jewishnose14

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! 46 Comments »

Multi-OS selection via checkboxes

submitted by xivulon 11/29/07

What about having a checkbox for each operating system in order to allow users to select multiple choices? No checkbox = no OS, multiple checkboxes = Multiboot. The conflict resolution dialog notifes about conflicts between OS and other hardware choices.

Select My Operating Systems:
[ _ ] Free DOS (info) [$0]
[ x ] Ubuntu 7.10 (info) [$0]
[ _ ] Windows XP (info) [add $50]
[ x ] Windows Vista Basic (info) [add $50]
[ _ ] Windows Vista Home Premium (info) [add $100]
[ _ ] Windows Vista Ultimate (info) [$150]
[ _ ] Windows Vista Business (info) [$100]

Ubuntu, XP and all other operating systems should be made available on all machines unless there is a fundamental hardware issue that makes a particular OS unsuitable (an issue that cannot be resolved by selecting a different component). Each item should have an info button which opens a brief explanation, a fair comparison table of all operating systems should also be provided. Details such as bootloader choice in multiboot configuration and disk allocation algorithm are left to Dell engineers to have fun with.

Hopefully that will accomodate most requests relating to OS choice while keeping the interface simple and intuitive. 26 Comments »

Stop overcharging for replacement parts

Dell, Sales Strategies submitted by tleavit 11/30/07

We are passing the 3 year mark on some of the 200ish Dell laptops and PC's that we have purchased over the past 3 years. We are at the point that we need to get a hold of the Dell "spare parts" division (not our business rep) to get replacements. The price of these parts are outrageous and our business discounts for some reason do not apply. My example is a broken 17" LCD screen on a Dell Inspiron 9300 (we bought a few before switching to mainly Latitudes) that we bought 3 years ago. My quoted price was almost $400 for the thing (17” standard widescreen lower resolution model). This makes no sense, I can buy a cheap better laptop for that much (or a brand new 20+ LCD". This is status quote across the board for most parts. Once we asked for those little rubber feet on some of our laptops that wore off and were quote $20 for a set of 4. Wow. It’s not a good thing to be in the position of having PC's coming off war. and finding that Dell gouges the price. Solution: Realistic replacement prices. Comment »

XPS M1530 Resolution ??

XPS products, Laptops submitted by avnanda 11/27/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

SCREEN RESOLUTIONS for XPS Laptop Line

Why on God's green earth would Dell throw in such a cheapy LCD screen into the XPS 1530 ? I've been waiting for this laptop religously since it was 'announced', in the hope of a 1680x1050 screen, or at LEAST 1440x900. What is this, Dell ? Are you trying to scare away your customers with blocky icons and low resolutions ?

Ok, on a less rampaging note ..

Is there any possibility this might change in the future ? Would i be foolish to order immediately, only to see a couple of LCD options pop up over the next few days ?

We now offer 1440 x 900 and 1680 x 1050 panels as an option. Take a look at the Direct2Dell blog post on the idea.





36 Comments »

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. 42 Comments »

Make XP/Linux drivers available for all model even if only Vista is pre-installed

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Operating Systems submitted by vineets001 09/24/07 **REVIEWED**

There are good hardware models coming out. And only Vista is pre-install option. If people want to wipe off Vista and install XP or Linux, let them do that. Make a commitment to have the drivers available.


We're working on having drivers for the hardware we ship more widely available. Click here to learn more from john_h.





28 Comments »

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.
93 Comments »

There should be an option of having no trialware on all computers

Software submitted by jervis961 08/23/07 **REVIEWED**

Here is a news article about trialware and how Dell feels that regular customers want it but small business ones do. Do they not look at the ideas here?

"Not interested in all of the trial software that clutters up new PCs? You're not alone: According to Dell's recent research in both focus groups and broader surveys, small-business users overwhelmingly view trialware as an irritant, not a benefit. That research has led Dell to axe the extras from its new Vostro line of small-business desktop PCs and laptops. Eliminating demo applications is a major step for Dell, which has caught flack for the quantity of trialware on its consumer PCs. (One frustrated customer went so far as to develop a "Decrapifier" utility. The company says that consumers who buy PCs for personal use do express interest in preloaded trial software, but that small-business users have different needs. By eliminating the trialware from Vostro machines, Dell says it has cut the system setup time in half. For now, Dell is the only major PC manufacturer to ship small-business systems without preinstalled trialware as a standard practice. (Some competitors, such as HP, allow customers to choose a no-trialware configuration.)"


