steven_pierce

Please stop using cheap LCD panels on your flagship XPS laptop line.

Monitors and Displays, XPS products submitted by tcpaulh Jun 3

Please stop using cheap LCD panels on your flagship XPS laptop line.

For example the M1530 although specified with 90-100 degree vertical viewing angles, the reality is that there is at best a 15-20 degree vertical viewing angle before colour inversion occurs.

Vertical viewing angles at present do not appear to conform to stated specifications!

Dell have been promising better viewing angles since 2002 with Ultrasharp screens but these screens are still not available across the XPS line of laptops.

Please sort it out Dell and stop using the cheapest screen technology in your premium products.

Thank you. 9 Comments »

Sales Chat Staff Should be Informed of Product Launches

Sales Strategies, Service and Support submitted by slateslate Jun 18

I asked a "live sales chat person/avatar" when the Latitude E-Series would be released.

Sales Chat Person didn't know and stated that the sales chat staff don't have that information.

Given that the E-series should be released in the next couple of months, someone should inform the sales chat staff of the approximate date of the release.

As an aside, the E-series looks extremely great. Finally something that gives the Thinkpad a run for its money.

Please don't let the initial batch suffer quality control problems like the M1330 and Inspiron 1420/1520 releases. 2 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 »

Why Dell at Walmart/Sam's Club make sense At Christmas.

submitted by robert 12/06/07

I have been an avid supporter of Walmart and especially Sam's Club since their inception. I like to save money. During Christmas, I shop where people say "Merry Christmas", have The Salvation Army, and play Christmas music. I am not alone here. Walmart and Sam's Club do this. My family and friends are all a part of this massive, consumer segment. So what? This segment spends a lot at Christmas and are particular where they spend it. This segment buys computers and accesories. Compare Walmart's recent revenue reports versus Target this season. Dell's decision to retail with Walmart may take some time to get in gear but it will work in the long term. Comment »

The Simple TabletPC

Servers and Storage submitted by krisc 12/11/07

How about a normal, boring, simple TabletPC?

Give us a 14.1" screen with a decent resolution, a Wacom based digitizer, a standard dual core CPU, 1-2gb RAM, and a decent graphics card.

There are power users out there that just want the tablet for simple notetaking and quick sketches, doodles, etc and do not need the gestures or finger touch. When we need to move around the OS, we use the mouse and keyboard because it is faster.

Please give us a normal TabletPC with a better price point. 4 Comments »

Focus on Product Quality not Customer support

Dell submitted by badblood 12/17/07

I was just thinking if Dell computers were better quality there would be less need for customer support. Right? I mean if they weren't like breaking all the time or if we weren't receiving the wrong order or a late order you'd think the phones would go quiet. I mean we are not so lonely as to want to call customer support when we don't need to. We could do something else, like actually use our computers or play with a stick and ball with our children outside. This isn't really an idea is it. I was just bored. Nothing here. Look away. Bye..... 3 Comments »

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 »

Time to bring out the QUAD-CORE processors...!

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops submitted by michaelyork29 09/20/07

Dell,

I think its about time you bring in the new quad-core processors from Intel (and maybe AMD when they come out with them) as an option on some of the new desktops and possibly laptops. People who multi-task on their computer of use a lot of CPU power need these processors and by doing this you'll also be one of the few companies now putting these processors in consumer desktops which would give you an advantage to the "others."

18 Comments »

Windows Home Server - Upgrade your old PC

Environment, Servers and Storage submitted by steve.au 12/25/07

There are a few threads for Windows Home Server. Yes, its an opportunity for a new type of Dell product.

But it kind of misses an opportunity & also presents a bit of a problem.

WHS doesn't need much in spec, its really just a file server. Really does Dell want to sell low spec PC's? Probably not.

Do you want to buy a low spec PC. Probably not. Most of us want to buy bigger, better, faster.

We've got an old PC. So why not provide WHS as an option for your new PC to add to your old PC?

The idea is also environmentally friendly; reduce, REUSE, recycle 3 Comments »

Put some attitude into the Latitude

Advertising and Marketing, Latitude products, Laptops submitted by jervis961 05/04/07

Dell needs a new Latitude model for people who need a stylish notebook for work but want it to be capable of play activities also. It should have a LED back lit 13.3 inch high resolution/contrast ratio trans reflective screen that swivels like a tablet but without the touch screen (touchscreen could be an upgrade). The option of a non-glossy screen would be available.

