roadkill

Notebook integrated webcam & option for higher end graphics card

Inspiron products, Sales Strategies submitted by jj1908 02/17/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**

I find 12.1" too small & 17" too big for me.

Would love to see these on the 14.1" & 15.4" Inspiron lines

1.) Integrated webcam

2.) Option for higher ends dedicated graphics card. (Dell must show how much is dedicated & shared. Say 256MB = 128 dedicated + 128 shared.)

3.) Option for a dedicated graphics card on 14.1"

Also, how about adding DVI port on all inspirons.


On the XPS M1530 you can get an integrated webcam and a high end graphics card.




2 Comments »

integrate webcam, microphone, and AI into basic software

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Software submitted by xshadow259 03/07/07

Today it seems silly that a computer should not come with a webcam and microphone. They should be built into the monitor for all desktops/laptops like how (dare I say) Apple does. Further build in programs to tailor to these devices more than to talk to others. Like use the microphone for voice recognition and use the webcam to track a person's finger like a mouse. The keyboard and mouse are over two decades old, do like Nintendo did with the Wii and DS and chuck the traditional control. Also get an advanced AI personal assistant. Little widgets are nice, but I want something that if I ask for weather will search online and display the forecast for the day, or if I ask for a powerpoint it will turn open that. GUI's are also really old, give us something smart! 1 Comment »

Laptop Web Cam and Microphone

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by terrymain 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

All new laptops should have a built in web cam and quality voice recorder/microphone.


Webcams are standard on all XPS laptops and an option on all Inspiron laptops.




134 Comments »

Laptop without heat problem..with inbuilt webcam and microphone

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by pvvijay 02/25/07

I wish I culd find a laptop which was usable on my lap for long time.

Also aavilability of webcam and microphone removes lot of unnecessary wiring.

You can use bluetooth keyboard and mouse, but its hard to find bluetooth webcam and microphone. 1 Comment »

Built-In Webcam and Microphone Option on Inspiron

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Inspiron products submitted by olegturaev 02/20/07

Built-in webcams are available on some XPS models. Why not on Inspiron? Right now, it's the reason I'm leaning toward HP rather than Dell.

HP offers a cheap built-in webcam and microphone option on almost all of their laptops. Since price on Dell and HP laptops is almost the same, small differences like that become important.

People use laptops more and more for VoIP. In places with internet connections and at homes, a laptop can become a free phone through programs like Skype and Google Talk. Dell should not be missing out on this new wave of customers.

I hate all wires, which is why I switched to laptops. Removing the webcam wire would be a big step up for Dell. 9 Comments »

integrated webcam

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by brayrie 02/27/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

a webcam integrated into the top part of the display in laptops (like in the macs)





Check out the Idea in Action that talks about which systems include this feature.





5 Comments »

Integrated webcam with drivers for windows and linux

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux, Laptops submitted by mahei 02/19/07

Integrate a webcam into any screen and notebook!Nowadays with skype,msn,yahoo,google talk anybody is running around with a webcam being somehow ridiculously connected to the PC.

And please use a *mechanical* shutter for privacy, no need for any spyware/virus to have a look at my private life.

And offer free drivers for windows and linux!!!! 2 Comments »

Laptops with webcam and HDMI outputs

Laptops submitted by mvratnam 04/23/07

I would like Laptops with builtin Webcam and HDMI output. I see that highend XPS laptops come with Webcam, but why not with low ends ? TV tuner cards with HDMI please ? Otherwise HP seems to be winning this segment. 3 Comments »

No more stickers

Advertising and Marketing submitted by max 02/24/07

Include the sticker on a sticker sheet, allowing the end-user choice over sticker positioning (or to not have a sticker).

(Don't have stickers on the machine saying "designed for Windows Vista", "Intel Inside", etc.) 18 Comments »

Scanners for Linux

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux submitted by jinxed 06/19/07

For years I've been frustrated with scanner support and compatibility in Linux. There is a project that provides drivers for many scanners, but many of the drivers are outdated and many of the better scanners are not supported.

It would be great if Dell could partner with Canon or Epson (or someone else) to provide robust scanning solutions for Linux users. By robust, I mean that the scanner should be full-featured; including film trays, high resolution color scanning, and possibly even software to work with scanned images (ie- document management)..

