reubs

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 »

Don't put the Dell logo upside down on the Mini Inspiron

Laptops submitted by jervis961 May 29

I didn't notice this last night as I was checking out the pictures of the new Dell Mini but it was pointed out by JamesWeb on Dell's "yourblog" that the Dell logo is upside down.



Please don't leave the logo like that, it looks bad. 52 Comments »

Make Linux a choice on all systems

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by synful Jun 8

Guys, why is it when you can allegedly get Linux on desktops and laptops, that it is never an option in the configuration of a product prior to purchasing?

All we seem to get as an option is Windows and then there is no option to not have Windows as an operating system. I understand that you may have reasons behind the system not having Linux as an option but surely you do not use hardware that is so non standard that either Ubuntu or SuSE will not work on it?

In the event that the computer that you use is not Linux compatible, then note this on the configuration page accordingly. For arguments sake have a pop up advising that some hardware is not compatible with Linux if it is selected as an OS choice. 2 Comments »

Offer Ubuntu Netbook Remix OS on your Ultra portables

Linux, Operating Systems, Laptops submitted by jervis961 May 25

The new Ubuntu Netbook Remix OS will be announced the first week of June according to an interview with Canonical chief executive Mark Shuttleworth.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/25/canonical-ceo-says-ubuntu-netbook-remix-bu...

The OS is Tailor made for ultraportable type systems. They have been working with Intel on the project so it should run very well on the Atom Processor

33 Comments »

Please make Ubuntu XPS Notebook cheaper than XPS Vista Notebook

Linux, Operating Systems, XPS products submitted by dki May 26

Hi,
I have tested the price of the default Vista-Notebook XPS M1330 (in Germany) and the Ubuntuversion with the same Configuration. The result was amazing :(:

Vistaversion: 909,00 €
Linuxversion: 923,44 €

Is Vista cheaper than Ubuntu?? I can not imagine.

So my wish: Make Ubuntu-Laptops competitive! 19 Comments »

No more plastic wrap, please

Environment submitted by falbert May 22

In the last shipment of computers I received I was shocked by the amount of plastic wrap used for items like power cords, USB cables, VGA/DVI cables. Do these items really need to be individually wrapped in a plastic bag. I can just imagine the tons of plastic used by Dell annually...

Something to think about 67 Comments »

Start Warranty periods when the system is received, not shipped!

Service and Support submitted by markj2k Jan 31

I have purchased several Dell systems over the last month or so for myself, and some consulting clients. I've noticed in each case that the warranty start date is the day the PC shipped, not the day the PC was received by the purchaser. This needs to be changed. The order status page changes to show when the system was delivered, so Dell knows when the delivery date is. That is the day the warranty should start.

It might even be required from a legal standpoint in some areas, not sure about that. 15 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 »

Make XP/Linux drivers available for all model even if only Vista is pre-installed

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Operating Systems submitted by vineets001 09/24/07 **REVIEWED**

There are good hardware models coming out. And only Vista is pre-install option. If people want to wipe off Vista and install XP or Linux, let them do that. Make a commitment to have the drivers available.


We're working on having drivers for the hardware we ship more widely available. Click here to learn more from john_h.





28 Comments »

new Intel Atom processor

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by helmecj01 Mar 3

Look at the new Intel Atom processor and smallest processor from Intel.





http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/20080302comp.htm?iid=tech_ato...
http://www.intel.com/technology/atom/index.htm?iid=homepage+marquee_bottlecap
http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/02/intels-silverthorn-becomes-the-atom-menlow...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Atom 10 Comments »

8700m gt in m1530

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), XPS products submitted by theideasman Mar 4

Alienware have done it and gone one step further (8800m) and they are owned by dell! So why dont dell do it too? Its a simple idea as the 8600m gt is getting a little old now. The 8700m gt seems like a logical answer. It would be nice to offer the upgrade soon as well while the card is still fairly new... 2 Comments »

DELL Idea Storm Team - Each idea should be responded to.

IdeaStorm submitted by stormrider451 Mar 4

Hello there.. I realize this might have been posted before. But, it obviously has not worked to this point. So here it is.

I think the DELL IdeaStorm Team should try their best to reply to EVERY idea regardless of how unrealistic that idea is; not just most popular ideas. I can understand not posting to negative ideas or ideas that simply have been posted to screw around. Every positive idea should be commented on. Its not that hard to have someone go over every idea that has been posted in a day and write some sort of small message. It doesnt take much, just a simple message saying for example: "sorry but I think this idea is not going to happen soon". Or "sorry but we do not find this idea possible". Its simple things that really make the poster know that they are being heard at least. Many of us are here because we like DELL so much we would like to give them a hand with ideas that we might come up with. Of course, some ideas will be regarding things people want on a certain product they want to buy, but I think thats fine too. Take for example my case, I have three ideas so far posted and only one has been answered:

1) Answered: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10076698/XPS_One__More_Video_Power_on_X...
2) Not Answered: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10077288/XPS_One__Unecessary_Adobe_Elem... **
3) Not Answered:
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10077717/Dell_Ink_and_Printers__Sell_th... ***

If you go look at the one that is answered, you will see an example of what I am asking for, you can see there how the idea was answered swiftly and at least it gives me some sort of reply. Comments like these is what I am looking for. Not getting ideas answered makes me really not want to post anything else because I feel I am loosing my time trying to figure cool things that could help my favorite computer company. Dell, if you have this idea storm, lets do it the right way. Make your costumers feel welcomed and that they should keep trying. Is that so much to ask? I mean, I go over each idea posted every day in less than 10 min. Its doable.

