STEVE HARVEY ON HAVING BIG IDEAS
The Dell Community has contributed: 9375 ideas | promoted 641848 times | 71534 comments

How IdeaStorm Works:

Post Promote Discuss See

sprefournier

Dashboard  |  Ideas Submitted  |  Ideas Voted On  |  Comments  |  Saved Items

860

Improve your internal case designs (Improve airflow + Reduce wire clutter)

Environment submitted by bbr 07/10/07

I've had my Desktop for a couple of years now, and i still shudder having to open it.
It's a horrible maze of tangled wires, connectors and above all "dust" in there.
Sort of like : http://www.zdnet.de/graphics/reviews/pc/200207/dell4500-inside.jpg
or : http://images.digitalmedianet.com/2004/Week_39/z1yf5axb/story/dell_inside.jpg
Wires everywhere, making it very hard to reach any components you wish to replace or clean. It's crazy.

Now, compare that to this: http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/inside25g5.jpg
Yes it's an Apple, a G5 Dual processor model to be a bit more exact.
It looks so clean because Apple designs its own hardware.

Now, i'll leave out the obvious temptation of starting a Vista vs OSX comparison,
and stick to the hardware.

Here's a comparison shot mac-vs-pc : http://www.apple.bg/bul/Docs/apple/hardware/powermac/1102/clutter.jpg
As with others of apple's designs they've always been very clean cut :
http://www.zisman.ca/Articles/2004/g5imac_inside.jpg

Just look at it, perfect air flow : http://www.apple.bg/bul/Docs/apple/hardware/powermac/1102/cooling.jpg
Because of the airflow design it produces much less sound than a normal PC does..
With the fans placed inside the machine to reduce noise output even further.
(From personal experience, i'm able to say that i can barelly hear my mac at work)

Compare that to the front-bottom(dust intake) point intake design (whirlwind) with randomly placed fans inside the case (disrupt airflow) that most normal PCs use. PC Airflow is flawed.
Example : http://www.pcleek.be/Fotoshardware/pc%20case%20open.jpg
Standard PC airflow is inefficient, ignores most major components, and requires extra fans rotating at speeds which produce a "lot" of sound, require a lot of energy to operate, and suck in a lot of dust particles which will reduce the nominal efficiency of your hardware over time.
Because of this design you'll also notice that the edges around your CD/DVD drive will usually have clearly showing edges of dust, because the normal airflow is not aligned to the internal fans. (dust and CD drives does not mix, and can cause faillure of your CD drive)

Now, back to Mac:
Front metallic cover and sideplates : http://www.tweakers.net/ext/i.dsp/1056403028.jpg
Detailed side view G5 : http://www.wap.org/journal/powermacg5v2/powermacg5v2.jpg
Detailed side view Mac Pro : http://www.professional-pr.info/Apple/Bilder/06/macpro/macpro_inside.jpg
Notice the heatsinks on the right, and the 4 Hard disk panels in the center.
The CD/DVD drive(topleft) can be removed in 1 motion, just like the side panel for the CPUs

Easy to access all components,
Easy to switch hard disks, (single button eject)
Easy to plug in extra memory, (no wires blocking access)
Instant access to the processor (1 button panel remove)
And so much more.

In my opinion it'd be a great revolution if Dell stepped away from the "standard" PC design and improved their hardware in this manner. Easy access, Good air flow, Easy to clean. Less wires needed. (better for the environment as well)

The problem however, is that dell machines are limited to "standard" mainboards.
Because of this it's almost impossible to allow much creativity with the hardware placement inside each case.
Perhaps dell can sit around a table with Intel or another popular mainboard designer and come up with a more customized version for the improved desktop layouts.

Improving the case hardware layout to fix the airflow will make a cleaner look, yield better performance, reduce energy consumption, improve harware lifespan, and in the end you end up with a much more enviromentally friendly computer. 8 Comments »

300

DVDs / pre-loaded Video Tutorials that teaches you how to use your newly purchased Dell computers

Advertising and Marketing, Education, Service and Support submitted by davidtse916 07/10/07

I had this idea for sometime already...wouldn't it be good if Dell offers you the option to order some DVD / pre-loaded video tutorials that teaches you the basic stuff; like how to set up your computer to connect to the Internet, how to use the web browser to browse the Internet safely, how to uninstall a software that you no longer needs, how to do configure the settings in your system, how to make sure you computer is secure etc.

