pier11

switch to LED monitors

Monitors and Displays, Laptop Power submitted by yardsale Jan 16

I dont know why dell hasnt done this yet. switch all monitors on desktops and notebooks to LED. did you know that you can run an LED screen at full brightniess and it uses less power than a LCD monitor at the lowest brighting level?!? its cheaper, its energy efficent, and it needs to be done! promote this, if you demote i wanna know why! 46 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 »

Use better LCD panels in laptops.

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by mlazarov Feb 26

In order for laptops to be a viable platform for graphical applications, the color reproduction and viewing angles of their displays must be addressed. Most laptops use TN/CCFL displays that suffer from poor color range and color shift. Dell should at very least offer an S-IPS/LED display option in their workstation-class laptops. I realize several of Dell's laptops already have LED backlighting, but there would a significant improvement quality if S-IPS panels were used.

Update: I thought it'd be best to illustrate the difference between TN and S-IPS displays. Below is a side-by-side comparison of a TN (left) and S-IPS (right) display from an off-axis vertical angle.

http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/10884.jpg

Having such dramatic color variation at different angles almost precludes any sort of in-field collaborative image editing or similar application. The laptop on the right is a (discontinued) ThinkPad T60p.



2 Comments »

6 major issues to be fixed by Dell

Dell, Sales Strategies, Service and Support submitted by jervis961 02/17/07

Dell became a top company by providing choice and customer service to a customer that wasn't available at the time but has since fallen behind the pack in these areas. Needing a translator when calling customer support is unnacceptable and other companies are rapidly passing Dell in technology advancements. While this site is a good start, many things need to be changed for Dell to become the market leader again.

1. Customer support needs to be in well spoken English and with employees who are allowed to do more than just read from a script. If they are speaking with a computer savvy customer the rep should be allowed to deviate from the script as long as they don't go outside the relm of normal policy.

2. Better options: Other companies offer high end components in small computers but Dell only supplies intel video processors in its 14" laptop. Dell needs to allow customers to get the size computer they need but with options from low cost through the high end so they can get a computer that is "Purely you".

3. Less forced options: I hate that I am paying for and XPS with internet security when I don't need it because I already have a subsciption that will transfer over or AOL is installed when I know I don't need it. They need to add an option of none of the above to all the added software sections.

4. Better pricing: Why is it over $200 to upgrade from 1 GB of 533 MHZ ram to 2 GB of 677 MHZ RAM? I can go to Crucial.com and get the 2GB 677MHZ kit for under $200. Upgrading with Dell after you own is even worse at over $300 this is crazy.

5. Custom Dell website: Customers want to feel special why not make a MYDELL website that when you log in you get a site designed the way you want it. If you aren't interested in the small business site it gets removed, you don't like to go thru the accessories sections when customizing a system so you don't see that section. Click on customer support and a list of your computer pops up asking which one you need help with and only shows the options for that system.

6. Customer loyalty rewards: I have bought 6 Dell systems over the last few years, why can't I get better customer service or pricing due to my loyalty to the company? 72 Comments »

More feedback from Dell on popular ideas

IdeaStorm submitted by pjeff Feb 15

I would like to see more (official) feedback from Dell on popular ideas eg. +1000 ideas.
For example, many people have been requesting an LED backlit screen for the XPS M1530. Look on any forum where this model is being discussed and you will see people saying that they are holding off on purchasing until it becomes available (I'm one of them!) so it would be helpful to know what is happening.

Another example would be illuminated keyboards. Saying it is "partially implemented" doesn't really tell us anything. We know you have done that! If a popular idea is not practical or its implementation is problematic for whatever reason, communicate back so discussion can take place. This is how brainstorming works!

I also wonder how many good ideas are overlooked because Dell believe the cost would be too great for the product in question. Be upfront about your concerns regarding costs. For example, you may find that Inspiron/Vostro customers would not be prepared to pay extra for a premium screen and illuminated keyboard but XPS customers are. Post polls so that members can vote on these issues and provide you with accurate data. We are here to help so use us. 7 Comments »

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." 226 Comments »

Need a non-gaming notebook with hi-res and DVI/HDMI

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Monitors and Displays, XPS products submitted by jcsalem Feb 6

My business needs notebooks with high-resolution TruLife screens and DVI or HDMI out. It would be fine if the DVI/HDMI were only available via a docking port.

We're a small photography business that does a lot of 1-on-1 client presentations on the road and having the high-resolution, high-contrast screen is essential. In the office, we need DVI (preferably) or HDMI output for our desktop displays. I suspect there are many other kinds of businesses in a similar situation.

The only laptops that fit this bill are the high-end XPS gaming laptops and the Precision Workstation laptops. These are heavier, much larger, and more expensive than we'd like. They also feature much more 3D graphics horsepower than we'll ever use and their battery life is subpar.

The Latitudes are good except they don't have the TrueLife displays. The Vostros would be perfect except no DVI. Same with the Inspirons.

