Give XPS Notebooks Gigabit Ethernet
XPS products submitted by croftki
Feb 17
I understand that Dell market research says home users in general are not interested in gigabit ethernet for home networks. Those who pay for the premium design in the XPS line, however, are more likely to want gigabit ethernet. I would rather buy something more exciting than a business class notebook, but I want to build on my home technology with each purchase I make. XPS Notebooks unfortunately do not help me do this. It seems my only option is to buy a Latitude.
4720
Easier way to OPT OUT of Dell selling my private information
Advertising and Marketing submitted by ninefoot3
10/17/07 **IN PROGRESS**
I rec'd a brochure yesterday saying Dell and DFS were going to share my private info with other 3rd party companies for marketing purposes. Well, it said that in about 5,000 words or so. At the end is a box stating that I may opt-out of this by calling the number listed or writing a letter (including certain info) and send it to the listed address.
I chose to use the phone method. After being shoved around to a few people, I finally got someone who could help me 'opt-out'. This involved 'opening a case' as if I had a technical issue with my account.
My IdeaStorm suggestion, hey Dell, make it easier for us to OPT-OUT of your attempts to make money off of my personal information. What's the matter? Didn't make enough money off of my patronage to Dell products and the interest rates charged? Getting an extra $1 for my name, address and age information going to help Michael Dell get a new boat? C'mon!
While I'm disturbed that Dell wanted to sell me out, I'm more disturbed that Dell made it difficult for us to opt-out. A simple URL would have been nice. I know, that would make more people opt-out and Dell would have less names to sell. It's like a mail-in-rebate or the lack of a cancel button in the account information at freecreditreport.com, you HAVE to call, and since that's a pain in the neck, most people will sloth themselves into something they don't really want.
4340
Bluetooth Number Keypad Option for Laptops
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by rietnau
Jan 27
I would like to see Dell offer a Bluetooth number pad option for laptops. The world is adopting wireless options and a search for bluetooth number pad's has turned up nothing. The closest options to external number pads are 2.4 ghz and cable based. There is one option though, and it is the Logitech Dinovo Keyboard set. I am not about to pay $170 for a keyboard set when all I want is a number pad.
The XPS M1330 only has two usb ports and connecting a number pad (whether 2.4 ghz or cable based) to it would limit it to one. I would also like to keep the number of peripherals sticking out of my laptop to a minimum, so a Bluetooth number pad would be ideal.
Dell has done a great job offering the Bluetooh travel mouse and a number pad would probably be well received. The technology is already out. Dell should be the first to offer the Bluetooth number pad option.
230
Neutral Vote - instead of only promote/demote
Dell, IdeaStorm submitted by zanlok
Jan 27
How about a new voting button here on IdeaStorm: something to indicate neutrality, conveniently positioned in the ui between the current promote/demote buttons. I don't always want to promote an item. But, I also may not want to actively hurt the image of a decent idea. I only actively promote ideas the implementations of which could influence my personal purchasing decisions. If the neutral votes were counted, it would give more credence to the total number of people who have considered the idea. This could be additional actionable data rather than just the single "points" field. There should also be a way to *change* your vote from that status.
120
Provide "Service Packs" for Dell updates
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Dell Web Site submitted by ueli
Jan 23
If start over with a new installation of your device after a while, you need to download every single update from the dell website seperately. I would love to see an "update package" where only have to download one archive and install this.
And if you want to make it perfect, just provide a dialog at beginning of the installation asking what parts of the service pack you like to have installed.
270
Enough with the blue LED's already!
Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by chewd
Jan 15
A small, sharp, pinpoint of blue light is absolutely the worst thing you could possibly do to your night vision! Theres a reason the panel lights in aircraft are always red, red light does not leave retinal artifacts that impair night-vision.
I know blue LED's are trendy, everythings got them these days. And bluetooth has "blue" right in the freakin name. But those of us who use notebooks for work, and work at night, find blue LEDs very irritating.
