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
(RED) Goes Gaming with the Dell XPS M1730
Advertising and Marketing, Dell, Gaming, Healthcare, XPS products submitted by smotchberry
Jan 25
I have already commended Dell in a previous post for their efforts regarding the (RED) initiative.
As what I hope will be my final post on the (RED) initiative for a while (don't wait to overdo a good idea).
I think a great idea that would add the cherry on the cake in celebrating the initiative would be to design a limited edition XPS M1730 decked out in a (RED) theme and tricked out with the latest gear (perhaps you could even partner with Intel or NVIDIA and get access to their latest or even next-gen tech - a man can dream!). After crafting this beautiful beast of a laptop you could then have two options on how to make the most of it:
A) Auction an example or two off, like you've done with other products in the past and donate all or the majority of the proceeds to the global fund.
B) Churn out a limited run of maybe 10, 50, 100 or 500 pieces of the laptop, and maybe just in this case, make the contribution to the global fund a little higher than average?
From that point on, you could decide to take the laptop to the mainstream depending on the critical success and financial viability of the product.
And who knows? These laptops might hold onto a considerable amount of their value compared to traditonal laptops and serve as a great reminder of how we fought to make AIDS slowly become a thing of the past.
Newly Added:
As a bonus feature these laptops could come with a NVIDIA-optimised Folding@Home preinstalled, to add to it's virus/disease fighting arsenal!
10
Laptops: Bigger LETTER Keys
Dell, Gaming submitted by zanlok
Jan 27
I know my image is nonideal, but what I really want is a full-size qwerty keyboard on my 17" laptop. Especially my XPS 1730. I'd sacrifice the numpad for this. I'd also gladly pay $50 extra! This was admittedly mentioned here. BUT: that idea got merged with something about having a numpad. No,no,no: bad moderator.
170
Put Ubuntu on a laptop with better specs
Inspiron products, Linux submitted by piratehead
10/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Offer an Ubuntu laptop (Inspirion or otherwise) with available discreet graphics, discreet audio, 8GB or more of RAM, a quad-core processor, bluetooth, next-gen WiFi, and integrated webcam.
I don't know how many of those are possible at this point, but each one is a step forward for people who are waiting on certain specs to bite on a Dell laptop.
Now that you offer laptops with Ubuntu on them, I really don't want to go to another company just to get the computer specs I want. I wish to vote for Dell with my dollars, paying for a laptop that has actually been tested and certified by the manufacturer to run Ubuntu. Please give me the opportunity!
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about our Ubuntu offerings.
6220
Dell should follow the 'spirit of Ubuntu' for its Ubuntu systems!
Linux submitted by limulus
12/19/07
I was all excited to read that "Today, we're adding Ubuntu 7.10 (a.k.a Gutsy Gibbon) to the Dell Consumer Linux line-up for customers in the United States. It will also be available on the Inspiron 530 in England, France, and Germany later this week." but then it was with a bit of horror that I read:
"Pre-installation of [Adobe's] Flash for a better web experience"
and
"we now include built-in DVD movie playback with all Ubuntu 7.10 systems" using LinDVD
So under the guise of 'customer desire' Dell is going contrary to the 'spirit of Ubuntu' by preinstalling non-libre software. What's worse, as confirmed by a second posting:
"Note that this is a closed-source, proprietary application, and is not included on the Ubuntu 7.10 OS media. [...] ISO images DO NOT CONTAIN LinDVD, as LinDVD is a non-free application that is included in the cost of a system purchased with our Ubuntu 7.10 factory-installation. We'll make information available on how this application can be purchased after the holidays."
Apparently Dell thinks that because they can hide the cost of Windows in a regular Dell system, its OK to hide the cost of a proprietary application in their Ubuntu systems.
NO IT IS NOT!!!
If Dell wants to sell LinDVD as an add-on, that's fine, but one of the major draws of Ubuntu is specifically the LACK of proprietary software and its FREE cost. Do not force users to pay for non-libre, non-gratis software by attempting to bundle it into the cost of the hardware!
