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170

Computer supporting IBM Cell Multiprocessor and Linux

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by zafo 03/07/07

The IBM Cell device has eight processing engines and a controller in a single core. There is a version of Linux that supports it. This would be a fantastic offering for power users in academic, defense and research, as well as the serious computer geek. Two Cells would be even better! 2 Comments »

120

Use CELL unit instead of X86 or X86-64

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by therrydicule 02/22/07

Cell is a "In order" familly procesor with get 1 cpu+8 SPE.
And is get better result in GFlop/s then P4 and AMD Athlon 64.

Is use in Playstation 3, with 7 SPE but the standars is 8 and also in Roadrunner. 15 Comments »

150

A DELL CELL BE based PC

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by nitrojohn 04/24/07

Offer a CELL BE based PC with pre-installed Linux.

CELL BE (broadband engine) is the new STI (SONY, Toshiba, IBM) consortium multi core chip that powers the Play Station 3. (Among other applications) This multi core chip is said to be about ten times faster then the current Intel/AMD offerings and would command a quantum leap for desktop applications performance. 12 Comments »

170

Get a Mascot

Advertising and Marketing submitted by badblood 04/11/07

Many popular consumer electronics companies have mascots that their customers can remember and identify with. Microsoft has the paperclip and the 'blue screen', Apple has the Apple, Sun has well the Sun, the USA has the Bald Eagle, there's those cavemen and the gecko from some insurance company, and so on.

Part of Dell's problem is it doesn't evoke any image, except computers. There is nothing fluffy for us to identify with, to sing songs with children, to encourage us to spend. Originally mascots were to bring luck, now they bring IDENTITY. Dell needs a Mascot 46 Comments »

190

Sell Beta Hardware

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Broadband and Mobility submitted by badblood 04/12/07

There's lots of interesting hardware coming out soon - some later. People are dying to get their hands on some of it to test. Offer some hardware in testing phases to customers if they are willing to pay and to take the risk.

- 'N' wireless (see comment below)
- OLED screens
- Wireless electricity (for firemen only)
- Mini Laser Projectors (we LOVE LASERS) 4 Comments »

580

Beware of Microsoft activity on IdeaStorm itself.

IdeaStorm submitted by plzanon 05/09/07

Microsoft employees are among of the more active users on IdeaStorm.

Microsoft been caught multiple times hiring people to create fake grass roots like activity.
Microsoft was caught impersonating dead people in fake grass roots letter writing campaigns to lobby governments.
Microsoft was also embarrassed trying to pay bloggers to edit Wikipedia on its behalf.
The history with Microsoft fake grass roots campaigns raises suspicion that it could happen here too.

IdeaStorm lets users embed images in comments. Embedded images let the servers hosting an image see where the user is from. Log files on those servers suggest that some of the more active users on IdeaStorm come from Microsoft IP addresses like 131.107.0.72(tide502.microsoft.com) 213.199.128.147(tide71.microsoft.com), etc.

Ideastorm: should label accounts that had used Microsoft IP addresses as being from Micrsoft and not necessarily representing Dell's interests or Dell's customers intersests. Similar for any PR firms and lobbying firms that Microsoft hires, because in their previous campaigns they used third parties to hide their tracks.

Dell: should be aware that pro-Vista and pro-Novell comments may be paid-for comments by Microsoft and not representing the actual opinions of their posters (or anyone outside of Microsoft PR). If those comments are removed you can guess how many pro-Vista and pro-Novell comments may be left.

Microsoft users: should add a disclaimer that they're from Microsoft, and likewise PR and Lobbying firms for Microsoft should include such a disclaimer. 42 Comments »

-21

Better specs to the ODM or have a design team in CA like Apple

Laptops submitted by sstlaurent 02/17/07

Dell should provide better design guidelines to their ODMs (Original Design Manufacturers) and then, have laptops with features well integrated. Dell should also suggest the same thing to Alienware; their subs.

Dell should provide an option to have a better laptop casing (titanium-based or some other alloy).

In the best case scenario, Dell should make the same choice than Apple; hire a small team of designer in California to work on their own top-of-the-line laptop and then, fullfill the needs of professionals with top-quality equipments (developers, pro gamers, etc.).

Note to readers: A few examples of ODMs are AOPEN (Acer), Compal, Clevo, Quanta, Mitac, Asus, Uniwill, and TwinHead. You can meet them at the next CeBIT if you're curious. Comment »

-550

Proof that Linux and OSS are ONLY for hobbyists!

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by phubert 03/06/07

Since so many have tried to say Linux/OSS are only for hobbyists and 'not for business', I thought it would help if we could supply anecdotal evidence of business, Education and government USE of Linux and OSS.

The title, clearly, is an exercize in light sarcasm. 529 Comments »

552

Drive adoption of up-to-date hardware (no more legacy ports!)