I know these things are very basic to most of you...but we all had trouble doing things like that when we first started using a computer...right? Some people choose to ask questions and learn quickly...while others just keep quiet. And when people have problems with their computer...the ones who keep quiet might not be able to know the real reason behind their problem...so they might start to say...my Dell is no good...it keeps on crashing...its so slow...then they start telling their friends not to get a Dell. My idea is to give them a chance to know a little bit more about their newly purchased computer so can use it well and at least have some idea what is going on inside the "box". Also...if you know more about your computer...I would say you have a less chance of "making it crash".

I have seen some video tutorials that Dell have made...they are excellent...but wouldn't it be better if they can be pre-loaded in the computer...or at least let people to choose whether they want to have them with their newly purchased Dell. DVD versions can also be purchased at a small cost so that people can watch the videos on their TV and follow the instructions on their computer.

Since I don't think other companies have done this before, if Dell does it, then people will have one more reason to get a Dell. As far as I know, some people think you have to learn a lot to be able to use a computer...while this maybe true...a lot of tasks that we do everyday is actually not that difficult, if Dell offers these tutorials...I think more people are welling to get a Dell because they know they can "master" the basics "out of the box". 6 Comments »

700

Offer 8400M GT on the XPS M1330 not the current GS Version!

XPS products submitted by tolkan 07/10/07

The Why offer the GS Which is much weaker than the GT Version. By offering the GT version the M1330 would be the best of performance and work. Considering that the 8400M GT is referred to as an under clocked 8600M GS. I really want to purchase the XPS M1330 so please Promote this. If there is currently another idea on this topic please do tell me so i can promote.

Thank You In Advanced...
-Tolkan- 8 Comments »

230

Dell needs Gaming Commercials

Advertising and Marketing, Gaming submitted by topher397 07/10/07

Dell makes some of the industries best gaming products but not everyone knows of dell's commitment to gaming. I think they should have commericials showing that they can be cool and make gaming worthy PC's. 5 Comments »

310

Offer Vostro to Home Consumers or optionally rebrand a Vostro an Inspiron.

Sales Strategies, Vostro products submitted by benjesuit 07/10/07

I mean, look at this:



What a wonderful colour scheme.

And it's merely a rebranded Inspiron. So why can't Home & Home office consumers obtain one if they choose? It should be an option. Some are turned off by the Inspirons silver colour scheme and would prefer the graphite grey/black look of the Vostro. 25 Comments »

490

Dell - Tell us if this explains why it's so hard to get No OS on many Dell models?

Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 07/10/07

The Idea is that if there's a reason like this that Dell won't offer No OS on more systems, they should just come out and say

http://digg.com/linux_unix/Comes_vs_Microsoft_Petition_Shows_How_Microsoft_Bl...<

...in 2000, Microsoft ratcheted the restriction up so that OEMs are forced to forfeit all discounts otherwise earned if they ship any "naked machines" to consumers. This heightened restriction, which (on information and belief) continues to the present, prohibits PC users and PC retailers from buying and installing lower priced or better quality operating systems of their choice."
10 Comments »

250

Remove submitted ideas once they reach -100

IdeaStorm submitted by brutten 07/10/07

Seen some ideas that are just not accepted by the members of this forum and could be removed to keep the site focused on good ideas. Once an idea hits -100 or more it should be removed from the list. 9 Comments »

480

Alienware integration

Dell Web Site submitted by melvintomas 07/10/07

Since Alienware is already a part of Dell, why can't we link to it from the Dell Website? We should be proud of acquiring such a company. 3 Comments »

530

Offer computers without an OS installed!

Operating Systems submitted by auraofblade 07/10/07

I realize this idea is slightly crazy, but hear me out.

An added with this idea is that the price gets cut. There are some people out there who really don't have quite enough money to buy even the cheapest computer. With around $100 cut off the price (that's that price of a cheap OS right?), people will have the ability to purchase the hardware sooner.

Of course, where do they get their OS? The main one they can use is Linux...its free. On a slight sidenote, you can potentially include an install disc for Linux with the package. And of course that little sticker saying what OS the computer has disappears. 8 Comments »

1350

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. 8 Comments »

1182

Overclocking options

Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by carlobaluta 02/20/07

Have overclocking options in BIOS, as other motherboard manufacturers have. This should apply to high end gaming machines, designed for people who know what they are doing.
Also, i believe this kind of computers are way too pricey as I can always buy the parts and build such a machine for way less and with far more options...

