptop. ASUS puts x1600's and 7700's in their 14.1" laptops and dont have to make them much thicker or anything. 2 Comments »

Make Gigabit Ethernet Standard on Notebooks

Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by techsage 02/24/07

This should be a given at the least for Small Business and above notebooks. Another option would be to at least allow an option for this with an additional charge. This feature is very important for those wishing to do quicker backups via the network (since this is faster than even via USB 2.0). Apple and Sony, if not others as well have this as standard at this point.

NOTE: I know that this is standard on XPS systems, but that is not good enough. 7 Comments »

Memory Expansion Beyond 4GB

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by nelson 04/23/07

Manufacture desktop and notebook systems that support future memory expansion well beyond 4GB.

In a world where 2GB is rapidly becoming the standard base memory for new desktops and notebooks, selling computers that will never support memory expansion beyond 2 or 4 GB is an extreme example of premature obsolescence.

Moore's law will force the universal adoption of 64 bit addressing support in operating systems and application software in the very near future.

A system that is purchased today should not be unnecessarily crippled 5 years from now because a Dell motherboard designer decided to cut corners and eliminate the address runs required for future memory expansion.

The only systems that Dell currently offers with significant potential for expansion are servers such as the PowerEdge SC1430, which does not officially support Windows XP/Pro or Vista. 9 Comments »

Hey Dell! How about using better quality motherboard?

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by area5x1 05/01/07

Hey I got an idea: How about you start putting better motherboards into your computers? Sure it might raise the price, but it's good to know (or not know, for 90% of Dell customers) that you're getting a better product (at least partially) that is upgradeable. Here's a list of sample good motherboards that might be useful for higher-end machines:

- Gigabyte DS3 Rev 1.3
- Abit AB9 QuadGT
- DFI Infinity P965
- DFI Infinity 975X
- MSI P6N SLI Platinum or Diamond
- Asus Striker
- Gigabyte DQ6 3 Comments »

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 »

Better graphics options in dell 15.4 inch laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Gaming, Laptops submitted by deusx 04/21/07

I think that dell should offer better graphics cards in their 15.4 inch laptops in the inspiron line of laptops. Though you have excellent options in most of your 17 inch laptops such as the E1705 and the XPS 1710, the E1505 has no options for decent 3D cards and there are no XPS 15.4 inch laptops.

I propose that you add a 15.4 inch XPS laptop (with an excellent 3d Card) and also introduce better 3d cards into your 15.4 inspiron lineup for the budget-minded gamers out there. 1 Comment »

15" XPS Laptop

XPS products submitted by nosintake 02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I think there should be a 15" XPS laptop. There are plenty of companies that have a 15" "gaming laptop". I think there should be a Dell XPS with a rotating camera, 1GB RAM, Blu-Ray player, and 80GB hard drive standard.


Check out our latest Idea in Action
29 Comments »

Fan with Flair

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Gaming submitted by cthibodeau 05/09/07

For Dell's higher-end XPS gaming systems, it would be very "coo" (no pun intended) to have a visual display of the internal chassis temperature. While reading my May issue of Computer Shopper--I came across a very neat product that visually displays the internal chassis temperature via LEDs on the fan blades (similar to those neat child fans that light up). Not only would this be aesthetically appealing, but also serves to provide the user with improtant information and may prevent over-heating conditions due to dusty fans, blocked airflow, etc. The product website is: www.bluegears.com. May be a bit more pricey, but with XPS, it is not necessarily about price, but the "coolness factor". Interested in other's opinions... Comment »

Wish list for next gen XPS Gaming Portable

Gaming, XPS products submitted by guardianxps 05/02/07

ok so I have an XPS M1710 and love it.

However I noticed other manufacturers have been getting creative with their high end portables.

So here is my wish for whatever will be the next version of the 1710 XPS

1. Add a number pad PLEASE!!!!
2. Allow the customer to choose the type of keyboards on the system: Black, Silver, or Clear.
3. Backlight the keyboard and touchpad.
4. Allow us to choose a skin of a popular game on the system, preferably on the top and around the keyboard. (the WOW M1710 was cool but didnt cover enough of the system)
5. Add a mic to the portable
6. There are plenty of high end AMD processors, I would ask for a really good one that supports X64.
7. Add thumb print technology to the system somewhere like the Lenovo systems. This is great security technology.
8. Change the chassis to the new system, maybe something really cool instead of what you have now.
9. Hopefully there will be DX10 video cards available for the portables?
10. Move away from Silver chassis systems, its very bland. Maybe all black, or midnight blue, or maybe red?
11. Allow surround sound to be used on the portable. I have a Turtle Beach headset with surround sound. I need another device to make it work, how about add the ports which allow connecting to 5.1 speakers or headset.

