icediver

No more plastic wrap, please

Environment submitted by falbert May 22

In the last shipment of computers I received I was shocked by the amount of plastic wrap used for items like power cords, USB cables, VGA/DVI cables. Do these items really need to be individually wrapped in a plastic bag. I can just imagine the tons of plastic used by Dell annually...

Something to think about 106 Comments »

Produce a PC 1st Aid Kit

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by badblood 10/05/07

Make a little, portable, 1st Aid Kit full of all the things you need to do emergency work on a PC, including tools, recovery and diagnostic discs, and lots of other things besides.



14 Comments »

Bring Back XP

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by cmnetworx 07/25/07

I commonly have to setup new users pc's with now windows Vista.

Not because they wanted it, because they are forced into vista. I hate having to explain to people over and over why their old software doesn't work on this new operating system, Why their old hardware is not supported, and sadly enough, Why it is so much slower even though they have a new pc...

This OS is a joke, We need the option of XP again.. I have had to wipe multiple machines and load them with xp. This is an additional expense to the end user, Seems to me that Dell could sell a new pc preloaded with XP for a little more and people would probably buy it.

Im not sure what Microsoft was thinking on this one, I constantly have people telling me about all of the problems they have with vista, Some go as far as buying mac's..

Maybe they could start a new ad campaign. Don't Buy a Mac Just Yet!! Get a Dell with XP, We won't force you into this new OS. You have a right to choose. Thats what our Constitution is all about... 16 Comments »

Let Us Choose XP For All Machines!

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by shamarkaleo 07/26/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dear Dell Service Team,

After unsuccessful appeals to several levels of your support staff, I am writing to convey one last appeal regarding operating systems and purchasing options on your site.

I am the CEO of a small web and graphic design business. We decided to purchase a laptop for our staff use on trips, and after studying all our options, chose Dell as our computer supplier.

We were dismayed to find that most of the computer systems at Dell came pre-installed with Windows Vista, with only a few computers offering a choice of operating systems. Our computer of choice did not offer a selection.

I find this mindboggling, since Dell as a company won't use Vista on its own computers until after SP1 is released. http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39286949,00.htm?r=8

And CNET gives Windows vista this dismal review:

"...essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade." http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/windows-vista-ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html

What is more mindboggling to me is Dell's refusal to work with our company when we appealed for a change in our order. We wanted the specific machine we ordered, we simply didn't want Vista.

As it is, the only options we were offered were:

A.) Cancel our order- though we'd already waited weeks for the order to be fulfilled - and order a machine we don't want that offers the XP operating system choice

or

B.) Wait for our machine to arrive, then go buy XP ourselves at additional cost, reformat the hard drive, and install XP on our own.

These choices are horrible! Especially since one of your own staff told me by phone that Dell has received many, many complaints about Vista.

Neither option meets our needs. We either end up with a machine we don't want which has the right operating system, or a machine we do want that we must "fix" prior to use.

So I appeal to you to allow buyers to choose their operating system on ALL your machines, not just some. You don't have to offer a huge choice, but at least one more option than Vista!

Kelli Standish


Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.
49 Comments »

Stop lying.

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 08/02/07

You just sent me another dead-tree-catalog full of "Dell Recommends Vista" on most pages; and practically everywhere I go on your web site I see it.

Yet the press reports that you guys are smart enough to hold off on deploying it yourselves no matter how strongly you "recommend" it to others.

Intel, Dell hold off on internal rollout of Vista
...
Dell has also not yet rolled out Vista internally, ..."We are pretty much in the same position as Intel within Dell," he said Thursday. "We knew we would roll out Vista internally faster than any other OS (but) if we are at the SP1 level it is going to be safer."

Please change your
"Dell Recommends Vista"
lies with
"Dell recommends holding off like we're doing internally".
on both your website and send print corrections to customers you lied with in print.

---

Dell - please stay focused on the highest-voted ideas, though. Don't distract yourselves with this one until you've addressed the ideas below which have been the top-ranked ideas for at least 6 months without adequate responses..

1. 147,808 - dhart - Pre-Installed Linux [and not just on a couple obsolete models in limited geographies]
   
2. 127,719 - dhart - Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
   
3. 107,313 - robinjfisher - Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser
   
4. 89,183 - ootleman - No Extra Software Option [only a couple models are crapware-free today]
   
5. 78,007 - gergnz - Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
   
6. 73,600 - agreer - No OS Preloaded [and not just on a couple obsolete models]
   

25 Comments »

Make 'No OS' an option on all systems

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by noosplz 08/08/07

Ok, this one is probably a dup; and against Dell's wishes of specific model requests ("Re: no OS on other models - you might want to pick a model you'd want to see added to Dell's n-series, and then post an idea specifically saying that." - http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67329) it would make things better for your customers.
And it would it easier for you to do all at once rather than one at a time.
And it would save me a lot of copy&paste work. 1 Comment »

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!
525 Comments »

Windows XP

Operating Systems - Multiboot, Desktops and Laptops submitted by xdz3r0 08/08/07

Add Windows XP as an option for ALL laptops and desktops. Period.

or even better. allow consumer to choose 2 OS's. I know I'd be so much happier knowing I could boot into Windows XP and Vista, seeing as Vista doesnt even have a Service Pack out yet and it's full of bugs. 1 Comment »

put the XP option also on notebooks

Software submitted by siger 08/11/07

why do we find the "xp os option" only for home computers and not for notebooks. xp is better for all computers and all persons want xp, so no segregation please. 13 Comments »

Windows XP available for all Notebooks

Operating Systems submitted by myke 08/13/07

There is no Reason why can we choose the Operating System on a Desktop between Windows XP and Windows Vista, but there is no change to get Windows XP on a Notebook even not on a small Notebook. Notebooks are generally not as powerfull as Desktops so why we get Windows Vista on every Notebook? Please just let us decide what we want.