Can't we get something like a Vostro 1500 or a Latitude D830 with WSXGA+, TrueLife, and DVI out? 13 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 »

Choice of XP and Vista on All Dell systems

Operating Systems - Multiboot, Desktops and Laptops submitted by garth_g21 Feb 6

26 Comments »

Non-Glossy Screen on the XPS 1530

Sales Strategies, XPS products submitted by zero79 Feb 17

Glossy screens are reflective. This is bad. Please provide a non-glossy option on the XPS 1530. 11 Comments »

Develop A Linux/Ubuntu Compatibility Testing Tool

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by aikiwolfie Jan 24

It's clear now that implementation of Ubuntu across Dells range of desktop and notebook systems is going to be a slow and arduous process. Undoubtedly there's a tone of compatibility testing and bug fixing to be done before Dell can sell most systems to customers that just work. Dell however are holding things back by not utilizing the Linux communities greatest assets. Linux users!

The idea is quite simple. Distribute an automated test pattern to Dell customers who are already running Linux/Ubuntu on their PCs. The automated tool will probe the systems configuration and ask the user about any technical difficulties they face and report the results back to Dell.

With an army of users out there Dell could quickly amass a wealth of valuable test data with respect as to what works and what doesn't work. This would allow Dell to concentrate their Ubuntu efforts on the systems that are most compatible. Which would in turn allow Dell to quickly provide a good range of choice for it's Ubuntu and Linux customer base.

Think of it as a way of Simplifying IT! 8 Comments »

Speed Up The Time It Takes To Process Ubuntu Orders!

Dell, Service and Support submitted by aikiwolfie Feb 4

On Friday I ordered an XPS M1330n. The order still hasn't been processed. I know this because I can't check the progress on line and I haven't received the e-mail yet. I know it can take four working days (not sure why) to process the payment. However with all past orders processing hasn't taken more than a day. Even with orders placed at the weekend.

As I've order a Ubuntu system I'm clearly not a top priority for Dell. 4 Comments »

Have AMD CPUS As an option for the Ubuntu Line

Linux submitted by timberwolf753 Feb 8

Give the people choice of CPU's to use in your Ubuntu Line. I want to buy one but I don't use Intel CPU's becasue they suck up power and that is why I use Energy Efficient AMD CPUs. So please, Let us choice if we want an AMD or Intel CPU in our computers. 2 Comments »

Backlit Keyboards

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu 02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.

I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.


Check out the white LED backlights on the <ahref>XPS M1730.
296 Comments »

Provide more processor options for linux desktops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by rebresb Feb 13

Only one Linux desktop model is available (Inspiron 530N) and only one processor choice exists for it (dual core 2160). This CPU is a low-to-moderate performance choice; it is near the lowest offering in the Windows line-up. While Linux clearly out-performs Windows on modest hardware, the choice of Linux doesn't merely reflect a cost-savings and performance-optimized decision. Users may want the choice of high-end CPUs for intensive applications with Linux. Windows is not the choice of those who want high-end equipment; it requires high-end equipment to run "well". Linux users seeking peak performance will thus want fast processors. (Note that the most/fastest supercomputers run Linux). Support for such processors / motherboards isn't an issue for Linux, so certification by Dell shouldn't be difficult (??). The profit margin is likely higher on these CPUs (??), so that should be attractive. So why doesn't Dell include fast Intel or AMD offerings such as quad-core, 64 X2, core 2 extreme, etc.? 6 Comments »

Let me replace the Windows Key for a Linux key in the keyboard

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux submitted by silencer Feb 12

It would be nice to be able to change the windows key for a linux key when you build your machine. Every linux user would love that! :)

This is the actual windows key,



Would be nice to have one like this



Vote for it! :) 31 Comments »

Ubuntu Dell Repo

Linux, Service and Support submitted by tekhawk 07/20/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

basicly a simple idea dell to support the ubuntu community a little bit by running a repo for its laptops and desktop if nothing more to support the software that they install on the system and to provide driver updates theses repos should be setup on the machines before shipping so that the users can get the driver updates quick and easy and offer driver on there for all the drivers that there are for dell machines that are support on linux not just the shipping lines

so that user might find that other machines then the ones you ship with ubuntu can easly be made into power ubuntu operating machines


As matt_d has said below, we have repositories for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, Novell/SuSE Linux Enterprise Server, and a growing one for Ubuntu. Check it out here http://linux.dell.com.
76 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? 734 Comments »

Need Gigabit Ethernet in M1530.

XPS products submitted by hoodedthing 12/06/07

What about Gigabit ethernet...? It's really not new technology, and it's pretty dissappointing not to see it in the m1530. It wouldn't be that hard to implement now.. Just start sticking gigabit ethernet ports in the laptops instead of 10/100.

This kind of thing is pretty easy to do, it's not expensive for you guys, and makes a huge difference in transfer of files for wired internet. Put gigabit ethernet in the 1530. 9 Comments »

XPS M1530 Resolution ??

XPS products, Laptops submitted by avnanda 11/27/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

SCREEN RESOLUTIONS for XPS Laptop Line

Why on God's green earth would Dell throw in such a cheapy LCD screen into the XPS 1530 ? I've been waiting for this laptop religously since it was 'announced', in the hope of a 1680x1050 screen, or at LEAST 1440x900. What is this, Dell ? Are you trying to scare away your customers with blocky icons and low resolutions ?

Ok, on a less rampaging note ..

Is there any possibility this might change in the future ? Would i be foolish to order immediately, only to see a couple of LCD options pop up over the next few days ?

We now offer 1440 x 900 and 1680 x 1050 panels as an option. Take a look at the Direct2Dell blog post on the idea.





36 Comments »