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Diagnostic CD

Service and Support submitted by joeaguy 02/19/07

Include a hardware diagnostic CD. Put it in, boot up from the cd, and it will scan that all your drives, memory, cards, motherboard, etc, are in working order. Some tools to check and repair NTFS, FAT, and etx3 file systems from the disk, and/or scan for viruses would be great also.

Apple provides hardware diagnostic CDs with many of its computers, and also includes a copy of TechTool, which can do disk repair and includes some preventative maintenance tools, with an AppleCare subscription. Having a report from such a tool really helps with support calls, in saving both support diagnostic time, and saving customers time in getting support to realize there is a real problem.

The diagnostic partition included on many Dell machines is just too easy to get erased if you reinstall your OS. A CD would be an option I'd prefer. 36 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 »

Tell us what WiFi chipset a laptop has.

Broadband and Mobility, Dell Web Site, Linux, Laptops submitted by tonyb2006 08/29/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Tell us the WiFi chipset used in a laptop before we buy it so we know if the WiFi chipset supports a feature we want, or if it supports Linux or another operating system that we intend to use. The WiFi chipset being like "Intel ipw2200" or "Broadcom BCM4306", or "Ralink rt2500".







17 Comments »

No OS Preloaded

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by agreer 02/17/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I have a XP Pro retail copy, will soon buy retail vista, I also like Linux: Make WINDOWS-FREE, and OS-Free an option for more than just expensive business lines.


Dell has systems available that do not have an OS pre-loaded called N-Series line. You can check them out at www.dell.com/nseries.

449 Comments »

The Dell Experience, Reloaded | on Linux & Windows

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart 07/17/07 **IN PROGRESS**

Offer as an OPTION on all Dell PCs a well-chosen collection of add-on software, "Dell's best picks", including Dell visual themes and other software settings.

- Create a unique and distinguishable Dell look & feel (like Apple has done)

- Use advanced interface design with transparency, compositing, 3D effects, etc.

- Make it slick, polished, dead-easy to use and well integrated (e.g. make Vista look better than Microsoft has done)


- Make the Dell software pack look & feel similar on Linux, Windows XP and Vista

- Offer the Dell software pack on all new PCs, and for download for old Dell PCs and competitors' PCs

- Promote Dell software and services such as Online Backup & PC TuneUp

- Deliver updates for drivers and ALL other bundled software

- Include other rich online applications, with Firefox add-ons and themes

- Generate extra revenue with subscriptions, extended theme galleries, thematic tie-ins to movies, music, toys, and other consumer stuff (e.g. Spiderman™ theme by Dell™, etc.)


- Allow the user to easily revert to OS-default settings, and back again (with one click!)

- Allow the user to selectively choose to enable/disable each component (like Google Pack has done)

- Allow the user to select between profiles such as "Simple", "Family", "Power User", and "Custom"


- Set a high standard for any software to become part of the Dell software pack (e.g. components must be well-behaved and not popup-infested crapware)

- Make clear distinctions for each component whether it is open source, proprietary freeware, proprietary trialware, subscription-ware, etc.

- Make clear the impact on system resources for each component (e.g. startup items, estimated percentage of use of system resources such as memory, storage, CPU, network, etc.)

7 Comments »

List implemented ideas under the tab "ideas in action"

IdeaStorm submitted by j.bandringa 07/15/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I would like to have the implemented ideas moved to the tab "ideas in action". I would expect to find them there in the first place. Currently what you find there is news about improvements made because of IdeaStorm. Implemented ideas till now stay in the regular list of ideas. I suggest moving the current content of “ideas in action” to a new tab called “news” and replacing it by the implemented ideas.


Ideas for Dell products and services (not necessarily IdeaStorm site improvements) can be found in our Ideas in Action blog! Check it out.
8 Comments »

Explain the status tags somewhere

IdeaStorm submitted by mistern 07/20/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

It seems like you just added a whole lot of status tags like "** NOT NOW **" or "** NOT LIKELY **". Could you please add an official list what these wonderfully laconic codes mean? Most codes are of course self-explaining but there's still some uncertainty left.

Thank you.


Click here for status tag definitions.




23 Comments »

Option to upgrade to 64-bit Vista.