Carlo 54 Comments »

-290
-440

Shame on you!

Dell, IdeaStorm submitted by megabucks10457 07/11/07

When I first heard about Idea Storm it sounded like a wonderful opportunity for inventors to be able to communicate directly with a well known and reputable company. Alas it is nothing more then a new way for big business to steal ideas from the little guys without paying for them. I would recommend that any individual with an idea or innovation submit it to a patent office, where at least they stand a chance of financial gain. Dell has proven to be no better then Lawrence Peska, a well known idea theft company. Has Dell's deception become so organized that people are actually stupid enough to submit designs without any hope of future profit or recognition? If This is the case, then I think that Dell should send me a top of the line computer with the name and address of the person who designed it, so that my money can be properly channeled. 10 Comments »

460

LED backlit 30" LCD Monitor

Monitors and Displays submitted by mcfazeli 07/11/07

The next round of upgrades to the high-end Dell display line should bring in LED backlighting and 120 HZ true refresh rate if possible. Not only would this enhance the contrast and colour reproduction of the screen (assuming you still aim for the 92% NTSC gamut like the 3007 HC model), but it would be more energy efficient, and natively support the 24 fps media like Blu-ray and HD DVD.

The 30" would be the ultimate display. A 27", 24", 22" and 20" would round out the best display line on the market.

I for one will not upgrade my 2405 FPW to the 30" model until I can buy one that has most of the characteristics I mentioned above. Comment »

60

Vostro To the Home User

Operating Systems submitted by sangelnet 07/11/07

Vostro should be available to the home user as well. Not only the small/medium business. 6 Comments »

50

Numeric pads for out CPA type users

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by blueace21 07/11/07

I have many users in our corporate accounting office that are buying other brands due to the lack of a numeric pad on the notebooks offered by Dell. Granted these machines are tailored to our bean counting friends, but it sure would be a nice option instead of having to use a usb key pad for numeric entry. Comment »

160

Three button pointers on Laptops!

Linux, Laptops submitted by cdurst 07/11/07 **NOT NOW**

As a longtime Linux user, two-button pointers (touchpads, trackpoints, mice) are a non-starter for me. I can't stand having to try to click both buttons at once to simulate the middle button for Linux. Too often I don't get the timing right and it clears my selection.

Most other companys sell three button laptops, but not Dell.

I even have a Dell Latitude at work that has four buttons (two for the trackpoint and two for the touchpad). Does it have a middle button for either one? No. Can I treat them as four separate buttons and call one of the others a middle button? Apparently not. I think the buttons are hadwired to be duplicates.

Whenever I get a Dell catalog in the mail, and look at the laptops and see that all they have are touchpads with only two pointer buttons, I toss it in the trash immediately. 9 Comments »

70

Bring PCMCIA Back!

Laptops submitted by sparkinium 07/11/07

ExpressCards are the new PCMCIA. They've even replaced the PCMCIA on all but one line of Dell laptops. Unfortunately for the end-users, most cards are still PCMCIA. Performing internet searches, thousands of PCMCIA cards are available when merely a handful of ExpressCard expansion options exist. This is a disadvantage to us, the consumers, in that we have fewer options for expansion and, in addition, we cannot use our old cards.

Please incorporate the PCMCIA slot back into your notebook offerings! 3 Comments »

950

Dell offer a No-OS option in {insert your country here} for all possible computer systems you offer.

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by jorge 07/11/07

Dell offer a No-OS option in{insert your country here}! We also want to have the option of having (or is it not to have) No-OS as an option when buying a computer!

Everyone fill in your own {insert your country here}.

If this doesn't work then create your own idea, it worked for Linux, why not No-OS?

Update: Added all possible computer systems offered by Dell. 52 Comments »

-90

I always wanted a DELL Lunchbox!

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, New Product Ideas submitted by l-roy 06/11/07

For some people (me included), mostly freelancers it is uninevitable to switch
from offices from time to time. So especially Highend 3d developers etc.
would be glad to have fullsize desktop components/Cards and Screens but
built into a transportable case but not paying 10k like most common rugged pc companies want us to.

1 Comment »



Rss track my votes