Dell offers a broad amount of software choice and minimal software shipped. Read jeremy_f's post on the options we give our customers





129 Comments »

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. 11 Comments »

Include cleaning and screen protection cloth with laptops

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by jkeating 11/02/07

A nice dell branded cleaning cloth should be included with new laptops. This cloth would be used to clean the laptop sceens as well as lay on top of the keyboard when the laptop is closed to protect the screen from keyboard imprints. If a cloth is included it is far more likely that this cloth would be used to clean rather than some other cleaning device which may damage a user's screen. 10 Comments »

Put a physical bluetooth switch on laptops

Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by badblood 10/30/07

So you can easily switch it on and off and see that it's on or off.... 9 Comments »

Build More Durable Products

New Product Ideas, Simplify IT submitted by aikiwolfie 11/28/07

I would like Dell to build more durable products. Something that will last a minimum of 5 years.

And by "minimum" I mean exactly that. The product shouldn't die a death after 5years and 3 seconds. Dell should be building goods that last. 23 Comments »

Allow ALL Dell Staff to Use Ideastorm

submitted by badblood 11/28/07

Apparently only a few moderators and spin doctors from Dell are allowed to use ideastorm and other staff aren't allowed. We were told that they were, but it aint true. We just heard it from a Dell employee. From the horse.

So let all Dell Staff use Ideastorm if they want.

Thanks

47 Comments »

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 Employees

Dell 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. 210 Comments »

Make a calendar with all COMING SOON and IN PROGRESS ideas

Advertising and Marketing, IdeaStorm submitted by krasmussen 09/22/07 **REVIEWED**

One of the biggest annoyances with IdeaStorm is that the horizon for an idea being implemented is very blurry, if at all existing. If you're lucky, you get "third quarter 2009", but mostly, there is no timeframe at all. This leads to the feeling that not much is being done, and exactly that feeling is what IdeaStorm should be eliminating.

Therefore, I propose that you make a list or calender with all the COMING SOON and IN PROGRESS ideas with timeframes for all of them. Just a "december 2008" would be nice, or better yet, "deadline 31st november 2008".

I don't know if this is connected with some goal management inside Dell, if it is, maybe you should work on improving that, too?






Today, the best way to know the progress of an idea is through Ideas in Action, our Weekly Update or Dell comments in the thread.






19 Comments »

My next computer will be Linux or Apple

Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by macsband 02/26/07

I've purchased five Dell computers over the past few years (3 desktops and 2 notebooks). My most recent purchase was an Inspiron E1705 in December. Upon powering up the machine, I immediately reformated the hard drive, thereby getting rid of Windows junk.

My first desktop used Microsoft DOS 3.1. Over the years Microsoft has provided less and less value at more and more expense with greater and greater intrusiveness. Microsoft has turned security updates into a marketing ploy to force less and less competition (which is pretty amazing for such an overwhelming monopoly.)

My next computer will have Linux or Apple OS pre-installed. I'm a loyal Dell customer, but if Dell does not offer Linux, I'll be joining the ever growing crowd switching to Apple.

Mac 8 Comments »

Apples and Oranges

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by tidalsurge 04/20/07

Given the demise of microsoft and all things vista, the upcoming reign of google apps, and the newfound popularity of macintosh computers with an much better operating system, why doesn't dell consider selling a dell-branded macintosh computer. it would essentially be an apple mac, with osX, but branded as a dell 'orange' or something like that. you need to think outside the box to survive in this market. offering linux is great but consumers really want osX even if they don't know it yet. 6 Comments »

physical design of PC's

Desktops and Laptops submitted by harborsparrow 02/17/07

I would like to see colors--bright ones, even for keyboards and mice--and beauty like you get in a MacBook (those white ones with the sexy curves).

The last laptop I bought, in fact, was a dual-boot Macbook.

While I'm about it, why not make a laptop that also runs Mac OS X? Apple is stealing all the thunder here... 2 Comments »

Design & Form Factor

Desktops and Laptops submitted by logi 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

This forum is a great idea to get Dell back to #1.

What I like to see is new and innovative styling across the board on notebooks and desktops. Dell's product line looks 5yrs old and needs a total refresh.

As you can see Apple Inc. is winning conumers hearts because Apple owners are actually proud of displaying them in the living rooms instead of hiding them. Get rid of that XPS desktop design that thing is so ugly.. and come up with something consumers would be proud of displying in their media rooms.

Also I would like to see Dell create a sleak new design for a media center box so we can utilize vista home for the entertainment room and display it next to my audio and video units.

Thanks for listening Mr. Dell.



Hope_l talks about how passionate we are about design in this thread. To read more about how this idea is being put into action click here.

222 Comments »

Slimmer Design Notebooks

Laptops submitted by fwong 02/20/07

Dell computers are pretty good value for money. The only problem I have is the design of their notebooks. We call them Dell bricks around our company. I think Dell is in a good position to design notebooks that are slimmer and more visually appealing because they work very closely with they hardware manufacturers. I recently bought a Sony VAIO notebook after much research. In the end Sony won out because they have the best design in the Windows based notebooks market. 1 Comment »