Blue being a very short wavelength is very penetrating. You can light an entire room with one blue LED, whereas red being a long wavelength is ideal for indicators & such as it does not carry as much.
Give us the option of changing the color of the LED's either through BIOS, software, or even physically replacing them (or just replacing a colored lens). Maybe it would be possible to let us turn down the brightness a tad.
It would be nice not to have to cover my new laptop with little bits of tape.
520
Develop A Linux/Ubuntu Compatibility Testing Tool
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by aikiwolfie
Jan 24
It's clear now that implementation of Ubuntu across Dells range of desktop and notebook systems is going to be a slow and arduous process. Undoubtedly there's a tone of compatibility testing and bug fixing to be done before Dell can sell most systems to customers that just work. Dell however are holding things back by not utilizing the Linux communities greatest assets. Linux users!
The idea is quite simple. Distribute an automated test pattern to Dell customers who are already running Linux/Ubuntu on their PCs. The automated tool will probe the systems configuration and ask the user about any technical difficulties they face and report the results back to Dell.
With an army of users out there Dell could quickly amass a wealth of valuable test data with respect as to what works and what doesn't work. This would allow Dell to concentrate their Ubuntu efforts on the systems that are most compatible. Which would in turn allow Dell to quickly provide a good range of choice for it's Ubuntu and Linux customer base.
Think of it as a way of Simplifying IT!
640
Expand Wireless USB to All Systems; Add to Peripherals
Broadband and Mobility, Printers and Ink submitted by coachcg
Jan 22
Dell - Thanks for being one of the first to market with notebooks containing wireless USB - the Inspiron 1525 and the Inspiron 1720 ( http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2008/01/03/40345.aspx ). Could you accelerate WUSB implementation into all your notebooks and then into all your desktops too?
Could you also work on getting WUSB transmitters installed in all your printers and peripherals?
Lastly, it would be great for those that have already purchased existing notebooks if you could work on getting them a wireless USB upgrade - possibly as an express card and/or PCMCIA add on for laptops.
For those who do not know about Wireless USB, here is a good article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_USB
Bluetooth has been nice and probably will need to remain in notebooks for a time, the speed and range of this new WUSB technology will allow us to have much more mobility in our workspace and reduce and/or eliminate the need for docking stations.
520
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.
9650
Dell should discuss the rumored ultraportable with us
Latitude products, Laptops submitted by jervis961
Jan 17
There has been much speculation about a leaked picture of a possible upcoming Dell ultraportable. Some say 13.3 inch others think it is 15" and some even speculate it is the 16" from the XPS they showed at CES. Upon magnification you can see it has the following visable: Slot load DVD, 2 USB, Ethernet and 2 other ports (display port and power?) on the left side. Also visable is built in web cam on the LED lit screen. It doesn't appear to have media buttons or a fingerprint reader.
The guys in marketing and developement must be getting sick of being scouped by Engadget and with all the flack they have gotten over the other recent releases (XT, M1330 and M1530). Why not create some good PR, scoup Engadget for once and find out some of the complaints while there is still time to tweak the system. Discuss this system Dell as it can only lead to a better product and greater buzz for it in the process.
850
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."
7438
Ubuntu on all models where it works
Linux, Operating Systems, Small Business submitted by jonsmirl
08/01/07 **IN PROGRESS**
I'm still throwing away copies of Windows. Recently I have ordered some Dimension 9200s from Small Business. All of these machines are running Ubuntu today without problem. They're being used to replace some PE400SCs that are starting to die. A 2GB quad core for $649 was too good a deal to pass up. It makes a great small server.
Please offer Ubuntu as a choice on all configurations where it works. I would have still paid $649 for the box and you could have kept the money you're sending to Microsoft.
We continue to explore different Linux opportunities on our systems. Check out daniel_j's comment below.
11320
Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/17/07
Provide OpenOffice.org for free pre-installation alongside Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org is more capable than Microsoft Works, and a serious competitor to Microsoft Office, at a fraction of the cost (it's free!)