The scanners should be current (read New) scanners with preferably open source drivers that will work with SANE.

For now, I will have to continue to boot to Windows just to use my unsupported scanner. 10 Comments »

System Security - Fingerprint Scanners

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by guardianxps 02/17/07

I would like to see computers have some new technology added like Fingerprint scanners. Stolen computers are an issue and adding this will create a better level of security. The only downside I can see would be if one person sold the computer to another and didnt reset the scanner.

Still, I would like to see this and I am sure others would too. 31 Comments »

Design & Form Factor

Desktops and Laptops submitted by logi 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

This forum is a great idea to get Dell back to #1.

What I like to see is new and innovative styling across the board on notebooks and desktops. Dell's product line looks 5yrs old and needs a total refresh.

As you can see Apple Inc. is winning conumers hearts because Apple owners are actually proud of displaying them in the living rooms instead of hiding them. Get rid of that XPS desktop design that thing is so ugly.. and come up with something consumers would be proud of displying in their media rooms.

Also I would like to see Dell create a sleak new design for a media center box so we can utilize vista home for the entertainment room and display it next to my audio and video units.

Thanks for listening Mr. Dell.



Hope_l talks about how passionate we are about design in this thread. To read more about how this idea is being put into action click here.

222 Comments »

Remote control (Bluetooth or Infrared) for Notebooks - Accessories

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by chin_teik_chia 06/28/07

Would like to suggest that Dell should have a remote control (Optional) for the laptop. The function of the remote control shoud include laser for the presentation, able to adjust the volume for music, next and previous button. The most important thing is that the remote control is able to be detected via infrared or bluetooth.

Most of the trainer having problem when they presenting their deck to the audience. They will either try to near to their laptop or getting another peers to help to control the slides. 1 Comment »

Downloadable, PDF format, full technical specs for all systems

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site submitted by benjesuit 06/12/07 **REVIEWED**

Before I buy, I would like to have the options of downloading the full technical specifications of the system. Not just the brief specifications. Place a link under "tech specs" tab that allows you to view or download the full specification PDF file for those of us who care about and understand such things. This way everyone is satisfied.
We are looking to improve the specs pages by making them consistent across all product lines, provide more in-depth specifications and making them available in a printable format.





35 Comments »

Recycle & refurbish old Dell PCs back to Dell for 10% discount

Environment submitted by reg 05/18/07

Recycle your old Dell back to Dell for a 10% discount on new equipment. Dell can then secure overwrite erase the hard drive, install Ubuntu + hardware drivers, then donate the hardware to unemployment, food stamp, and welfare offices Nationwide. The social services offices then can pass out the refurbished used equipment to its clients, and Dell can be given BIG tax breaks by the State and Federal Systems.



1. Recycle - Turn it in, don't landfill it.
2. Reuse - There is still life left in that old hardware
3. Reduce - Buy new electronics less often, get 5 years use out of every PC.
4. Refuse - wasteful spending, wasteful practices & wasteful companies.
5. Refute - Once wasteful practices or procedures are identified, correct the problem with Action! 58 Comments »

Laptop Fans

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by davew 02/18/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Heat rises! Get the exhaust ports off the bottom of the laptops where it just blows back up into the machine. Put them out the side or the top and everything including processors, drives, batteries and the cooling systems themselves will run cooler and more efficiently. I already burned out one mother board, which thankfully was replaced under extended warrantee. I am so protective now that I never use my laptop without a supplemental cooling pad underneath, which blows the air out the sides. Unless this changes I would think twice about buying another or recommending a Dell laptop to anyone else without advising them of the problem.







64 Comments »

Make your legal team restrain themselves when they're trying to silence bloggers who are trying to help people buy from Dell.

Dell, Dell Community submitted by jmxz 06/15/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Yesterday Dell sent the following letter to a blog that was giving advice on how to better order from the confusing Dell web site (like clarifying pros and cons of when you should go to the Small Business vs Home Office sections; and when you might do even better going to a Dell Kiosk- which Dell's own web site never makes clear). Rather than a take down notice from Legal, a polite email from Marketing with corrections to the inaccurate parts and specific requests to remove the confidential information would have been:

Better for the Blogger - because he wouldn't feel threatened.
Better for Dell - because the article never would have been so widely publicized (I learned of it only because of the takedown notice).
Better for Dell Customers - because the rest of the non-confidential information in the article could still help them.