Also, regarding Adobe's Flash, while most Ubuntu users will likely want it, its again contrary to the 'spirit of Ubuntu' to force users to have it by default. Quoting Mark Shuttleworth:
“I hear you when you say “users want proprietary codecs”. That’s why we make sure these items ARE available, at the user’s option, as packages on the network repositories. That allows users who need that functionality, or who choose that functionality over free alternatives, to exercise that choice freely. We don’t make that choice for them, though of course there is huge demand from real users for that. And we will stay firm in that regard. Ubuntu does not, and will never, include proprietary applications.“
Ubuntu 7.10 will automatically offer Adobe's Flash or the libre Gnash plugin when Firefox encounters a SWF file, so there is NO NEED to bundle it.
So allow me to suggest how Dell can make its Ubuntu systems better:
When a customer orders one, have a software choice like the following, which assumes LinDVD costs $20:
Ubuntu 7.10 [subtract $20]
Ubuntu 7.10 with proprietary codecs (Flash, etc.) [subtract $20]
Ubuntu 7.10 with proprietary codecs (Flash, etc.) and LinDVD player [Included in Price]
Dell could then go all contrary to Ubuntu's philosophy and include things like MP3 support via the gratis but not fully libre fluendo codec but give users a say in the matter.
Alternately, if Dell is going to insist on bundling all sorts of non-libre and non-gratis software and not give the purchasers a choice about it, please stop calling it Ubuntu!
-140
Partially finance the development of Ubuntu to make it as easy to use as windows
Dell, Operating Systems submitted by eniacfoa
12/20/07
Is it really that hard for Ubuntu to get as user friendly as windows? i think it will never compete with windows without being AS user friendly combined with more aggressive marketing...if the average user has trouble installing software, the whole thing is futile...and i think it could happen if some cash was thrown at it...something dell has plenty of...
I would love dell to put their money where their mouth is and help improve Ubuntu dramatically in the user friendly department...
What Dell is doing is still "toying" with the idea instead of throwing their weight behind it...there is a real market for alternative computers, people really are sick of windows, but its the only operating system they have that they can use...dont tell me apple either...theyre a rip off and an annoyance...thats why they only have 2-5% of computers...they got hammered by the commodore 64 and they got hammered by the PC/Windows for a reason...its not just marketing....they are the computer for snobs, not the masses
Microsoft is not invincible, after Commodore Business Machines management killed the company from within Microsoft were right there in 95, ready for the web and apple, being no real competition...if a group of people came along with the vision, the business skill, the capital and the beleif that they can achieve their goal, microsoft would lose their "monopoly by default" because their products arnt that good.
Nobody likes vista, strike while the iron is hot...
Plan B - buy the IP of amiga OS....you really could have a tiny Desktop OS that was very light on system resources and multi-tasked well...of course needs lots of cash to develop as its not considered modern enough not having full memory protection and some other features...the thing about it is even if the whole system goes down, on modern hardware a warm boot would be 2-3 seconds....its like 8 seconds on G3 hardware... the only reason it doesnt have "full" memory protection is its trying to remain somewhat compatible with previous versions...an idea that could be scrapped....there is a small community of talented amiga developers already devoted and this number would grow if the IP wasnt owned by a shady company who makes it look like a money laundering exercise....so many people in the current IT industry have fond memories of CBM machines and would want to work with AmigaOS it if it was a real option...alot of people still say Amiga OS multi tasks better than windows...
its a very nice flavour of unix ;)
Plan C - put money into react OS, reverse engineer windows, make a compatible version open source, kill microsoft and go down in history ;)
-220
ONE SHOPPING CART PLEASE (dell.com)
Dell Web Site submitted by ootleman
02/16/07
Why split it up into 4 different shopping carts (home, small business, etc)? I still don't know how it works. 1/2 my products go into one cart, 1/2 my orders go into the other, possibly depending on where I was browsing from.
