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Environmental Laptop Based on Solar Energy/Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Environment, Laptop Power submitted by gchakra 02/17/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

What's smart for the environment is smart for Dell. Dell should build units that are degradable or can be easily recycled. Sure, its going to be a little more expensive, but it will be a smart product. It will use a lot less energy. The laptops could have a solar panel or be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The first microelectronic implementation of a fuel cell will give Dell a tremendous marketing boost. It will be incredibly popular with kids in college.
Gopal







134 Comments »

Fix the BIOS to enable HIBERNATE & SUSPEND

Linux, Service and Support submitted by cement_head 05/03/07

Three major priorities should be addressed for the adoption of Ubuntu 7.04:

1) The Hibernate and Suspend functions should work with the BINARY (accelerated) graphics drivers from nVIDIA and ATI. nVIDIA has better linux support - consider switching to nVIDIA cards on laptops. HIBERNATE and SUSPEND are essential for laptops and for widescale adoption within the business/corporate world. DELL laptops have been notrorious for poorly written BIOSes that only will hook into Micro$oft windows and M$ ACPI scripts - while this has not been an issue in the past due to the monolith of M$; it is now an issue whose time has come. This BIOS (DSDT tables) issue has to addressed at the level of DELL, not Ubuntu. Consider the FreeBIOS project.

2) Wireless cards should "simply work". Major culprit is Broadcom Cards. They are a pain to install; and usually require an extra step. Consider adopting a different manufacturer that supplies & supports an open source WiFi driver.

3) AMD processors. They are better. They are cheaper. They use less power. The Turion (64 bit) is especially well suited to Linux. AMD & nVIDIA would be a formidable combination. Consider dumping INTEL.

Less important, but annoying:

4) iTUNEs. This is REALLY annoying. Goes to the heart of DRM. But, the pragmatic reality of today's world is that many people already have an iPOD. Maybe you (Michael Dell) has enough pull to get Steve Jobs to get his people to compile/script iTUNES for Ubuntu.

Looking forward to seeing Feisty on DELLs.

- cement_head 7 Comments »

Do not hire nontechnical people for techsupport

Service and Support submitted by jbrogers 02/17/07

This is the main problem with the India call centers - they have no idea what they are doing. They are obviously reading a scripted diagnosing tool and have no personal knowledge of computing issues.

I have both home and business accounts with Dell. When I call in for support on my Business account, I get a good old-fashioned American geek, who instantly understands that I am fairly technical, and doesn't treat me like an idiot.

The Indian call centers, not having knowledge themselves, do not recognize that I know anything, and treat me like an idiot as they read from the diagnosis tool. Yeah, I know the computer is plugged in. Yeah I know that I have internet connectivity. Sheesh.

33 Comments »

Laptop cooling

Laptops submitted by kdickensheets 05/21/07

Why not have cooling for laptops draw air from the sides and exhaust through the back rather than the bottom. Travelers often put their laptop on their hotel beds or sit them on their laps on airplanes usually blocking the fan opening make the unit overheat. My wife often leaves hers running on the bed and it heats up because of lack of proper air circulaton. 13 Comments »

Don't make us buy Vista

Operating Systems submitted by icantseeyou 02/21/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

From all of the press I have read it is plain that Vista is a big bomb. To buy the cheapest version I hear it isn't even as good as XP SP2. At the same time you need at least 4 Gig to run it. Offer other options... I don't care if it's Linux, XP, or a rat running on a wheel. Don't make us buy Vista.

You can read more about this the OS options Dell offers here.






93 Comments »

Fully Upgradeable Laptop

Laptops submitted by badblood 05/19/07

Produce a Laptop where everything can be upgraded. Asus is doing it - and here it is:



You name it: Processor, LCD, hard drive, memory, graphics card, optical drive -- take the old one out and put a new component it, all within minutes. The notebook is designed around the core principle of it being easy to upgrade.