- - - - - - - - - -
from Tracy Holland
to ben@consumerist.com
date Jun 14, 2007 4:39 PM
subject Posting by former Dell employee

Dear Ben,

Please remove the posting located at the following

http://consumerist.com/consumer/insiders/22-confessions-of-a-former-dell-sale...< contains information that is confidential and proprietary to Dell.

While not all aspects of the entry are accurate, ostensibly an ex-employee posted Dell's confidential information in violation of his or her employment agreement and confidentiality obligations (which prohibit the disclosure of such information both during and after the period of employment).

We would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Please confirm that the posting has been removed by the end of the day tomorrow.

Thank you, and please give me a call if you would like to discuss further.

Tracy Holland

Tracy J. Holland
Counsel
Dell Inc.
- - - - - - - - - -

While some of the information wasn't correct; the blogger has been continually updating the article fixing inaccuracies as they're pointed out to him. Your legal team also referred to "confidential information" but never specified what was the offending confidential information that should be removed. It's a bit hard to guess what parts of that posting might have been considered confidential; because it seems like just about all the info in the article can be found (just with difficulty) browsing the Dell web site and Kiosks.

Ideas for your legal team:
* For the case of this article - point out the "confidential" information (if there really is any) and I'm confident the blogger will remove that confidential information while keeping the rest of the helpful advice (which helps your customers buy Dells) up there.
* In general - try to restrain yourselves from legal threats on Bloggers. It would probably have been nicer if someone from Dell Marketing asked the person to correct things; and the whole thing would have probably gone away quietly -- instead of being very visible on many high profile places on the internet and on mailing lists now.
We hold ourselves at Dell and all our employees to high ethical standards and believe ex-employees have an obligation to uphold those standards. We live and learn in this new world of blogs and appreciate your suggestion.


31 Comments »

Dell Must Use Ubuntu Stickers! {Pics Inside}

Linux submitted by thebittersea 06/10/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

96 Comments »

Always include all software and driver reinstallation discs for free (or at least let us get the option to)... don't make us pay extra

Software submitted by winoffice 05/01/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Always include ALL software AND driver reinstallation discs for FREE (or at let us get the option do get the for free if we want as follows)...don't make us pay extra in case that we have a disaster and need to reinstall from scratch...!

No Discs Included (Included In Price)

All Discs Included (this means everything -- all software discs -- OS/Security software/etc., and all driver discs -- this means Windows or Linux drivers or both, whatever applies -- add $0)

Other options (OS disc only, all software discs only, driver discs only, etc. -- add $0)

For some computers, Dell does not include the reinstallation discs. Even if Dell offers them, Dell charges extra for us to get them. In fact, the only time I seen reinstallation discs being offered without charge were for Dell XPS desktops with the flashy lights -- that is, the Dell XPS 600, 700, and 710 systems, for those ware the only systems to offer operating system options like "Microsoft Windows XP Media Center WITH REINSTALLATION CD".

Also, most of the time when software reinstallation discs are not included, driver reinstallation discs (such as XPS flashy lights, as well as printers and monitors) are not included either. Therefore, don't just include the software reinstallation discs -- include as well the Windows/Linux drivers for the hardware (depending on the OS purchased with the computer, if any, which in turn depends on the user's preferences).

Besides, Microsoft as well as ALL software companies include the discs when you get the software seperately, so why can't Dell do the same when the software is preinstalled...?
Customers no longer have to pay extra for re-installation media.




91 Comments »

Same discounts available on Ubuntu and Windows

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by jonsmirl 06/12/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I'm ordering a Vista XPS 410 right now. I wanted a Ubuntu one but I'm going to throw away yet another copy of Windows. The Vista XPS 410 has $200 off today and free ship for a total of $869. The identical Ubuntu machine is $1019 plus $29.99 shipping. So today Ubuntu costs $170 more than Windows instead of $50 less. Why can't I have the same discounts on the Ubuntu machine? 50 Comments »