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by fabricationarbory 02/19/07

There's an analog VGA port on my brand new Latitude. A serial port. A 56K modem. This is on a laptop purchased in 2006!

Where's my Firewire, my digital DVI, my optical audio-out jack? My Mom's iBook seems more advanced than my $3000 Latitude.

I'd like to see Dell building ALL of its desktop and notebook machines, even the cheapest, with up-to-date hardware interfaces.

Beyond that, take the lead! Standardize smart-card readers and fingerprint readers on both consumer and business machines. Maybe microphones and webcams on consumer models. Drive adoption of these technologies and see where it takes you. Show some vision.

I know that businesses want backwards compatibility, and that's what converters are for. Need a serial port? Order a $5 USB-serial converter. Got an old monitor? $2 DVI-to-VGA thingy.

Come on, Dell, use your market position and drive adoption of up-to-date hardware standards! 9 Comments »

10

A wish list and rationale

Linux, Service and Support, Laptops submitted by yoda 03/01/07

These ideas have already been spoken about but I'll put them forth anyway:

1. New design for laptops - more than 51% of PCs being purchased are laptops and a new design for a more contemporary design would go along way to get people excited to buy Dell Laptops not for only price. I know you hate hearing the comparison but look at the Mac for inspiration; they have a beautiful and simple design that embodies ownership pride in showing that device off in public places.

2. In-home services - need a dedicated support organization. Stop using outsource providers; they take too long to train, they are not certified and they have unbelievable turnover. Building a dedicated service field force would parallel your Kiosk model and have geographic coverage. Have service engineers proud to be Dell employees give great Dell service instead of hired guns who get paid and praised by a third party. Your proof in the pudding is Geek Squad. I am not going to drop my computer off at a retail store, especially my desktop. I am willing to have a well trained Dell service engineer come and fix my PC regardless if it is a Dell or some other PC manufacturers.

3. New Services - I heard Michael's CES speech and new services. Datasafe Migration is the coolest new service I've heard of in over a decade. This migration service will be the "first" and "only" to allow a PC migration through the factory. Very exciting. I'm not keen on the Datasafe online backup service but the migration makes ultimate sense for Dell. This service will revolutionize the "Purely You" concept and make Dell a revolutionary company again.

4. Don't go into retail - learn from Gateway and Apple. The kiosk model is sound initiative since it is in the malls but doesn't have a real storefront. In the crowded retail marketspace Gateway learned all too quickly that if you have similar products that are not that unique to every other OEM then you will fail if you don't carry product in the stores. Your kiosk model allows you to talk to the customer and show them how to work something on the PC. That is a financially safer model and doesn't extend the risk of retail storefronts unless you have something unique like the Apple stores. The Apple stores create a complete user buying experience and education on how to use the device and software. They also have very unique hardware, e.g., Macs, IPODs, etc., unlike Dell, Gateway, Acer, HP and Lenovo.

5. Linux is not an option - I know a lot of people on this forum rave about Linux but it doesn't satisfy the other 95% of the market place. The demographic on these forums probably range from novice users to advance users. The novice users don't know what to ask for and on the other end of the spectrum is the advance users looking for Linux. The business case to satisfy the advance users is plagued with pitfalls. Most of the folks in that demographic are more likely to buy a customized system from the Alien division, which could be a good option for you Linux fans. At the end of the day, everyone wants a custom system with a low price and that unfortunately doesn't work well with the higher end Alien division. The other problem is that driver support for popular devices isn't there yet for Linux and that is important because average consumers don't want to hunt for drivers. For us techie folks sure Linux is a great option and it isn't affiliated with MSFT in any way, shape or form. When there is a Linux version that "your mom" can use then we can move this idea into the mainstream but until then focus on bringing value to the "rest of the market".

In closing, this is a good idea to encourage people to write about new ideas for Dell. As others have said much more eloquently than I, "please listen and act" on this great feedback mechanism. Thank you. 3 Comments »

-10

Dell OS

New Product Ideas, Operating Systems submitted by juggernaut 02/24/07



Rather than installing Linux and/or Windows why not bring out a Dell OS? Base it on one of the BSD operating systems, make good and sure that the OS is standards compliant, and load it with good open source software.

Make sure that it's designed with the user in mind (unlike Windows and Linux). In other words rather than installing Mac OSX, come up with Dell OS.

Then hire some programmers to build custom apps for Dell OS. Be creative - what would be really neat? What would be really useful? Possibly start a site like this and get user feedback as to what would they would really like.

4 Comments »

-180

Make a DELL OS X PC

Dell, Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by bassaf 03/08/07

Make a deal with Steve Jobs and have OS X installed on new Dell PCs with style and affordable price, so my father can actualy use a computer without being a systems engineer. 51 Comments »

70

Mimic the MacBook

Operating Systems, Software, Laptops submitted by royfuchs 04/10/07

I'd like to see a PC that minics the MacBook.