And, then, seems like the shopping carts expire after a few hours. After all that time spent configuring, why not keep it around longer.
Matter of fact, why not split the site up at all? If I click on desktops - show me all desktops. Do I, as a small company, need differ computers then a medium business? Please show me everything and let me figure out what works best.
2781
More Dell <-> Community Communication
IdeaStorm submitted by mistern
05/15/07
Certainly, Dell's move to start IdeaStorm was a good one, and I think it will improve the situation quite a bit.
What I'd like to see is more direct and spontaneous (but somewhat official) communication between Dell employees and the users of this site. dell_admin1 does communicate with us, but mainly about administrative issues.
You get our feedback. We want your feedback. Agree?
jmxz's part of the idea (his article was merged here): IdeasStorm needs more participation from Dell Management and EmployeesDell has meetings with the management to discuss Ideas that are posted to the site. Why can’t some of those managers stop by and ask questions or maybe enlighten users when they suggest an idea that isn’t feasible. I’m not saying they need to spend the whole day doing this but maybe just pop in once in a while. I believe that such conversations lead to better ideas not only from us but from Dell employees as well. This kind of interaction would also make users know that they are being listened to. Further information in the comments of this Idea.
4480
Make a calendar with all COMING SOON and IN PROGRESS ideas
Advertising and Marketing, IdeaStorm submitted by krasmussen
09/22/07 **REVIEWED**
One of the biggest annoyances with IdeaStorm is that the horizon for an idea being implemented is very blurry, if at all existing. If you're lucky, you get "third quarter 2009", but mostly, there is no timeframe at all. This leads to the feeling that not much is being done, and exactly that feeling is what IdeaStorm should be eliminating.
Therefore, I propose that you make a list or calender with all the COMING SOON and IN PROGRESS ideas with timeframes for all of them. Just a "december 2008" would be nice, or better yet, "deadline 31st november 2008".
I don't know if this is connected with some goal management inside Dell, if it is, maybe you should work on improving that, too?
Today, the best way to know the progress of an idea is through Ideas in Action, our Weekly Update or Dell comments in the thread.
6740
Donations for Ubuntu development
Linux submitted by dave-2
11/27/07
If Dell ever implements the idea (and this, and this, and this, etc) allowing users to select Ubuntu from a list of OS options instead of going to another section of the website to order a special "N" series model, the Ubuntu option should cost less than the Windows options.
In addition to the OS configuration buttons, offer two buttons that allow the user to contribute that savings back toward Ubuntu development:
o Donate $0 to Ubuntu (default)
o Donate $25 to Ubuntu (split the savings)
o Donate $50 to Ubuntu (donate the full amount saved)
The amount of the full donation should reflect the cost of the least expensive version of Windows (e.g. Genuine Windows(r) Vista Home Premium) .
440
Dell: Support Open BIOSes for Linux
Dell, Linux submitted by phubert
10/10/07 **REVIEWED**
An Open BIOS for Linux would free it from the DOS legacy code and speed boot times.
The current BIOS is a legacy throwback... it's time to replace it!
Our current priority is to expand Linux availability by bringing more platforms and languages to market. Read what daniel_j has to say.
5550
Goal: Dell FREEDOM Box - A Fully Open System for Home Users by 2010
Dell, Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dpic
11/29/07
Set a goal of having at least one fully open system for home users by the end of 2010! This would be Dell's greatest endeavor yet!
The Dell FREEDOM Box | From the software, all the way down to the hardware, a completely open system
Software:
* A fully open source operating system with no restricted software like Gobuntu.
Hardware:
* All hardware must follow these rules--
1. The interface to the hardware must be explicitly made public, so the hardware can be used freely.
2. The design of the hardware must be made public, so that others can implement it and learn from it.
3. The tools used to create the design should be free, so that others can develop and improve the design.
This movement is already making headway and progress will continue to increase. Dell is already getting involved--
It has been stated that Dell has a goal to have open Linux drivers for all Dell products. Dell, keep the pressure on your vendors to open up!
