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Allow operating system CHOICE

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by rahbm Apr 9

Please make the operating system a priced option on EVERY PC, so that people know how much they are paying, and for what.

This will allow Ubuntu users to buy any system, as opposed to the limited range now, increasing sales.

This will not disadvantage Windows purchasers; they can simply tick the box for XP or Vista, and have a choice not available now.

This will also open up sales to those who want NO operating system, so that they can load their own. So far I have always bought 'white-box' PCs, but would like the ability to buy a real brand-name PC with support and warranty.

Simplified ordering (just pick the PC), with more potential customers!

Thank you for your consideration. 2 Comments »

New Inspiron / Laptop Keyboards that do not "Catch" fingers

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Inspiron products, Laptops submitted by gear Apr 18

The Inspiron 1525's keyboard (which is standard across the Dell Laptop line - I believe - has a terrible problem.

The low profile keys have a tendency of "catching" fingers If you should depress the key at the edge close enough to touch the edge of the next (not depressed) key.

If you have big fingers, this problem gets more serious.

The old Dell 8600 I had had the same flaw which can cause key caps to be detached if they happen to "catch" my finger.

What is needed is to redesign the keyboard, increasing the key's side skirt depth (even if it increases the profile of the keyboard slightly) to prevent this "catching".

A even better idea is to offer replacement keyboards that have different feels to them, ranging from tactile keyboards with or without a "click", to ones that are "hard" vs. "soft" feel.

Finally, the silver color of the Inspiron 1525 keyboard has another annoying flaw, which is it reflects and causes glares if used in bright lights.

Can you make the keyboard in different colors that do not reflect as much light? 1 Comment »

Lower Prices of Batteries, especially Replacements

Laptops, Laptop Power submitted by gear Apr 18

I realize there is a temporary battery shortage that is driving up prices and also the high cost associated with getting bad batteries that have to be recalled.

However, I know that there are many Li-Ion battery suppliers in China that are currently not qualified as Dell Suppliers and will need a certain amount of work to come up to your quality specs.

Why not begin a program to upgrade their capabilities leading to a more diversified source of batteries, and hopefully, lower prices?

In the mean time, I understand that there are shortages, but it is unconsciousable to raise your prices for replacement batteries to $300 for a 9 cell battery.

That is the level of robbery associated with Sony.

If there is a shortage, hold prices stable but impose rationing instead. 3 Comments »

All 64 Bit PC's

Desktops submitted by class2008 05/25/07

Dell should begin producing all 64 bit pc's. WIth rumors of Windows Vista being the last OS available in 32 bit, they should get consumers ready with 64 bit pc's, at reasonable prices. 50 Comments »

Give us real bios control

Desktops and Laptops submitted by retro Apr 21

Give us all full control of our hardware, I hate entering a bios and seeing only the most basic settings and not much of them, I may get some faster ram and want to set the cas or i may want to adjust my hard drive settings. 10 Comments »

Empower your India customer support reps just as much as you do your US ones.

Dell submitted by jmxz Apr 25

Quoting a Dell press relesase written about here

Dell's new premium support service ...new fee-based offering ... support team in North America ...are empowered to address a comprehensive range of issues across the breadth of Dell's product line.

While I'm all for Dell offering fee-based support in [country of your choice] for people who'd rather choose products for nationalistic reasons rather than best-value-for-dollar - I find it a bit scary that you go out of your way to mention that this new team is "empowered to address a comprehensive range of issues".

Is this implying (or, worse, acknowledging) that your India team is no longer empowered in such a way? That sounds disappointing, since previously I've had great support from your India teams. I'd hate to think that they're being disempowered just so have have a reason to upsell people to this new fee-based offering. Comment »

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 1 Comment »

Provide a fix for Media Direct instead of asking user to reformat

Servers and Storage, Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by programatix Apr 26

Dell Media Direct feature is too easy to break. A minor change to the partition layout or size will simply break it. When this happen, pressing the Media Direct button when the system is turned off will not start Dell Media Direct anymore.

The current solution from Dell is to reformat the HDD. This is unacceptable. There should be a way to fix it! So far, I tried in vain.

I've encountered this problem several times and I'm tired of reformatting the HDD just to make Media Direct to work.

