MARKET linux PCs for real, and Open Office, for real
Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by chopdoc
May 7
I actually laughed when I read some Dell staffers' comments along the lines of "my research shows the customers want Windows".
Of course the research shows that, of course Dell isn't selling many Linux PCs. Probably the leading topic on Idea Storm has been Linux and Open Source. But that is because Dell attracts mostly "techies" here...not customers.
If you want to sell something, you need to advertise and market it. Microsoft has had a decades long campaign to get into the position they are in. The common consumer thinks Microsoft IS their computer.
Dell has moved forward, but not much, and they have limited and burried the Open Source option and resisted every step of the way. That is a fact, regardless of the lip service Dell gives here.
Open Source, particularly Linux distros can SAVE the customers money. I've crunched the numbers myself, I've calculated the TCO. Stability, reliability, cost.....how and why can Dell continue to avoid the reality of these issues by saying "our research indicates the customers want Windows"?
Give Open Source the marketing exposure it deserves and that the customer deserves. Dell made their name building custom ordered computers. They were known as "the best" in many regards. Then they lost their way. I was optimistic when Mr. Dell returned, but apparently he lost his way as well.
Market the Open Source options for what they really are and do it across the product line. Tell the customers what it really is and don't make it seem like some sort of off-beat secondary option...it simply isn't that anymore unless you continue to make it that.
Check your reaserch, your customers want value....lower prices....reliability..... The answer to that is Linux no matter how you slice it. So SELL it....for real.
Dell could really make a name for themselves again.
350
Let Home customers know it's OK to buy from the Business section and vice versa.
Advertising and Marketing, Sales Strategies, Small Business submitted by jmxz
May 7
From a conversation with Dell's robert_p, under a different Idea it seems that "Home" customers are welcome to buy from Dell's "Small & Medium Business" section, and Dell's "small and/or medium business" customers are welcome to buy from Dell's "Home & Home Office" section.
This is very useful since often computers in the "Small Business" section may be more appropriate for home use (the Latitude's light weight and reliability make it a great college computer); and often computers in the "Home" section may be more appropriate for office use (where the better graphics options in Home are valuable for graphical visualization). It's also useful because an identically-spec'd system may be cheaper the Home Section one week, and then be cheaper in the Small Business section the next.
I think many Dell Business and Home customers are missing out on the best deals and failing to find machines that meet their needs because the home user's are afraid of falsely claiming to be a business and because the business customers are afraid of falsely claiming to by buying systems for personal use.
So a few ideas:
1. Assuming robert_p's right in saying Home Customers are welcome to buy from Small Business - add links to the Home product pages saying "If you don't see what you need here, check out Dell's Small Business section. You're welcome to buy those for Home use too".
2. Assuming robert_p's right in saying Small Business are welcome to buy from the Home section - add links to the Small Business product pages saying "If you don't see what you need here, check out Dell's Home section. You're welcome to buy those for Business Use too".
3. Extrapolating - if it's also OK for Home an Small Biz customers to buy from Dell's "Large Business" and "Government, Education, Healthcare & Life Sciences" section, add those links too.
4. Make a price comparison engine that compares the prices of an identically spec'd system from each of Dell's sections so I don't have to manually dig through all of your painful to navigate website sections to compare Home vs Small Business myself.
700
Make parts return consistent - and SIMPLE
Servers and Storage, Service and Support submitted by phubert
May 8
This week, I had the opportunity to return two different power supplies.
One for a PowerEdge 1750 and today one for a PowerVault 114T.
The return slip for the 1750 was a narrow, multicopy form where you must fill in the sender's name and address, your own name and phone number and some billing reference (for which there IS nothing supplied and I substitute "order number" (note: I've done THIS _many_ times!)).
The return process for the 114T part was a simple "EZ RETURN WAYBILL" that I've seen at least _once_ before. Nothing to fill out (and, please, Dell, TELL ME exactly WHY there SHOULD be???).
Doesn't the latter sound more sensible?
Why does Dell use both and why does the more complicated version seem to predominate???
Couldn't DELL save money by using a single method?????
190
Construction Printer
Printers and Ink submitted by bapepper2
Apr 23
If you want to capture the printer market consider focusing on the construction market (the largest industry in the nation). My wish list:
1. 11x17 color
2. Laser
3. 2 trays (8.5x11 & 11x17 with 250 or 500 sheet capacity...reem of paper, duh)
4. front and back capable
5. scan straight to PDF
6. tough
7. networkable/wireless
8. copy (enlarge/reduce 10% to 1000%?)