Figure out how to build a system that doesn't need AV, anti-spam, *.tmp removal or defragging software. The MacBook I recently bought my son gives me control within 30 seconds of start up, my three year old Inspiron takes some three minutes (sure the new Mac has Intel's newest chip, but my guess is that it also requires fewer cycles at start up). And the Mac either doesn't need or automatically does all the internal clean up that the PC user has to do too regularly.

I'd then like to see the system be MSFT-free, perhaps Linux, along with OpenOffice or WordPerfect, or even Google Apps when they become more robust, as starters.

My impression is that unless a user maintains large music, photo or video files, Vista does little more than give MSFT's earnings a goose. Yes, the graphics are sexier, and it's more secure (The fact that I spend more than $50 annually to protect Windows, IE, et al, make me believe that MSFT security is an oxymoron). But when I get ready to spend $1,300 to $2,000 for a new laptop, I will probably make it a MacBook Pro.

MSFT is a one trick pony, Intel's chip is available from Mac, and Dell has become their victim. While Windows' size and lack of security have increased dramatically since 3.1, user friendlieness has not. And when I configured Dell against Apple, there was no cost difference. 1 Comment »

90

Partner with Mac to Run OSX on DELL hardware

Dell submitted by skeffonics 03/01/07

Think about it.
- They have the secure, efficient, stable backend of BSD.
- They have a more user-friendly front-end than any other GUI platform.
- You can run all the productivity software you need on the user desktop, and if you have a windows-only app, you cna run the new XP VM.
- Their servers run all the tools you really need to run an enterprise for DNS, Mail, Authentication, etc.
- Their servers have all the groovy extra support of Xsan, Xserve, etc.
- Their servers can run all the types enterprise apps you'd need, and if you have a proprietary app that requires a specific OS, you can run it in a VM.
- The server admin tools are easy to use to get the job done.
- ......

The merge of perhaps the best OS and UI enviornment with the best hardware would be the best thing we could see happen in the computer technology realm since WI-FI, USB, and the Mouse! 1 Comment »

1789

Dell true mini-sized desktop

Desktops submitted by jerbl 02/17/07

I suggest that Dell design and sell a true mini-sized desktop CPU.
It would be similiar in size, weight and power to the Apple Mac Mini, but with Windows software.
Customers who buy a LCD or Plasma TV also prefer a CPU with a small footprint. 34 Comments »

190

Dell & Vista pushed me to buy a Mac

Operating Systems, Service and Support submitted by dsfdecker 04/20/07

I've been a "Dell only" customer for at least 10 years both at home and at work. I wanted a 12" laptop, but didn't like the Latitude D412 because of the external CD drive. When the XPS 1210 came out, I was interested. When I was finally ready to purchase the XPS 1210, Windows Vista had been released about 3 weeks earlier. Since all the reviews about Vista I'd seen were only mediocre at best, I was really surprised to find that Dell wouldn't offer the 1210 with XP. I waited another few weeks, tried again, same answer. I was told I could buy the computer, uninstall Vista, purchase XP and install it. Are you kidding me? Give me a break. I began to look at other laptops. Just for the fun of it, I looked at the Mac Book and found that I would get a LOT more computer for a surprisingly less price than the XPS 1210. And I don't have to use Vista. Until now, I've had a really great experience with Dell computers, but I'm saving about $1,500 buying a more powerful MacBook than the XPS 1210. I'll let you know how it all works out. Dell -- learn from this mistake!!! 8 Comments »

320

Block spammers

IdeaStorm submitted by mistern 05/05/07

Spam is starting to become a problem.

It hides good articles. 6 Comments »

400

MAINSTREAM Linux through MARKETING

Advertising and Marketing submitted by badblood 05/02/07

Raise public awareness about Linux, convince the mainstream! Coax them. Cajole them. TV, Radio, Newspapers. Do what you need to do to get it into the mainstream consciousness.

Use the Penguin. People LOVE PENGUINS. Make them laugh and smile at the Penguin make them sing along with the Penguin Song. 23 Comments »

1900

remove mcafee 30 days trial software

Software submitted by robertobiggio 05/03/07

its a pain to remove mcafee, u have to go into msconfig to remove this antivirus.

to much trouble, pls, who wants mcafee,
consumer is more important than a little software bundle fees, isnt it? 4 Comments »

160

offer the choice between ubuntu or Kubuntu

submitted by pagux 05/03/07

Lots of people dont use Gnome based Ubuntu but more powerful Kde based Kubuntu ....offering Unbutu to Kubuntu wont make any sense ......so there should be choice ...also do a poll to know how many ppl prefer ubuntu vs kubuntu 14 Comments »



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