Support OpenBIOS and Open Firmware!
"Among its features, Open Firmware provides an instruction set independent device interface. This can be used to boot the operating system from expansion cards without native initialization code.
It is Open Firmware's goal to work on all common platforms, like x86, AMD64, PowerPC, ARM and Mips. With its flexible and modular design, Open Firmware targets servers, workstations and embedded systems, where a sane and unified firmware is a crucial design goal and reduces porting efforts noticeably."
- http://www.openbios.org/
Already, there is huge support for replacing proprietary BIOS
- http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/62549/LinuxBIOS_instead_of_proprietary_...
- http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/74358/Dell_Support_Open_BIOSes_for_Linux
And there is the Open Graphics Project
- http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72320/Help_The_Open_Graphics_Project<
This project would put Dell at the heart of the movement bringing Freedom, Reliability, and Innovation to the world of technology! Does one really need to ask why this would be better than proprietary technology?
1720
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.
33100
Start offering DELL products to the general public in Poland
Dell, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by lukasz.wisniewski
11/12/07
According to today's local newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza [1], by 20th November, 11:30 to be more exact, Dell will just have manufactured their first notebook in Lodz, Poland. Unfortunately, even though I am inhabitant of this city, it is more than unlikely I will buy DELL notebook anytime soon.
Firstly, the current policy of your company in Poland is "Only for enterprises and institutions" (original in Polish: Tylko dla firm i instytucji). Such a approach seems to me to be more than just bizarre. Do you happen to realize Poland is something like 38 milions of your potential customers? Just for instance, in my city, there are two big public universities, several private ones - you see the universities but not the students. Is this of your concern? I guess not but Apple is already there offering discounts for students.
Secondly, start distributing preinstalled Ubuntu for Poland as well. I actually do not see the point why you do this in UK, Germany or France and not in Poland. People of Poland are more eager to install open-source products, just let me remind you that according to XiTi monitor [2] open-source Firefox browser has market share of 39.6% in Poland, whereas in Germany - 38%, France - 23.9% and UK just 18.7%.
Thirdly, by preinstalling Ubuntu I mean making it an option anywhere where there is an OS selection option on your website. I clearly see no reason in the world why you keep offering such a miserable Ubuntu notebook in Europe instead of something more powerful - Inspiron 6400n with Intel T2130 processor. In your opinion, how impressive is that nowadays?
Last but not least, DELL, please stop participating in this devoid of good sense campaign "Dell recommends Vista..." which is sarcastic. You really do not have to put down this sentence on your website as in Poland you force people to use Vista leaving no other choice.
Take all these remarks under your consideration unless it is OK with you that Poles should travel to Germany in order to buy your notebooks. Hear our voice, DELL!
Signed,
Lukasz Wisniewski
student of the Computer Science
Technical University of Lodz
Links:
[1] http://miasta.gazeta.pl/lodz/1,35136,4662983.html
[2] http://www.xitimonitor.com/en-us/browsers-barometer/firefox-july-2007/index-1...
4100
This text on your web site regarding "open source" is misleading, please consider changing it.
submitted by cosh
11/25/07
From www.dell.com/open:
This is the wrong impression to give, as it suggests that all open source software everywhere is somehow incompatible with Windows, whereas in reality many open source programs are ported to and available on Windows, such as Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, and OpenOffice, and some popular open source programs are dedicated entirely to it, for example Paint.NET (info).
A better and more accurate thing to say would be:
"The main thing to note is that when you choose an open source operating system like Ubuntu Linux®, you don't get a Windows® operating system."
or how about:
"The main thing to note is that when you purchase a Dell computer preinstalled with Ubuntu or FreeDOS, you don't get a Windows operating system" etc. etc.
Concise, clear, and accurate. If I remember correctly there's a similar message on the other language versions of the Dell web site, so it should be changed there too.
If you've a better suggestion post it in the comments.
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 track my votes
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