9. scan (4800dpi x 4800dpi?)
10. fax (pc-fax)
11. print (fast)
Also need a portable see through scanner for scanning plans 8.5x11 would be a good start but 11x17 would be great. Similar to the HP ScanJet 4600 See-Thru Flatbed Scanner but without a back. You would just lay the scanner on the plans and be able to see what you are scanning. This is a huge problem for Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Owners... We usually have to disassemble 200 pages of 30"x42" plans, fold up the page you want and put it on a scanner. I can not believe that this market has not been tapped.
I would be glad to give you more feed back and help with product design features/testing in the field.
200
Ubuntu laptop price for 1525N
Operating Systems, Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by cpo
Apr 25
Similarly equipped laptops - one with MS Vista, and the other with Ubuntu: Inspiron 1525 vs. Inspiron 1525N. The only difference is the wireless card. Please tell me why the Ubuntu version is $110 more. (Canada). I don't want to subsidize the sales of Microsoft machines when buying a machine with open-source software.
pricing done online April 25, 2008
no coupons used.
Inspiron 1525
--------------------------------------
Now $788
Processor:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Operating System:
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic Edition
LCD Panel:
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Integrated Webcam:
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Memory:
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Hard Drive:
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Video Card:
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Optical Drive:
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Wireless Networking Cards:
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini-Card
Bluetooth Option:
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate) Primary Battery:
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Sound Card:
High Definition Audio 2.0
Inspiron 1525N
------------------------------------
Starting From $898
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache) Operating System:
Ubuntu Linux version 7.10 with DVD Playback
LCD Panel:
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Camera:
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Memory:
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Hard Drive:
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Video Card:
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Combo or DVD+RW Drive:
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Network:
Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Wireless Networking Cards:
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Bluetooth Option:
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate) Battery Options:
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Sound Card:
High Definition Audio 2.0
280
Reveal Truth About Microsoft License / Promotion Deals
Advertising and Marketing, Dell submitted by gear
Apr 27
It is now an open secret that Dell PCs sold with Ubuntu and "No OS" except for servers are more expensive than PCs with a Windows license.
It is also an open secret that Dell is not featuring Ubuntu and Windows XP prominently in accordance with customer demands.
It is also assumed that Dell is under a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits the disclosure of terms Microsoft imposes on the OEM licenses, and also the terms for participating in their promotional programs and other inducements to be an exclusive Microsoft shop.
However, in less than a year, the Administration will change in Washington, and with it, the potential for renewed interest in the anti-competitive behavior of Microsoft and their illegal efforts to extend their monopoly to other markets.
i.e. hardwiring in Microsoft search in Vista and making it very inconvenient for a user to use an alternative search engine, or imposing their Internet Explorer Browser by making Microsoft / Windows update incompatible with all other browsers and not offering customers a choice of alternatives like Firefox when you buy their operating system.
Here are my speculations:
Dell is incentivized by Microsoft to participate in these anti-competitive schemes by the following methods:
- Install Microsoft Vista in lieu of any other operating system
- pays a license fee to Microsoft for every PC sold regardless of whether it ships with a MIcrosoft OS installed.
- rewarded for not pre-installing Firefox
- prevented from not offering "Media Direct" or a equivalent system or making this DRM scheme optional.
- incentivized to offer no viable option to Office except for Microsoft Office Live even when viable options like Googledocs, Open Office, etc. exist and are 'out there'.
- incentivized to bundle Microsoft Works with every PC sold
- prevented from disclosing that Dell is a willing party to these efforts to illegally extend Microsoft's monopoly and participating in anti-competitive measures
Under such circumstances, Dell may have considerable legal liability and exposure to anti-trust laws by colluding with Microsoft.
While it may be a year before these issues come up in the USA, the issue may come up in Europe, where the EU has an active ongoing investigation of Microsoft going on.
I would hate to see Dell fined by the EU like Microsoft.
Please start revealing the truth --- because if the terms are as I speculated above, it likely will be the same terms Microsoft give to every other major manufacturer of PCs.
190
Carefully follow the situation of Psystar selling MacOS computers without Apple's consent.
Dell, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by jmxz
Apr 15
Everyone pretty much knows that Apple's been eating Dell's lunch recently. There might be many factors, but I still suspect that Vista taking profits away from Dell, and Vista stinks in general are two important factors.