Maybe you already have a flexible computer like this one? 9 Comments »

See only Linux compatible components when building your own system

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by frozenfire 05/03/07

It would be nice when building you own system on the Dell site, you can tick a box and then it doesn't show the components that aren't Linux compatible. 3 Comments »

Dont eliminate XP just yet

Operating Systems submitted by javaprog07 02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Ok, well I know I may be chastised for bringing this up, but vista is still a young operating system with its own problems etc... I would like to see both Home and Business computers, especially notebooks have an XP Home and Pro option on top of Vista until it has at least been out for a year. For those seasoned users like me who just feel that you need to let a new OS mature before jumping right in. I am planning on buying a new notebook, and I would like to insure I wont have to format it on arrival just to have XP.
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.




209 Comments »

Silent / Quiet Computers: Sound levels in decibels

Desktops and Laptops submitted by pchris 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

I'd like Dell to provide the sound level in decibels for each of their desktops, under max load as well as at idle.

How a manufacturer can produce an expensive computer, and then have the user acoustic experience of that computer dominated by the noise generated by a cheap fan worth just pennies, for the entire lifetime of that computer, is incomprehensible. Computers are noisy when brand new, but those cheap fans begin to rub and oscillate and make additional annoying noises, frequently within a short period of time of purchase.

Personally, the peace and quiet of my personal workspace is very important to me, it's my sanctuary from the world where I can focus and be creative. To have that experience disrupted by cheap fans is sad, especially when slightly more expensive fans and some reasonable design would solve the issue. Another reason why I consider buying an Apple.

If the cost of a better sound design and fans is significant, it could be an extra cost option.
In general, Dell provides noise data of its products in the Environmental Datasheets. Tests are conducted according to ISO standards in a NVLAP accredited acoustics facility. Click here for more details




152 Comments »

TV Commercial for New Ubuntu PCs

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by josmar52789 05/03/07

Dell should produce a new commercial for the Ubuntu PCs. It could tell the consumers of America why Dell has chosen to pre-install Linux on mainstream computers and hopefully promote the advantages of this new endeavor. Plus, it's likely that Dell's Linux initiative would be much more successful. 117 Comments »

Dell Ubuntu for Europe

Linux submitted by yesmathew 05/03/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dell announced to pre-load Ubuntu on Notebooks and Desktops for US market. What about for Europe? We want for Europe market too... users from Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, Austria, Spain, and others are requesting the same.


See the blog post in Direct2Dell re: Ubuntu in UK, France and Germany; Dell/Red Hat Solutions & More.
85 Comments »

Sell a $100 laptop

Dell, Education, Sales Strategies submitted by ezrider4428 02/19/07

Although the OLPC program is doing great things, i think that Dell should get involved in North America and help literacy programs and under-privaled kids by offering $100 laptops with subsidies and easy payment options like $9 a month for a year or $1 a month for 100 months. 12 Comments »

Extra-Depth Laptop Shoulder Bag for the Working Person

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by mwcpayne 04/20/07

There remains a need in the market for an extra DEEP / THICK laptop bag (I think the term "width" has already been used for a wide screen).

The trend has been toward slim bags that hold the laptop, cord, and a few files. That may be fine for some, but many of us need - on a daily basis - the computer AND cords AND a couple inches of files AND a small textbook AND a few other electronics AND to eat for lunch.

Backpacks work, yesmaybe even something , but aren't exactly professional. The multi-bag option is available, of course, but again suffers from lack of professionalism and organization - and also uses up both carry-ons allowed when flying. Non-computer bags might work, but always at risk of harming the computer.

I suggest a practical, top loading, working shoulder bag with a) padded computer slot, b) handy side pocket for an organizer, pens, memory keys, etc., and c) an additional 3 or so inches over the regular dimensions to accomodate other papers.

