Data Safe
submitted by cander1963
12/03/07
Dear Dell,
After using my XPS 410 with data safe for about 4 months I can honestly say that Norton Save and Restore is not for me. All I wanted was a RAID 1 so that I would have two mirror imaged hard drives in case one failed. This combined with windows restore points satisfies all of my data backup requirements. I should note that I use versioning of all files so I save a new dated version of every file whenever I work on it. I cannot stop using versioning just because of data safe. I still need to be able to go back to any previous version of a file and work on it.
With data safe:
--I loose a large portion of my hard drive to backup partitions.
--I am always being bothered with backup routines which slow down my computer.
--Finally, data safe is now continually bugging me about how it has run out of storage space and could I fix the problem. Yes I will fix it, aaugh!
So my suggestion is to offer a RAID 1 system without data safe. It appears that for some people data safe is a valuable part of a data storage system however it does not work for me.
140
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?
3140
Verizion EVDO Broadband Cards For Ubuntu Laptops
Broadband and Mobility, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by tekhawk
07/24/07
**PLEASE if you are going to DEMOTE COMMENT OR DON'T DEMOTE**
"let people know why you are demoting the idea"
would like to see the option to get verizon evdo network cards for the linux laptop be added to the dell open line up
there are guides out there to do this now but a preconfig of this would be nice
maybe it would be possiable for dell to either make a software interface for one of the verizon cards that they would use or for them to get verizon to do it for them in exchange for only offering verizon network cards on the open lines of laptops
either way this wouldnt be a hard task for dell to take on and could not only greatly help in their linux sales but possiably help verizon and/or the linux community with getting us the support of a large wirless carrier's network cards
please feel free to add details to this idea if you have a problem with my grammer im sorry i do math not english
**PLEASE if you are going to DEMOTE let me know why**
270
Continue to include good, flexible diagnostics...
Desktops, Service and Support, Software submitted by lordcobol
11/12/07
... on a bootable CD.
Our newest Optiplex croaked recently, with Windows saying it had encountered a problem and was shutting down to avoid making things worse.
I booted the diagnostics CD before calling tech support, and was able to tell them that we had problems with memory and cache. This likely saved *HUGE* amounts of time while tech support might have been telling me to troubleshoot a Windows problem, or a bad disk, etc. Things like this can make the difference between my generally good experience with Dell support, vs the complaints I hear elsewhere.
Windows-based diagnostics would have been useless, because we couldn't get into Windows at all.
What really scares me is the crummy diagnostics on the other brands I have recent experience with. I couldn't find any diagnostics at all on a recent Velocity Micro PC. Systemax used to include a bootable diagnostics CD, but you couldn't select which tests to run -- just crank it up overnite and check the results many hours later. Now I find only a non-booting DVD with a Windows-based "stress test" which lets you specify how long to run but nothing else. And like I said about Windows-based diagnostics.... The best non-Dell diagnostics I have seen were Gateway's, but sadly I had to run them too many times for too many problems, so Gateway and I are over.
Systemax & VM are better than Dell in terms of bloatware and power supplies, but I hesitate to recommend them to anyone who doesn't have his own diagnostics CD.
PS, the repairs went ok, and the on-site tech ran the same diagnostics to prove it.
410
Make a so called '100 dollar' laptop
submitted by badblood
11/30/07
The so called 100 dollar laptops for use in developing countries are going to make their mark as a useful computer system. Not only can such computers be used effectively in schools around the world, they will prove an attractive cheap and somewhat 'disposable' computer system for those in richer countries, as gifts for children, as computers for the elderly, for use in conference settings (due to the network abilities), and as useful systems for people working in field locations, due to their functional and robust nature and cheap price.
Should intel and OLPC make their computers available on the open market there will be considerable demand for such computers. They are cheap enough to buy as a second or third throw away computer, and have just the right amount of functionality. Basically they are value for money, whereas all other mainstream ultra portable computers are horribly overpriced and as a result we expect too much from them.