A small computer company called
Psystar is making the news this week selling Apple MacOS computers without Apple's consent. According to Information Week, a Psystar is a much better deal than an Apple. In particular, a Psystar at $804.99. A similar, Apple-branded computer would cost more than $2,000".
I think Dell could take a big chunk out of Apple's sales if Dell sold a similar computer. I'd certainly trust a Dell more than a Psystar; and I'd much rather pay $804.99 to Dell (heck, even $1804) than $2000 to Apple.
So the Idea is to watch how aggressively Apple's legal department kills Psystar; and if such a legal attack seems survivable with Dell legal (who seems to have too much time on their hands anyway), sell similar systems yourselves.
80
Alternative to the track pad
New Product Ideas submitted by badblood
Feb 14
Trackpads are terrible, they lack accuracy, they get in the way, you are always accidentally touching them, they seem to have minds of their own. I for one really hate track pads. I've put up a couple of ideas to replace them with thumbsticks and mini joy sticks, while others offered ideas for little mouses that pop out of the side of the computer. But there's no joy there and they've all been voted down.
So there you have it, we need an alternative to the trackpad and the trackstick, thumbstick, trackball and all other varients won't fly.
Idea: Dell please invest millions of dollars and your best people to develop an innovative alternative to the terrible trackpad.
Thanks
100
More feedback from Dell on popular ideas
IdeaStorm submitted by pjeff
Feb 15
I would like to see more (official) feedback from Dell on popular ideas eg. +1000 ideas.
For example, many people have been requesting an LED backlit screen for the XPS M1530. Look on any forum where this model is being discussed and you will see people saying that they are holding off on purchasing until it becomes available (I'm one of them!) so it would be helpful to know what is happening.
Another example would be illuminated keyboards. Saying it is "partially implemented" doesn't really tell us anything. We know you have done that! If a popular idea is not practical or its implementation is problematic for whatever reason, communicate back so discussion can take place. This is how brainstorming works!
I also wonder how many good ideas are overlooked because Dell believe the cost would be too great for the product in question. Be upfront about your concerns regarding costs. For example, you may find that Inspiron/Vostro customers would not be prepared to pay extra for a premium screen and illuminated keyboard but XPS customers are. Post polls so that members can vote on these issues and provide you with accurate data. We are here to help so use us.
1460
XPS One with Ubuntu
Linux, XPS products submitted by aikiwolfie
Feb 16
I think this idea is really obvious and something Dell should have thought of before. All in one form factor systems aren't really intended to be upgradeable. This isn't a problem for newer versions of Linux as they will run very well on lower end hardware. This means the XPS One will age more gracefully and stay relevant to the home consumer market longer.
Yes there are issues with the ATI graphics drivers for Linux. But we could always just stick an Nvidia graphics option in there for Linux models, The XPS One-n.
220
Guarantee for Ubuntu Laptops WAY more EXPENSIVE than windows
Linux, Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by madjr
Feb 16
since Ubuntu has been offered i have purchased 2 Dell Laptops (sadly with Vista included... and yes, formated afterwards which was a pain with that dell media center stuff, windows based, screwed up partitions)
why i had to buy them with windows?
because the 3 year Guarantee for windows laptops is way cheaper on most models (or just wait a few weeks and you can get a huge bargain on the guarantee).
i´ve gotten a 3 year guarantee for just $99 on some of the windows offers.
while SADLY the 3 year guarantee for Ubuntu is $260 to $300.......
if it's the same GOD UMM hardware, why i can get a cheaper warranty on windows ones and not the ones with Ubuntu ??
i only purchase Ubuntu compatible models, but sadly can't get em with Ubuntu pre-installed.
My purchases counted as windows instead of Ubuntu ones, to me as an Ubuntu and Dell costumer thats worthless..
You have 2 choices:
A- lower the guarantee for all Ubuntu based PCs
B- Include an option on ALL (yes all compatible) INSPIRONS 1420 and XPS M1330 to let you choose bettween VISTA and UBUNTU, without extra charge or making the guarantee more expensive if you choose Ubuntu as pre-installed OS.
350
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
Get GNU/Linux Machines in Retail Stores
Linux submitted by dpic
Feb 14
Imagine how successful Dell's Ubuntu offering could be if just one Dell Ubuntu machine was put in retail stores. If people knew of an alternative to Windows, they would go for it! So what do you say, Dell? Why don't you try to put at least one of your Ubuntu machines offered in retail stores?
6560
 track my votes
|
|
jackie_c
kara_k
dawn_l