Well thats all I can think of right now.

Feel free to add anything else which comes to mind. Hopefully this gets a lot of votes. :) 8 Comments »

Make expandible graphics cards for laptops.

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Gaming, Desktops and Laptops submitted by mastercestes 05/07/07

This would make the Laptops just as competitive as the standard Desktop market. And would introduce a new corner of the market for "tinker's" of Laptops.

This would also let gamers be able to keep up in the development of games. 1 Comment »

Warn people of poor Vista performance where they choose between XP and Vista

Gaming, Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 05/07/07

Another new review today. http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTMzNCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA== And it's not just performance:

We initially had some major problems getting this game to patch under Vista. It would say that a shortcut could not be created, or more interestingly, “An unknown error has occurred. Process will end.” Good times – fodder for the “Mac vs. PC” commercials.

People interested in gaming should be cautioned against using Vista.

They'd probably be better off with Ubuntu+Wine than Vista for playing Windows-XP games.

16 Comments »

TrueLife LCD Display Screens Should Have An Optional Anti-Glare Coating (like camera lenses & eye-glasses)!

Gaming, Monitors and Displays submitted by hjwasson 05/09/07

There are many posts regarding the fact that TrueLife displays are far too reflective for brightly backlit conditions. User responses to the complaints suggest getting a business class display with anti-glare filter - but these displays have not kept pace, are too dim, have poor pixel response rates and often have poor color rendition.

My suggestion is a compromise: Have the option to have TrueLife displays with an Anti-Reflective coating applied - just like those found on photographic optics or eye glasses! Such coatings are not as effective as traditional anti-glare matte screens, but significantly reduce reflections without greatly impacting light transmission (which is why they are used in photographic optics - they actually enhance contrast and reduce unwanted light scatter). They would moderately eliminate most reflections, while still allowing TrueLife displays to be bright and punchy.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-reflective_coating 
 http://www.firstvisionmedia.com/uww/2005_ar/enhance_properties.html 
 http://www.firstvisionmedia.com/uww/2004_ar/ar_product_showcase.html

I'm sure that Seiko, Hoya, Essilor, iCoat and others would vie for the chance to open up a new market for their coatings, and thus bring more profits to them (and lower costs to us). Some IdeaStorm members might be concerned about scratching the coating - but consider:

1. LCD panels are already prone to scratching, and care must be taken in their cleaning.
2. Modern Anti-Reflective (AR) coatings, with their multiple layers, are far more resistant to scratching than they used to be.
3. AR coatings tend to repel dust, so the need for cleaning would be less frequent.
4. With the use of a microfiber cloth (and mild liquid cleaning formulations when needed), the AR coating and display will remain pristine for many years of service.

If you would like to see modern Anti-Reflective coatings applied to TrueLife displays (as an optional upgrade) please promote this post.

6 Comments »

Better looking cases

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by pringles 05/10/07

I think Dell should offer more variety for their case designs.

The XPS cases are quite an improvement over the standard case design. Yet there still isn't much choice. Dell now owns Alienware, they should take their lead. Be able to change the color of the case, add fans, add LEDs, stuff like that. Also have cases that have transparent sides to see the hardware.

Make Dell look good. 2 Comments »

Advertise Graphics RAM correctly

Advertising and Marketing submitted by joffe100 04/20/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

When we say we want to buy a 512Mb graphics card we really do want a 512Mb graphics card - not 512Mb with 256mb physical memory with 256mb shared! This is really BAD and misleading advertising - you do not see other RAM memory being sold 1Gb (512Mb physical, 512Mb shared!)

Should read: 512Mb physical memory and it actually be 512Mb physical memory

NOT: 512Mb** and then some tiny asterixed disclaimer on a linked page that points out that the 512Mb is some funky combination of 3Mb physical and the rest being pulled from virtual memory - this kills many graphic intense apps and games...

suprised no-one has sued over this? Not sure many buyers are even aware....





64 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 »

Add some colors!

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by bajtalan.hunor 02/24/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

In my opinion nowadays colors like gray or black are getting too old. Why Dell does not follow other companies like Sony or Apple or the tiny Flybook. People like colors because it expresses their personality, not everybody is a businessman or businesswoman, we like colors. For example white is getting more and more popular but there are other trendy colors out there.

So PLEASE ADD SOME COLOR TO YOUR NOTEBOOK AND DESKTOP LINES and make them look like jewelry and not like a piece of plastic, do some cool design.

We like to show a laptop to which people say WOW. So the "WOW STARTS NOW"!



The new Inspiron and XPS notebooks do come in colors now, but stay tuned for more ways to customize the look of your PC.

21 Comments »