So develop a '100 dollar laptop' Even make it 200 dollars, but keep it at that. It will sell, not because it is the fastest, most powerful computer, but because rich people will see it as a disposable and useful addition to their expensive array of overpriced gadgets.
220
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!
12520
SELL LINUX COMPATIBLE PRINTERS
Linux, Printers and Ink submitted by nycnikato
05/27/07
Right now DEll sells rebranded Lexmark printers. I bought and A920 later to find out that it is very very poorly supported on Linux, and also does not support Macintosh. Most Lexmark/DEll printers for home/soho use are not well supported under Linux. Here are some ideas to fix that, in order of preference
1) Sell Rebranded BROTHER printers, Virtually ALL of brother's printers and multifunctions support Linux (and Mac), they have open source binaries and source code that you could include with ubuntu or any other
http://solutions.brother.com/linux/sol/printer/linux/cups_drivers.html< there is no bad blood or competition between brother and DELL
Brother printers are very very inexpensive, so there is room for margin. Surely brother would manufacture custom cartridges for dell.
2) Compel Lexmark to make their printers Linux compatible. This is unlikely because Lexmark likes to be proprietary with drivers. For some reason it is difficult technologically for Lexmark to produce Linux drivers. There is no processor inside their printers. Brother, HP, Samsung, and others do not have this problem.
3) Sell Rebranded HP printers---- Not so good because HP makes all the money, and DELL directly fuels a competitor.
1990
Dell is in a dire need of a COMPLETE image refresh
Advertising and Marketing, Laptops submitted by mentalman1369
08/15/07
Dell is in a dire need of a COMPLETE image refresh.
Dell needs to completely change the way the general public view their products and services (the only way Dell can repair the damage it has taken to its customer base).
Current opinion of computer users, from casual users to enthusiasts, regard many Dell products (notebooks especially) as ugly, cumbersome beasts. Many users find the sole reason they but a Dell is for its low prices and value. But even this reason is fading, as price-drops from competitors force buyers to consider other brands and deter users from Dell's sometimes truly ugly designs. Modern consumers now pursue sleek and elegant designs in almost everything they buy, and this applies to computers. Dell must re-innovate and redesign their computers to rouse the attention of ALL computer users (the new Inspirons look a little better due to their colour, but their fundamental design is still cumbersome and "brick"-like). This way, customers will choose Dell products to others because of its desirable looks AS WELL AS its low prices and understated customer service. Dell has the ability to engineer amazing products which have great functionality and practicality, but if the presentation of these products is not up to scratch, people will dismiss what lies within.
The XPS M1330 is a great first step (including adding small extra touches such as the remote, fingerprint reader, touch controls and WLED screen), and Dell MUST continue this trend of designing objects of pure desire if they wish to become market dominant (and even adding more, like backlit keyboards, adaptive display brightness, etc.). Dell cannot seem to be lagging behind other companies in product aesthetics (adding different colours to laptops simply ISN'T enough to attract the attention Dell needs and deserves), for this is what general consumers see representing company. Dell needs to start imitating other companies who are promoting their products by making everything to do with their company and products attractive (though using spin doctors similar to those employed by HP (who create laughable and senseless adverts) is NOT recommend). However, it is important that new computer designs DO NOT compromise on functionality or integrity of the product (e.g. cases should be strong but still attractive (problems like the M1330 paint debacle must first be overcome, of course)).
It is imperative that Dell improves on the way they project themselves to the general public (a good recent example is Jeff Clarke's outfit while unveilling Dell's new amazingly thin Latitude tablet (a professional business unit): that outfit really isn't great for Dell's general image (even if the video won't be view by the general public, and no personal offense intended, Mr. Clarke)). Dell should unify the image of its products and services, designing sleek and elegant computer cases, advertising its excellent customer service and promote itself in a more prominent way, such as opening more Dell Kiosks, a new logo and the like.
Dell, it's time for action!