The problem always started with error like, "MD Extention Partition Error" when the Media Direct button is pressed when system is off. This is what I've tried to fix the problem,

• Start using Media Direct CD. Quit the process to return to command prompt. Run "setupmd /diskno=0 /type=DD". Run "md3patch". Reboot. After this process, if I press the Media Direct button to start the system, it will just display Media Direct splash screen and stay there.
  
• Boot up to Vista. Insert Media Direct CD. Go to DellKit folder. Run "md3utils /mapmd3=x". Checked drive X: and everything seems fine. Tried to rebuild the drive by running "XPS M15301.exe" and "XPS M15302.exe" but it doesn't solve the problem.
  
• Since Vista is in partition 3 and MD3 is in partition 4, I tried running "rmbr DELL 3 4" in DellKit. Doesn't solve the problem either.
  

I also found out that the MD3 partition is hidden with unknown state because the type of the partition is set to "DD". If I set it to "OB", it will turn into FAT32 and can be viewed normally with Windows Explorer.

I don't see anything special with the implementation of MD3 partition but why is it so complicated in reviving it when it is broken? Please Dell, instead of asking users to reformat the HDD, provide a way to fix it or rebuild it without reformatting the HDD. 3 Comments »

Allow anyone to get any product in any channel (home, business, etc.) on the Dell site.

Sales Strategies submitted by winoffice May 4

Sometimes Dell posts some products only in certain channels; for example home offices cannot get Vostros.

It is like saying that business users want Vostros, but nobody in, for example, a home office, would want it. But some home offices might want it. For some people in home offices, it might be exactly what they might be looking for. The same applies to all channels and all products actually.

In any case, this is extremely annoying for those who do encounter this.

An idea has been submitted and suggests that Dell merge all channels into one for simplicity. But until then Dell, please offer all products in all of your channels.

(I want to note that I posted this in an earlier post, but that was only for PCs. I decided to generalize it to all products). 3 Comments »

Cut the cost of a 9-cell battery upgrade

Sales Strategies, Laptop Power submitted by ccpljat May 6

Yes a 9-cell is more powerful and lasts longer, but $169? Come on. It can't be that much. Cut down the price to honestly reflect the difference. I mean good grief, you can buy a 9-cell replacement for an Inspiron 1720 for $154! An upgrade is always supposed to be less.

FIX IT, DELL!!!! 9 Comments »

Order linux on Dell from any part of world

Linux, Laptops submitted by zigcatus Apr 11

Dell Can Australia have a Ubuntu OS Laptop

Why not let any one in any part of the world order ubuntu operating system on a Dell laptop we in Australia seem to be out of luck with no listing on the Australian Dell website that give us a linux OS link. Orders are made online I think we would wait the little bit more time if a ubuntu Dell laptop has to come from US or UK just get the power supply right for Australia that all, not that hard you think. And go for the Apple power plug it just a great idea smart and simple.

Allan 6 Comments »

Dell: join in! Offer a low-cost Linux PC!

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by phubert Apr 2

It appears Dell remains afraid of Microsoft... and here is an answer we haven't heard from Dell on IdeaStorm:

"The top PC makers have so far treaded carefully. Dell's website sells Ubuntu computers in a separate section for open-source PCs, out of direct comparison with Windows machines. Dell spokeswoman Anne Camden said the placement reflects the fact that Linux is still not a mainstream consumer product."

From the USA Today article:

Burst of low-end PCs could boost Linux

"Business computing suppliers are finding open-source desktops especially gaining traction in cost-conscious developing markets. For example, IBM and Linux vendor Red Hat recently launched Microsoft-free desktops for Eastern Europe.

One buyer is Aleksandar Spagnut, a director of Moscow-based Rushotel, which needed new desktop PCs for a hotel-building project. Spagnut said his company saved 30 to 35% over comparable Windows machines. He added that Linux PCs are now common enough that a snowball effect is emerging, whereby technical support and "drivers" — which essentially tell programs how to interact with hardware — are much easier to find." ****

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/software/2008-04-01-cheap-pc-linux_N.ht... 19 Comments »

Have Ubuntu on Dell One

Linux, XPS products submitted by daniel117 Mar 12

After hearing a couple magazines and people say Vista has glitches, I think Dell's best computer ever (and best counterpart of Apple's Macs) this computer company should start looking into Linux more, especially Ubuntu. Oh sure, Dell didn't get enough people into Ubuntu, but that can be easily fixed by putting Linux into Dell One. Dell is missing out on more sales from Ubuntu fans and all you geeks out there. Not much of them, but popularity would spread and soon Vista is in the dust (not that I hate Vista, but I like Ubuntu better). 11 Comments »

