jeffme

Always include all software and driver reinstallation discs for free (or at least let us get the option to)... don't make us pay extra

Software submitted by winoffice 05/01/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Always include ALL software AND driver reinstallation discs for FREE (or at let us get the option do get the for free if we want as follows)...don't make us pay extra in case that we have a disaster and need to reinstall from scratch...!

No Discs Included (Included In Price)

All Discs Included (this means everything -- all software discs -- OS/Security software/etc., and all driver discs -- this means Windows or Linux drivers or both, whatever applies -- add $0)

Other options (OS disc only, all software discs only, driver discs only, etc. -- add $0)

For some computers, Dell does not include the reinstallation discs. Even if Dell offers them, Dell charges extra for us to get them. In fact, the only time I seen reinstallation discs being offered without charge were for Dell XPS desktops with the flashy lights -- that is, the Dell XPS 600, 700, and 710 systems, for those ware the only systems to offer operating system options like "Microsoft Windows XP Media Center WITH REINSTALLATION CD".

Also, most of the time when software reinstallation discs are not included, driver reinstallation discs (such as XPS flashy lights, as well as printers and monitors) are not included either. Therefore, don't just include the software reinstallation discs -- include as well the Windows/Linux drivers for the hardware (depending on the OS purchased with the computer, if any, which in turn depends on the user's preferences).

Besides, Microsoft as well as ALL software companies include the discs when you get the software seperately, so why can't Dell do the same when the software is preinstalled...?
Customers no longer have to pay extra for re-installation media.




89 Comments »

Please keep your posts short

IdeaStorm submitted by mistern 05/16/07

Short posts are way more effective and easier to scroll past once you've seen them. Who reads 15-paragraph posts?

Also, this is not the place for essays how Dell can improve.

It's for ideas. Short and simple for an effective message.

And it's a place where a few crazy people (like me) can post poems and videos and other crazy stuff. They fortunately don't form a majority though. 5 Comments »

More Laptop LCD Options

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by migizi 05/14/07

WXGA, SXGA+, WSXGA, WSXGA+, WUXGA, etc... What happened to the options? I want to be able to choose the resolution my laptop can support. 3 Comments »

No McAfee

Software submitted by doomlord52 02/19/07

I think everyone agrees here. No McAfee. i cant unistall my copy because it will take all my settings for the Microsoft firewall with it. That includes my outlook settings, internet, and just about every program. Why cant i say "no McAfee please"??? is it really that hard? use Norton.... 72 Comments »

Extend offers like Linux pre-installation to the UK & Europe

Dell, Linux submitted by leftcase 05/03/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

First of all - well done Dell for listening to the people and making some brave decisions about the operating systems you provide your computers with.

Supplying pre-installed Linux (and XP instead of Vista for that matter) goes a good way towards giving customers what they want.

One thing that is slightly irritating however is that none of these offers are available outside of the US. Browsing through peoples comments, blogs and the Dell forums reveals that many people from the UK (for example), want the opportunity to get pre-installed Linux on their new Dell PCs.

The UK and Europe marketplace is not insignificant, and many people feel that you should extend your offer to this market too.


Please see Ideas In Action for additional information. Ubuntu Linux in other countries is coming soon.
21 Comments »

Don't make us buy Vista

Operating Systems submitted by icantseeyou 02/21/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

From all of the press I have read it is plain that Vista is a big bomb. To buy the cheapest version I hear it isn't even as good as XP SP2. At the same time you need at least 4 Gig to run it. Offer other options... I don't care if it's Linux, XP, or a rat running on a wheel. Don't make us buy Vista.

You can read more about this the OS options Dell offers here.






93 Comments »

Dell Ubuntu for Europe

Linux submitted by yesmathew 05/03/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dell announced to pre-load Ubuntu on Notebooks and Desktops for US market. What about for Europe? We want for Europe market too... users from Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, Austria, Spain, and others are requesting the same.


See the blog post in Direct2Dell re: Ubuntu in UK, France and Germany; Dell/Red Hat Solutions & More.
85 Comments »

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 »

Debian instead of Ubuntu

Linux submitted by wlaoye 05/07/07

Ubuntu is a derivative of Debian. Why not use the radical rather than the derivative? Dell should pre-install its PCs with Debian and distribute it all over the world.

wl 7 Comments »

Open Siurce Linux

Linux submitted by jwhessjr 05/07/07

Dell has managed to shoot itself in the foot. After what is seen as a brave act - announcing that Dell will sell computers preloaded with Linux - you turn around and smash yourself in the face by announcing that you are joining the MS/Novell cartel. Who are your advisors? Or, did MS step on your foot, warn you not to stray too far, and you "fell" to their wishes. 1 Comment »

Better Looking Laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by wh0rd 05/08/07

Internally Dell might have it all together, but externally the Dell Laptops need a makeover. Compared to Sony's Laptops and Mac Notebooks, Dell looks like old uncle Tom in gray and back. Although they are a nice color combination, it would be awesome to see them in a better, more sleeker design. This wouldn't be hard to do for a company like Dell. 1 Comment »

Dell if Microsoft is giving you a hard time, stop selling their products

Dell, Sales Strategies submitted by mrlinux11 05/08/07

Microsoft needs you more than you need them, most big customers dont even buy a Windows License since they have Volume License. You can put more of dent in their sales than yours 11 Comments »