Operating Systems submitted by impulse 07/18/07

All Dell computers have the option to upgrade to to 4GB of ram. However, the 32-bit versions of Vista only support up to 3GB of ram. An option to upgrade to a 64-bit version of vista should be available, as well as notification that 4GB requires the 64-bit OS. 4 Comments »

Standardized Full Spec Sheet for all computers

Dell Web Site submitted by blackbelt 07/12/07

Please standardize the specification sheet available on the website, please include it in an easy access PDF format instead of having to wade through flash advertising copy and include DETAILED information such as motherboard chipset/manufacturer, CPU details, RAM specs (cache, latency etc) and manufacturer, sound chipset, bios, hard drive type/speed/manufacturer, number of fans & sizes, case construction materials, etc. I don't like buying a computer where most of the parts are a mystery.
Sure not everyone needs to know, but for the geeks it is important information to determine the quality of the build. 2 Comments »

Self installing resource cd's

Education, Service and Support submitted by brucek 07/17/07

If Dell would make self installing resource cd's it would save alot of customer frustrations and a lot of calls to tech support on installing drivers. Other mobo manufacturers have these type of disks packaged in their products and once started they install the drivers needed, reboot the system when it needs it and continues to install till all is complete. Just makes sense. Comment »

Change the WEB site so I don't have to choose Home/Business/Enterprise before getting to the hardware.

Dell Web Site submitted by kalamos 07/19/07

I wish there was a one-click link on Dell's website to get to a major hardware category. IE I'ld like to be able to click on Notebooks and go directly to Notebooks. Why must I chose the type of customer that I am. I fit many of these categories. I work for an Enterprise, I own a small business, and I am a home user. 4 Comments »

State clearly that more options are available than selectable when buying.

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies submitted by fjodor 07/12/07

Last time I bought an Inspiron, I assumed that demand must have been too low for 9-cell batteries, since I couldn't select one as an option.

Only later, after purchase, when inquiring about the possibility of buying just a 9-cell battery was I informed that I could in fact have ordered the Inspiron with such a battery "if only I had called in". I was further informed that valid options were deliberately left out of the selectable choices when configuring the machine to purchase "in order not to confuse customers" (!) This "dumbing down" is almost excusable if people are actually complaining about too many options, but _do state clearly the way to get the full choice of options_!

I didn't see this stated anywhere, and neither that I could get more detailed options by purchasing via telephone.

In effect, I am now stuck with a mediocre 6-cell battery (only option), and I can by no means afford a 9-cell alone, though I would have been able to, had it replaced the 6-cell I had to choose... 6 Comments »

Provide Linux (Ubuntu) drivers for printer Dell photo aio 922.

Linux, Printers and Ink submitted by pierantonio 04/22/07

I have a Inspiron 9300 with printer Photo Aio 922 from DELL. Please, Mr. M. DELL develop Linux drivers (Ubuntu) for my hardware. Grazie!!! 16 Comments »

Gigabit ethernet throughout

Dell, Simplify IT submitted by boolda 07/09/07

Threre is not point in sticking with old fast ethernet, particularly, when gigabit ethernet is so cheap. Use gigabit ethernet in all your products. 5 Comments »

Stop Spying on Your Customers

Printers and Ink submitted by signedupinjuly 07/15/07

Dell laser printers, along with many others, print a matrix of faint yellow dots that will let your documents be tracked! You might think that printing a document is your own damn business, but Dell is making sure that it can be traced back to YOUR printer. Reference: Is Your Printer Spying On You?


Close up of actual tracking dots, taken through a microscope

Dell, step up and a) Make this public. At the very least, OWN UP to spying on your paying customers, and b) Allow people to turn this intrusive bug off. Stop playing with Big Brother. 15 Comments »

Help me choose a machine

Dell Web Site, Service and Support submitted by massyn 07/17/07

Instead of picking an Inspiron, Lattitude or Optiplex model, give us the ability to choose the amount of RAM, CPU, hard drive, etc, and then display a choice of target systems based on that criteria. Usually the same spec machine is cheaper on a different class of system. 3 Comments »

Provide a Dell Update function on the Dell support site

Dell Web Site, Service and Support submitted by scotty 02/26/07

Provide a Dell Update function on the Dell support site.

Updating Dell-specific system files on Dell computers is ridiculous. The way the updates are classified, you need to browse each category, click each update and read each description in order to even just see the date and version - so that you can decide if you need each. Then for each, you must either remember whether or not you have it already, or you must look through the computer's updates to see if it's already there.

There should be a website function (a la Windows update) or a universal updater application that you can download and run (one that would work with ALL Dell models - not one for each model). Either way, you should be presented with which ones are important, which are optional, which are already installed, and when they were posted/installed/etc. And then the download and install can be managed by the app as well. Again, like la Windows Update.

This should be made available to all owners of any dell computers - not only to enterprise or large businesses. 23 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 »

Sell bags with integrated solar panel to charge computer

Environment submitted by badblood 07/14/07

Offer a laptop bag with an integrated solar powered panel to let us charge our phones, notebook and mp3 players.

15 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.




184 Comments »