OpenOffice.org can open, create, edit and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
Provide as OPTIONS for pre-installation many other high-quality free software programs such as:
- Firefox: web browser with popup and privacy controls; say goodbye to Internet Explorer infections!
- Thunderbird: email program with free anti-spam and privacy controls
- Pidgin: instant messaging all-in-one program for popup-free MSN, Yahoo, AOL and others
&nsbp;[ed: GAIM was renamed Pidgin in April 2007 to settle the issue with AOL's trademark on AIM]
- PDFCreator: creates Adobe PDF files from any program
- Scribus, Inkscape & GIMP: desktop publishing, freehand drawing & powerful image editing
- Audacity & VLC: multi-track audio editing & universal all-in-one media/video/movie/DVD player
- Stellarium & Celestia: planetarium viewer & outer-space mapping, like Google Earth, but for our Solar System
Pre-installed quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. Cast your vote for Linux and other free software. Cast your vote for the Universal Education PC [ed: article removed/merged by dell_admin] utilizing free software.
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.
138539
Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser
Software submitted by robinjfisher
02/19/07 **REVIEWED**
Does what it says on the tin! Most people only use IE because they aren't aware of other browsers - they think Internet Explorer is the Internet! What would really drive take up of alternative browsers is if Firefox was pre-installed as the default browser so that when people look for the "Internet" in Windows, they are using FF.
Firefox advocates at Dell have initiated discussions and driven action around exploring alternative internet browsers and experiences. As you can tell from our response to the Linux community, open source continues to be a part of our conversations about new products and services.
115743
Stop Overcharging on Notebook RAM
Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by realskript
08/28/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
Dell really... REALLY need to stop overcharging... and when i say overcharing... i mean atleast double what you would pay to pick up the ram yourself.
On XPS Notebooks... you are charging $500 for 4GB of ram... when you could easily go pick them up at your local computer shop for $250... and pocket the other half of the $500...
It would be nice if dell could save the customers as well as the company itself this hassle.. and start charging NORMAL prices for an upgrade in RAM.
thanks =D
PS..... PROMOTE THIS!!!!
17370
switch to LED monitors
Monitors and Displays, Laptop Power submitted by yardsale
Jan 16
I dont know why dell hasnt done this yet. switch all monitors on desktops and notebooks to LED. did you know that you can run an LED screen at full brightniess and it uses less power than a LCD monitor at the lowest brighting level?!? its cheaper, its energy efficent, and it needs to be done! promote this, if you demote i wanna know why!
8420
Standardize Power Cables for Laptops
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by badblood
08/27/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
Nothing is more annoying than laptop power cables that are not interchangeable from one computer model to another or from one brand of computer to another. Power cables have been standardized on most electrical applicances, including desktop computers for decades.
Make an effort to promote and implement standard power cables for laptops.
Please see dawn_l's comments below.
24660
Put Ubuntu on the list of operating systems when building a PC!
Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by samb0057
08/10/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
Ubuntu is hidden in a dark corner of the website. I work in IT support, and I have a client who was having virus problems a little while ago. I fixed the problem by installing Ubuntu on their PC. Very recently they called me asking for advice on a new computer, I told them about your new offer providing Ubuntu pre-installed on PCs and they wanted to purchase, but could not find the section on your site (this person is a very basic user, doesn't know what open-source means, probably didn't even see the open source link). There is no way they would have found your Ubuntu section on their own.
I urge you to offer Ubuntu as a choice of OSes in the system configuration wizard, the only way to really sell Ubuntu is to offer Ubuntu as a primary option, rather than a hidden alternative. I personally am looking to buy a new laptop, and you guys have always been my number 1 PC manufacturer (I don't think I've ever bought a new retail PC except from you guys), but I feel that your Ubuntu offerings are lacking. If you offered Ubuntu on some of the great deals you offer on your home page, I would be willing to pay just as much as I would for a Windows Vista system and I probably would have already ordered.
23400
 track my votes
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