Media buttons on the monitor would be helpful for times when the screen is turned around and wouldn't be accidentally pushed when resting the notebook on your lap. A good example would be when you're on a plane watching a movie, the notebook would fit better in this configuration allowing you to see the screen easier.

Dell should use a design like in this leaked photo of an upcoming ultraportable.



It needs to have options like Dual core processor (Quad core when available for mobile), DVD burner, fingerprint reader, SSD, 5-1 card reader(with a cover so the card doesn't fall out), HDMI, Dolby Certified sound as well as a video card that is DX10 with at least 256mb of RAM(perhaps use cards from the Precision line for things like video editing) . It needs to be dual hard drive capable, 2 headphone jacks, built in microphone and the option of a built in camera 2MP or better. A WiFi hot spot finder would be helpful. Don't forget the docking port and gigabit Ethernet. Please, Please, Please do not skimp on bandwidth, only the newest technology please.

A LED light that can illuminate the keyboard in dark rooms and media connect must be standard. I would actually recommend using a black light over the keyboard as the white letters would pop without using a very bright light.



Vista Sideshow could be an option as well. At least a small monochrome screen with basic information so you don't have to power up the system.


I think there would be a large market for this type of system.

The advertising would be a great boost to Dell's image. Showing how your "new L-attitude" has changed your life. I've always looked at the Apple VS PC ads and wondered why can't I have both. I think Dell can supply the notebook that finally brings work and play together in a stylish but professional looking package.

What other options do you think should be added? 53 Comments »

Sell the XPS and Vostro lines at Staples too...not only Inspiron

Sales Strategies, XPS products submitted by winoffice 12/04/07

I know that Dell began to offer computers for display and sales at Staples recently - GREAT MOVE! But unfortnately, this concerns only Inspiron...I cannot wait to try out some XPS computers at Staples and order them there!

I went to the Staples Web site (http://www.staples.com), clicked at the "Computers and PDAs" link and ended up at http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?&secondlevel..., clicked at the "Dell Computers" link and ended up at http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?&secondlevel....

I was disappointed on discovering that only Inspirons were offered - is it so hard to sell the higher-end XPS and Vostro lines at Staples? Please sell the XPS and Vostro lines as well! XPS systems that I would want to see in Staples stores and on the Staples Web site include but are not limited to the following.

- XPS M1330 notebook
- XPS M1710 notebook
- XPS M1730 notebook
- XPS One desktop (all-in-one)
- XPS 420 mini tower desktop
- XPS 630 mini tower desktop
- XPS 720 tower desktop

Vostro systems that I would want to see in Staples stores and on the Staples Web site include but are not limited to the following.

- Vostro 1400 notebook
- Vostro 1500 notebook
- Vostro 1700 notebook
- Vostro 200 slim tower
- Vostro 200 mini tower
- Vostro 400 mini tower

Also consider the OS on most computers in Staples stores - Windows Vista Home Premium or Basic. However, it would certainly be ironic if Vostro and XPS (which has the most features compared the Inspirons) computers came with Windows Vista Home instead of Ultimate (which has more features than any other Windows Vista edition). Besides, the XPS and Vostro systems that I tried out at Dell Direct Store kiosks had Windows Vista Ultimate, and the offerings at Staples should at least be the same but certainly not less. So please Dell, make the XPS and Vostro systems that will be offered in Staples stores and on the Staples Web site come with Windows Vista Ultimate, not Home Premium/Basic. 13 Comments »

High-end Slim MiniPCs by Dell

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by rishitku 12/06/07

Can Dell get a slim MiniPC into the market and a slim Media Center PC that looks like a DVD player, which should look sleek. MiniPCs I mean, Stuff like Shuttle XPC X series.

I would really like it if you offer it with Blu-ray, HDMI, and Core 2 Extreme X7800 2.6GHz. 3 Comments »

Smaller rubber feet that don't fall off

Inspiron products submitted by jtrpop 07/02/07

The rubber feet on my Inspiron are big and get snagged when slipping into my computer bag. One has already fallen off. Make them slimmer and less prone to falling off. 24 Comments »

Better define the Dell-assigned tags.

IdeaStorm submitted by winoffice 11/22/07

cosh included the following list of Dell-assigned tags in his idea concerning browsing based on those tags, and badblood suggested that Dell define **COMING SOON** in terms of "how long we need to hold our breath".

- Acknowledged
- Already Offered
- Coming Soon
- Fixed
- Implemented
- In Progress
- Not Likely
- Not Now
- Under Review (formerly, Under Consideration)
- Partially Implemented

I suggest that in addition to **COMING SOON**, Dell define what these tags mean in that sense.