Thanks! 36 Comments »

Use DisplayPort everywhere, drop HDMI. (Prefer free/libre standards over closed protocols)

Monitors and Displays, Desktops and Laptops submitted by freemenow Mar 5 **REVIEWED**

Use DisplayPort on all your new products. DisplayPort is a solid and clean standard, easily espandable and is going to last way more than clunky hack-ish protocols like HDMI or DVI.

Drop HDMI from all your products. Now. It is going to be a legacy connector in a year or two. The HDMI is an expensive closed patented protocol. The HDMI licensing consortium asks for an annual fee + per-device royalty. DisplayPort is a free open standard, developed by VESA and available for free, with no strings attached.

For backward compatibility there are many converters available, one can connect DisplayPort computers to their old VGA, DVI or HDMI monitors without problems.

Sources:
DisplayPort free standard: http://www.displayport.org/technical/
HDMI royalty scheme: http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/terms.aspx


Please see matt_d's comment
12 Comments »

1900x1200 XPS ONE

Monitors and Displays, XPS products submitted by mike2912 Mar 5

We need full HD on XPS ONE because it has to be one of the best computers in the business, plus it is an XPS which is supposed to mean somthing. Full HD would make it the best all in one computer out there. It also wouldn't hurt to have a 22 inch screen option. 4 Comments »

Change "xps gaming" name to something new

Advertising and Marketing, XPS products submitted by theideasman Mar 5

XPS has now taken up the role of the "premium" notebook range and i think that means that the XPS Gaming range needs a name change in order to establish itself fully as a seperate product chain.
It doesnt need to be a super over the top name change or anything, just something suttle like the XGS range (xtreme gaming series).

I think the XPS and XGS ranges would sit alongside each other well. 4 Comments »

IdeaStorm posting preview with a "Read more..." option

IdeaStorm submitted by sethloco Mar 10

Some of these posts are so long that I just completely ignore them. Frankly, I would not blame the Dell IdeaStorm folks for following the same practice. However, I have seen that a character limitation on posts was voted badly.

As a compromise, would people be interested in a preview (for example, the first 10 lines) followed by a "Read more" option. Sort of like slashdot. I believe this would encourage a better writing style if people were aware that they needed to write a concise summary up front to entice the reader to continue. At the same time, one would not have to scroll down 3 pages to get to the next post.

5 Comments »

Make Linux and no Operating system standard options on all future products

Operating Systems submitted by jervis961 08/17/07 **REVIEWED**

OK Dell you have committed to supplying Linux options in limited form. Since you have laid the groundwork already here is the next step. Every new product you release that needs an Operating system should have Linux and also no Operating System as an option in the configuration along side Windows. Since you have to write drivers and test compatability for Vista when making a new product just make it compatable with Linux at the same time. There will no longer be a need for a seperate sections for Linux or no Operating system since all of the products will have the option. this will help make your site easier to navigate for you customers. You can also create an ACCURATE help me choose section for the OS choices.





Check out what daniel_j has to say on the options we offer.





185 Comments »

Laptop & Desktop Boot in seconds from Flash Drives

Broadband and Mobility, Desktops and Laptops submitted by reg 02/19/07

Have laptops and PCs that boot quickly & quietly from fast internal flash drives,
and run the whole OS and application programs in RAM.
The New Dell PC will boot from internal Fast USB 2.0 flash drives in just a few seconds.
The Hard drive can stay powered down, completely off, unless the user needs to store some extra large files (video, photos).

Laptop Battery life is measured in days, not hours.


Have 2 Recessed USB 2.0 Slots.
Two USB Flash Drives would fit neatly into the laptop.
In this way the whole OS and Apps run in RAM, and stores data files on an 8 GB flash drive.

The 8GB is used transparently as the 'On Line' Storage, with a hard drive acting as secondary storage.
This gives desktops and laptops much greater speed and power savings.

<font> On-Line/Near-Line Storage Model for Laptops</font>
1. OS and App all run from RAM (so the machine should have 2GB+ of RAM)
2. Modified files are worked on in RAM, and stored on the Flash Drive
3. Older (non-system) files, that are 'inactive', get pushed down to the hard drive,

Hard Drive files are stored with on-the-fly hardware compression / decompression (back to RAM), with the flash drive file replaced with a pointer to the hard drive file.
Data is always safely copied down to the hard drive on shut down.



The flash drive is removeable and upgradeable, so later if someone wants to upgrade to a 32GB flash drive, just unplug and plug in the new one.

On-line / Near-Line storage works great on very large data servers, where data is mostly write once, read infrequently.
(Also known as Write Once, Read Mostly - WORM drives.)

It's time such ideas are put into practice for desktops and laptops.


You can run your Dell Laptop TODAY from 100% Flash Drive - Pen Drive using Puppy Linux.



www.puppylinux.org delivers a complete, small, fast Linux Distribution including all major tools in under 90MB. You can add Open Office, GIMP, Firefox, Thunderbird, etc and they all fit right in a USB Flash Drive.
Pupply Linux Applications.
Download Puppy Linux so you Can Try Flash Drive Dell Notebooks Today. 21 Comments »

Laptops for Third World students

Advertising and Marketing, Education, Laptops submitted by roi12341234 Feb 23

Everyone has heard of the various $100 computer projects for the third world. I think its not needed, There are probably thousands of older model working laptops sitting in the hands of American students. If Dell offers the right incentives (a rebate ..) alot of students would be willing to change their old laptops to new models. Dell can collect these old models and start a program to reship them to the third world. This will generate revevnues and excellent publicity for dell, while using existing hardware for the third world. Impossible? with dells control of US colleges i dont think so. Comment »

XPS M1530 Led Monitor lighting

Monitors and Displays, XPS products submitted by valerio.gioia 12/27/07

Led lighting for XPS M1530 displays would be a really interesting option. Many people would choose that display since there is less power consumption and led life is really higher than CCFL tubes! 23 Comments »