Ubuntu laptop and Desktop in INDIA

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by swapnasarit Mar 28

Why Dell doen't sell Ubuntu based laptops and Desktops in india. Its a great OS and really find no reason to pay for Microsoft Vista OS while buying a laptop in india 7 Comments »

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? 736 Comments »

Reduce laptop price as Acer did

Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by programatix Feb 25

Dell should reduce its laptop price to compete with Acer in Malaysia. I do not know how Acer manager to squeeze so much in its laptops but still manage to be the cheapest. Take for example the Acer Aspire 5920G specification,

• Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20GHz, 4MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
• 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• NVIDIA® GeForce Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR2 dedicated graphic memory
• 15.4" Wide Screen XGA (1280x800) display
• DVD+/-RW7 with Dual Layer DVD+R write capacity
• 320GB SATA hard drive
• USB 2.0 (4 ports)
• Integrated 10/100/1000 LAN (RJ45) and 56K Modem (RJ11)
• Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini Card
• Firewire IEEE1394a
• 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
• HDMI
• VGA video output & S-Video
• Surround Spekers with Subwoofer
• 1 ExpressCard 54mm Slot
• Integrated 1.3 MP camera
• Bluetooth ® 2.0 / Consumer IR
• 8-cell Li-Ion Battery
• Weight: 3.0kg
  The price for the specification above is only RM4199 (about USD1,300)
  
  The following is Dell XPS M1530 with near equal specification with the same specification as Acer Aspire 5920G except the one stated,
  
  
  • Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.00GHz,2MB L2 Cache,800MHz FSB) >> (lower spec)
  • 3 USB 2.0 >> (lower spec)
  • RJ45 Ethernet port (10/100) >> (lower spec)
  • 8-in-1 card reader >> (higher spec)
  • Integrated 2.0 MP camera >> (higher spec)
  • Low quality speakers >> (lower spec)
    The price for Dell XPS M1530 with the above specification is RM4807 (about USD1,500).
    
    As you can see, the specification for Dell XPS M1530 is lower than Acer Aspire 5920G but cost more.
    
    As an officer in the Education Department in Malaysia, I'm seeing more teachers owning new laptop and all of them are Acer. If the price is lowered, I think Dell laptops will be selling like hot cake in Malaysia.

12 Comments »

Dell please offer discrete ATI video cards in your laptops again

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by pjq1977 Feb 27

dell used to offer ati discrete video cards but now currently only 1 dell laptop offers a discrete ATI video card (XPS M2010) and you could argue that it is not truly a laptop. please give customers a choice of ati with the nvidia choices for discrete video cards. some people do not like nvida cards and prefer ati. yes i understand ati is owned by amd and you recently quit selling amd powered systems online but please don't ignore ati as a video card option. 3 Comments »

Offer Ubuntu on the XPS 1530

Linux, XPS products submitted by zero79 Feb 17

I want a 15" laptop. I want to run Ubuntu. Please offer the two in combination. 6 Comments »

DELL shouldn't charge $150 more for their (PRODUCT)RED model and only donate $50 to Africa

Dell submitted by jaylus12 Feb 16

*** UPDATE: ***
I didn't look close enough. The (PRODUCT)RED model includes Windows Vista Ultimate. The other model comes with Home Premium, and costs $150 to upgrade to Ultimate. So DELL is not actually charging more for the (PRODUCT)RED, they are just forcing a Windows upgrade on you...

-------------------------------------------------------------...
While all other companies charge the SAME price for their (PRODUCT)RED model, and donate a percentage of the proceeds to fight diseases in Africa, DELL charges $150 more -- the specs are identical mind you, and only donates $50.

So where is the other $100 going?

You can see this here:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1330?c=us&cs=...~ 22 Comments »

More RAM on the XPS One

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), XPS products submitted by chrishedlund Feb 24

I really want to buy an XPS One - especially after checking it out at Best Buy. But a maximum RAM configuration of 2GB just doesn't cut it. I will be waiting to buy it when the 4GB option is available. 4 Comments »