480
Universal Notebook Power Adapter
Laptops, Laptop Power submitted by slateslate
08/24/07
1. I've owned Dell Latitudes and Inspirons since 1998.
2. Your power adapters have a life expectancy of 12-18 months under daily mobile use. It is annoying for have these adapters fray.
3. Subsequent generations of notebooks each have unique adapters. Make all adapters the same after this generation of notebooks. So that should one power adapter fray, I can swap with another Dell adapter even if it's from a different notebook model.
OR
1. MAKE YOUR POWER ADAPTERS LESS PRONE TO FRAY AT THE END WHERE THE ADAPTER MEETS THE COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1150
XPS m1330 should have at least 3 USB ports
XPS products submitted by ordinary_user
12/02/07
the XPS m1330 should have AT LEAST 3 USB 2.0 ports; If it means removing the 1394a port, so be it.
most peripherals are USB based; e.g. If I attach an external HDD such as Seagate FreeAgent, it uses 2 ports by itself. I would also work with a mouse when connected on my desk....
A solution such as attaching a USB hub may not be feasible, as I do not know if the USB port can support the current drawn by multiple devices connected to it (apart from thumb drives etc).
170
Toddler/Family Friendly Computer
Desktops and Laptops submitted by jrbenning
12/05/07
Now that, HP has unveiled their family friendly software bundle/configuration... I figure the path is laid for others to follow. HP chose DesktopMagic which is geared towards preteens. I think DELL should go after the new toddler tech phenomenon with software like Peanut Butter PC.
A recent NYTimes article () claims kids don't want to play with fake laptops, but would rather emulate their parents on the real-deal. This must open up a whole new market for repeat business. Cross sell existing families computers specifically geared towards their children. Or maybe this is a foot in the door for non-computer households... People will do anything to help their children.
J.R.
140
Stop moving *Backwards* in your Linux progress - return the NVidia graphics option.
Inspiron products, Linux, Laptops submitted by jmxz
08/16/07
During the first 2 days of your Ubuntu sales you didn't offer any accelerated graphics options on Ubuntu laptops. After numerous Ideas requesting the addition, and phone calls to your sales guys as well (I know I made at least one) the option was added and I even posted an idea thanking you for having the option on the day I ordered one.
Now I see that you again removed the option of accelerated graphics on Ubuntu systems?!?
WHY? It works fine on the E1505N you sent me!
What's with the horrible history of backwards progress on your Linux systems.? You showed backward progress on the warranties (and then fixed them again). You showed backward progress on the pricing and discounts (and then fixed them again; and then undid the fixes again).
It seems that just as fast as you mark Ideas "Completed" you go around un-completing them.
You're making me believe the conspiracy theories that were originally made in jest about people in Dell trying to make the Linux projects fail.
1620
Set up an independent business unit for GNU/Linux systems
Dell, Linux submitted by glynmoody
03/02/07
Clearly, there is a huge pent-up demand for pre-installed GNU/Linux systems from Dell. But equally clearly, it would be difficult for Dell to make, sell and support such systems with its current business model.
Why doesn't Dell adopt the solution outlined by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen in his book The Innovator's Dilemma? That is, to set up a completely autonomous division, dedicated solely to meeting the demand for such systems - one that is not obliged to follow any of Dell's traditional practices.
Unconstrained by Dell's current methods or cost structures, it will be able to explore, devise and adopt innovative solutions to serve this very different market profitably. Dell makes money, people get their pre-installed systems.
5010
XPS M1330 with Gigabit Ethernet
Broadband and Mobility, XPS products, Laptops submitted by macavity
07/11/07
I think it would be really good for the M1330 to have Gigabit networking for various reasons.
- if you want to move or back up your music or some videos across your home network you actually need that speed
- most other similar laptops have it. I thought it's standard now and hardwired into every board?
- gigabit home routers are on the market
- I don't want to buy a product and be behind the market right from day-1.
I bought an Inspiron 4 years ago with only 10Mbps 802.11b wifi and regretted it already 6 months into the purchase.
1350
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