**IN PROGRESS** and **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED** - I am placing them in the same paragraph because I do not know the difference between them - how long do we have to wait before they become completely implemented?

**NOT NOW** - then when? When will Dell decide that now is the time for the idea to have a different statuis tag?

**UNDER REVIEW** - when will Dell cease to review the idea and move it further up?

I also suggest that Dell explain to us the difference between **IN PROGRESS** and **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED** - I currently have no idea what the difference is.

And for the sake of completedness I decided to mention again the request of badblood for Dell to define **COMING SOON** - how long is soon, and when will the idea have finally come and been implemented instead of "coming soon"?

I also suggest that on the About page that Dell give complete definitions for all of the status tags in case a new user comes up and has no idea what these status tags mean. Comment »

Visible Link to IdeaStorm on main Dell site

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, IdeaStorm submitted by ipaw 07/01/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

IdeaStorm should have a visible link and explanation on the main Dell site as well as a Desktop shortcut on all new installations.

I've been a Dell customer since my XPS-500 back in the mid 90's and I only just found out about IdeaStorm through a PodCast.

If people know they can have a voice and make a difference, they'll use it.

Thanks


This idea has been partially implemented, as our new home page now has a prominent link to "Dell Community" - within that page are links to IdeaStorm and our other community properties, including Dell Community Forums, Direct2Dell, StudioDell, etc. Thanks for the idea!!!
34 Comments »

More Interesting Order Tracking

submitted by chaitanyak 12/28/07

Firstly i'd like to mention that i did a search for this and didnt find anything simillar, so if there is, then blame it on the search engine.

I was just looking up the status of one of my laptop orders at the current order status page. I suddenly had this idea. ok fine it may be a ridiculous idea for some, but hey humour me(no promises it may still be a stupid idea).

the idea:

When you log in to see your order status, you also see a live webcam feed of whichever room or table your machine is sitting on... let me elaborate:

suppose your machine/order is in "production" stage, you can actually see it sitting on a table, with a guy walking over every now and then, and putting parts of it together... then few hrs/days later it moves to another table... where another guy is loading up the OS...software....and so on... right up till it goes in the box and out the door on a wheelbarrow/trolley/conveyor belt...

basically i've been checking my order status every day in mad anticipation of the status of my new machine and ...well it could be more interesting than it is currently..

This would also be a fun semi educational thing for users who are interested in the entire manufacturing/assembling process and also, for those who want to know wether dell really has some "green" eco friendly measures in place.

anyway thats my idea. what say you? 9 Comments »

Promote Windows Home Server Bigtime

Servers and Storage submitted by gcreese 02/17/07

Microsoft is coming out with Windows Home Server this year, which will allow households to backup and manage their house PCs from a single spot. At this point, a lot of households are in this situation (e.g., with two adults and a child, we have three laptops, a desktop, and three PDAs). Get out in front of the curve on this one (HP made its announcement at the CES Show), talk about it, promote the fact that you will offer it, and in the vein of the other "make the website easier to use" suggestions, explain how Windows Home Server is something to consider for a family going digital.

Also, offer a Windows Home Server discount to current customers who've ordered two or more PCs from Dell in the past five years. You have the data to run an effective, targeted marketing campaign. Use it! 168 Comments »

Sell old junk hardware for a discount price

Sales Strategies submitted by jadebrain 11/23/07

You could sell obsolete hardware to people who want to use said hardware for various purposes: education, hobbies, homemade computers, recycling, etc. I've been looking for a bunch of old stuff for a LONG time. 5 Comments »

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4 Comments »

Matte high-resolution screens

Monitors and Displays submitted by programmer001 03/05/07

Dell unfortunately jumped on the TrueLife display for laptops.
These are good for gaming and movies because of the colors and brightness, but are bad for working because they are too much reflective. I am a programmer and the reason for which I used to buy Dell is because of the very high resolution screens (UXGA, WUXGA). In facts I would like to see high-resolution screens available in more laptop models, possibly even in the 15" ones, and in particular I would like to see MATTE high-resolution screens available, not TrueLife.

I guess movies/gaming customers probably buy low-resolution screens, while programmers like me buy high-resolution screens (UXGA, WUXGA) and these are the ones that would benefit from a modern matte screen. A good choice for Dell would probably be to provide the low resolution screens as TrueLife and the high resolution ones as matte, while now it is more like the opposite.

Please offer matte high-res screens at least as an option. 6 Comments »