Thanks. 10 Comments »

Design environmentally-friendly PC based on VIA C7 Processor

Environment, Linux submitted by greenpc 03/01/07

Design a true low-cost, green PC based on VIA C7 Processor (www.via.com.tw/en/products/processors/c7) and Linux OS (pref. Ubuntu). Complete system should cost no more than 249 and still make a nice profit for Dell. Comment »

Allow all parts to be customer replaceable on laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by guardianxps 03/03/07

I guess this one is a no-brainer, but build systems which all parts are accessible on all portables, not just the high-end systems. 3 Comments »

Projector built into Notebook Idea

Laptops submitted by illini7833 02/22/07

I have an idea of having a projector built into your laptop. Think there is a real market for this feature on Dell's Latitude line of notebooks. Focus would be on the Latitude line to target people who work for companies. Would make hunting for projectors a thing of the past. Envisioning a projector built into the chassis. Thoughts? 14 Comments »

Solid State Drive as option in Notebooks

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by tablet205 03/28/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Definition

A solid state drive is primarily a data storage device, for use in computing applications that traditionally use a hard disk drive.

A solid state drive is based on non-volatile memory instead of the spinning platter and mechanical-magnetic head found in a conventional hard disk drive. With no moving parts, a solid state drive eliminates seek time, latency and other electro-mechanical delays and failures associated with a conventional hard disk drive.

Advantages

* Faster startup - Since no spin-up required.
* Faster read time – In some cases, twice or more than that of the fastest hard drives.
* Low read and write latency (seek) time, hundreds of times faster than a mechanical disk.
* Faster boot and application launch time - Result of the faster read and especially seek time. But only if application already resides in flash and is more dependent on read speed than other issues, eg. OS bootup that detects devices will not be significantly sped up even with faster seeks & reads.
* Lower power consumption and heat production - no mechanical parts results in less power consumption.
* No noise - Lack of mechanical parts makes the SSD completely silent.
* Better mechanical reliability - Lack of mechanical parts results in less wear and tear. High level of ability to endure extreme shock, vibration and temperatures, which apply to laptops and other mobile devices, or when transported.
* Security - allowing a very quick "wipe" of all data stored.
* Deterministic performance - unlike mechanical hard drives, performance of SSDs is constant and deterministic across the entire storage. "Seek" time is constant, and performance does not deteriorate as the media fills up (See: Fragmentation).
* Lower weight and (depending upon type) size
* Faster than conventional disks on random I/O
Check out the Idea in Action on the SSD enhancements Dell is making.




49 Comments »

Implemented: Ubuntu Dell is Le$$ Than Windows Dell

Linux submitted by thebittersea 05/05/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

see comment from Erik down below... [Dell's Pricing Team]

$774 Inspiron 1420 (Ubuntu)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Ubuntu version 7.04
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Integrated High Definition Audio

$824 Inspiron 1420 (Vista)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows® Vista Home Basic Edition
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD writer/DVD Combo Drive
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Integrated High Definition Audio
The difference in promotion pricing was due to an error on the site, which has been fixed.






412 Comments »

Geeks to Grandmas - Service Customization

Service and Support submitted by dell_admin1 05/18/07

Dell wants your feedback on the following idea intended to improve customer service and support:

We're considering providing customers the ability to self-select their service queue based on their own technical capability, such as "Advanced Computer Knowledge," "Intermediate," or "Beginner," further customizing the support experience.

UPDATE (May 18 at 8pm Central):
A number of people are asking for more information about this idea so they can comment. However, this idea is not a defined “offer” at this point, so many details have not yet been determined. That’s why we want your feedback! Others have asked if this idea would cost extra or not… in this case, that has not yet been determined and we’re hoping to use your comments to help define the answer. 82 Comments »

Higher-quality paint job

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by benbenman 05/23/07

I've had my Inspiron 6400/e1505 since about September last year (so it's about 8 months old) and already a heap of paint has worn off the touchpad buttons. This shouldn't be: you would not expect the paint to flake away so easily. I'm not an overly heavy user of my notebook, but it's disappointing to see a grey plastic "hole" on my left touchpad button. A more durable paint job would be a great idea for people who use their Dells heavily. 3 Comments »