Beware of the chaos that is Linux

Linux submitted by wlaoye 05/08/07

It is widely acknowledged that in business, as long as you don't make mistakes, you are doing alright. Before Dell goes further and deeper, it has to realise that Linux is a quagmire. It is nothing but chaos itself. Unlike MS, there isn't a clear-cut leader in Linux. It is many, many individuals or groups of them each trying to make a cut on their own by none can manage to do so well enough to be acknowledged as such. Software, we know, is not just applications, or OS or programming. Above all these is the support service, or rather, the quality of it. If Dell customers are to depend on the Ubuntu bunch to support them, they will be in for a shock.
Dell, before you put that stuff in to your PC, make sure that the support service is commendable. Perhaps start a support service business for Linux now. Meanwhile take a look at what Debian can do at http://wlaoye.no-ip.biz. 13 Comments »

<font>Shut down the Top Contributors list</font>

IdeaStorm submitted by mistern 05/08/07

attention [profanity removed by moderator ] posting only to get points!! 22 Comments »

Please consider the long term implications

Dell, Sales Strategies submitted by insulanus 05/08/07

More interoperability between Windows and Linux is welcome and wanted. However, the Linux community is not as naive as Daniel Lyons would have the readers of Forbes believe.

The deal is a sophisticated way to gather leverage against potential targets that Microsoft lawyers may want to sue for patent infringement in the future, while paying lip service to increased interoperability with Linux.

Reading the underlying machinations, it is clear that the deal with Novell is a tool for control over PC vendors. Not Novell, and not Linux customers. Over you, Dell.

Dell, you have everything to gain, and little to lose by doing it right this time. I can understand the reluctance to enter into litigation, or underhanded retribution, but look at the long term benefis. Linux is never going away. Ensure that your reputation does not, either.

Times are changing. Microsoft can not use the same attacks it could in the past. Yes, there will be a period of pain if you don't roll over and do what Redmond wants you to, but you can come out stronger in the end.

If you're not ready to listen to your customers, shelve this plan and try again later, when you have the ability to make it happen. 2 Comments »

$178

Sales Strategies submitted by steveoc 05/08/07

$178 Australian - thats about $150 US at current rates.

That is the TOTAL COST to me, for taking an existing HP, IBM, or Dell machine of recent vintage, and making it fly .. regaining its usefulness .. and putting the fun back into computing for its owners.

$178 AU

Replace motherboard + CPU + RAM with :

GA-M61VME-S2
Sempron AM2 3000+
2x512MB DDR2 RAM

From the local Chinatown PC market, all new parts and under warranty.

Using the existing chassis, peripherals, monitor, hard disk and CD burner .. then load PCLinuxOS on it, setup Beryl + Emerald for an insanely fun user interface, load every single game from the repositories .. google earth .. etc, etc .. and hand it back. Only takes one evening to do the surgery, and can be done in the lounge room whilst watching TV at the same time, with brain in neutral.

Fast, Fun, Permanently virus-free, and unbreakable.

Mind you, _some_ Dell boxes need a wiring hack on the ATX power connector to get around the non-standard wiring on their power supplies and motherboards, but its trivial to sort out. Just google it ...

eg : http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=oplex_other...< as a part time hobby with bare bones margin, my 'customers' cant believe that for less than the cost of just Vista alone, They can turn their old clunker into an extremely useful - and fun - machine, for both the parents, and the kids. Its literally JAW DROPPING just how good these machines are after a measly $178 hot rod job.

And anybody can do this - its not rocket science.

For every customer who gets this hot rod job done, Im getting 2-3 phone calls from friends of theirs who also want the same trick applied to their aging PC, and a $300+ bill is more than fine with all of them.

How about Dell provide 'retrofit' kits to hot up old models of Dell computers .. and chuck in a PCLinuxOS TR4 CD, and a standard ATX <--> Dell ATX connector as well, where the model of Dell donar machine requires it. Supplying such a retrofit kit is just pure margin for Dell, and requires no support infrastructure other than some informative web pages. Easy money for Dell, good for customers, and good for computer technicians.

Not good for Microsoft - it means one less sale of Vista, and one less customer llocked into their upgrade cycle, but who really give a fsck about Microsoft anymore anyway ? Comment »

Laptop Web Cam and Microphone

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.


Webcams are standard on all XPS laptops and an option on all Inspiron laptops.




134 Comments »

Backlit Keyboards

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu 02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.

I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.


Check out Vida_K's comment below on the New Latitude.
301 Comments »

Stripped down, fast Linux Box

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by pawprintz 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

How about a fast, Internet ready Linux desktop. Small form factor, pretty monitor, mouse & keyboard, the O.S., OpenOffice & Firefox. Cheap'n'fast


Dell sees the value of this idea, and is keeping the sugestions for a Linux small form factor on the radar. john_h will let the community know of any new information as it comes.




130 Comments »

No DRM

Software submitted by fgarpe 02/26/07

Don't put DRM hardware or software in any

http://defectivebydesign.org/
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesti%C3%B3n_de_derechos_digitales
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Rights_Management 8 Comments »