I'm writing this because there was no possibility to mail or contact Dell from the Website without having a Dell-System. I just want to ask if there is any possibility to have Windows XP on my Notebook when i get it because of the warranty, etc.

PS: I'm from Austria, please excuse my not perfect language. 7 Comments »

Sell Linux PCs in Canada.

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by sorooros 08/14/07

How hard can it be to ship boxes north of the border? Dell.ca needs Linux option! 12 Comments »

IdeaStorm: Change the Status of the "No-OS Preloaded" idea it is incorrect.

IdeaStorm submitted by jorge 08/16/07

Here's the link: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/62035/No_OS_Preloaded

I can not buy a Precision Workstation with No-OS, nor an OptiPlex, nor a Lattitude, nor an highend Inspiron, nor a Vostro, nor a highend XPS, nor a Dimension, nor a PowerEdge Server.

PS: We don't consider FreeDOS to be No-OS, any more than you consider an IOU in lieu of payment. 16 Comments »

Stay aware of the ongoing Vista compatibility troubles - and do better at offering XP & Ubuntu alternatives on more models.

Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 07/21/07

Another interesting Reuters article this week:

Vista's growing pains leave room for XP

Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:27PM EDT

David Daoud ran into trouble when he started using Vista, the new version of Windows that Microsoft Corp. and PC makers have spent millions of dollars advertising since it came out six months ago.

He said it short-circuited key software programs he counts on: Quicken for balancing his checkbook, Lotus Notes e-mail and a networking program that connects his home to the office. His Sony camcorder also doesn't communicate with the PC properly.

"Basically they don't work," said Daoud, a computer industry analyst with market research firm IDC.
...
Hewlett-Packard Co. and Dell Inc. recently started selling XP machines on their Web sites. Lenovo Group Ltd. and Toshiba Corp. also offer similarly equipped machines.

Seems Ubuntu + Wine's got better Windows compatibility than Vista does (esp. when it comes to older hardware).

Perhaps this can be merged with some of the other cautionary ideas about Vista troubles - but it's not quite a dupe because the Idea here is to be aware that Vista's troubles are ongoing and still making major news stories half a year after they launched without signs of improvement. The followup Idea is to keep offering XP & Ubuntu so people can keep using their pre-vista software which often tends to work on both XP and Ubuntu. 3 Comments »

Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware

Linux submitted by gergnz 02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**

I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.




186 Comments »

Dell Operating Systems

Dell, Operating Systems submitted by rethamel07 07/11/07

I Think that they should offer more then just windows vista, maybe some people still want to stick with windows xp instead of upgrading to vista. I don't think they should get the hand in deciding what operationg system they want you to have, you should be able to get the one you want if it's 2000, XP, Vista, or whatever one you want. 3 Comments »

Linux Kicked Out of the Spotlight

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by daniel117 07/03/07

At the release of a line of computers with Linux, they put Linux in the banner on the home page, but after that, it's like they put Linux in the back room of the website, with other old links in the stinky, old, cobweb-filled room. The only way you can access the Linux link is by only typing in "Linux" or "Ubuntu" or "FreeDOS" in the "Search" box (a.k.a. where you type searches). Dell should make a link for this product, or they would not really see profit in this, because it wouldn't be popular by not being in the front page, and you know what this means (out the window it goes)! 3 Comments »

All operating systems on all platforms!

Operating Systems submitted by markvs624 07/09/07

Do just what the title says: offer all operating systems on all platforms with full support. Don't restrict Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Unbuntu to certain models.

Make the base price for all base operating systems the same: XP Home = Vista Home Basic = Unbuntu. No discounts at the entry level. No $50 cheaper for Unbuntu. No $50 more for Vista.

Give no incentive either way The same customers who buy XP Pro and Vista Ultimate now will still buy those versions in the future. LET THE CUSTOMER DECIDE. 48 Comments »

Continue to supply Windows XP drivers for all systems.

Operating Systems, XPS products submitted by audiofree 07/10/07

Let’s face it, Vista regardless of how Microsoft is trying to possession is not what all customers want. Some of us want to continue to use XP, it’s a lighter faster OS that does what we need. Please continue to support XP drivers at least. I want to buy one of the new 1420s or 1520s but can’t because not all the drivers are available. If you’re not going to sell the laptops with and XP option at least make the drivers available so those of us that want to install XP on our systems can. 20 Comments »

Dell - Tell us if this explains why it's so hard to get No OS on many Dell models?

Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 07/10/07

The Idea is that if there's a reason like this that Dell won't offer No OS on more systems, they should just come out and say

http://digg.com/linux_unix/Comes_vs_Microsoft_Petition_Shows_How_Microsoft_Bl...<

...in 2000, Microsoft ratcheted the restriction up so that OEMs are forced to forfeit all discounts otherwise earned if they ship any "naked machines" to consumers. This heightened restriction, which (on information and belief) continues to the present, prohibits PC users and PC retailers from buying and installing lower priced or better quality operating systems of their choice."

10 Comments »

Dell should offer option to remove VISTA - Blank disk is better than with VISTA preloaded

Sales Strategies, Software submitted by makuchaku 06/20/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**

Dell should offer an option of removing the default OS - Vista/XP when a user is configuring his order on DELL's website.

Apart from saving a few crutial $$, this is needed when a user already has a licensed copy of the OS.

:-)

Maku

http://www.makuchaku.info/blog 8 Comments »