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3800

DVI or HDMI out on all laptops models?

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by tommarnk 07/06/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

this would be a big jump, if dell add "DVI out" on all dell laptops, so people can connect to there LCD Displays or LCD HDTVs natively

the picture quality will be grealy improved

this should be easy to do as most of new chipsets has dvi out

not many laptop manufacturers add "dvi out" to there lower end products, so it might be a wise move to do so

all LCD monitors and lcd hdtvs has dvi or hdmi in so it might work well

and meybe remove the old VGA out and put a singel DVI-I, it can be used as analog (VGA) to, by using VGA-to-DVI-I adapter like tose used on

standard computer graphic cards for years now

many people like me connect monitor via dvi or hdmi to get the best picture and color quality



The offerings for the XPS M1730: Dual-link DVI-I (support for 30-inch displays) and HDMI via DVI adapter. Check out all the specs for the new systems.

69 Comments »

1160

Make memory upgrades EASIER, not more difficult

Sales Strategies, Simplify IT, Laptops submitted by nicopoon 08/19/07

I've always been able to upgrade memory myself on notebooks and laptops, but am concerned to see that Dell has made it so much harder to upgrade memory on new notebooks. You apparently now have to take the notebook apart by removing the keyboard to access memory slots. Why make it so hard for your customers, Mr Dell? All I can see is a lot of unneeded support calls and parts failures as a result of this change.

Besides, I am stunned to see memory prices on the online configurators. 4GB of notebook memory for $400+, while anyone can get the same quality memory under $150 in retail?

Please: either make memory price competitive, and I'll buy the 4GB upfront, or make it easy to upgrade it... before users break their notebook in the process. 9 Comments »

10990

Tell us what WiFi chipset a laptop has.

Broadband and Mobility, Dell Web Site, Linux, Laptops submitted by tonyb2006 08/29/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Tell us the WiFi chipset used in a laptop before we buy it so we know if the WiFi chipset supports a feature we want, or if it supports Linux or another operating system that we intend to use. The WiFi chipset being like "Intel ipw2200" or "Broadcom BCM4306", or "Ralink rt2500".







17 Comments »

17400

Stop Overcharging on Notebook RAM

Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by realskript 08/28/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Dell really... REALLY need to stop overcharging... and when i say overcharing... i mean atleast double what you would pay to pick up the ram yourself.
On XPS Notebooks... you are charging $500 for 4GB of ram... when you could easily go pick them up at your local computer shop for $250... and pocket the other half of the $500...

It would be nice if dell could save the customers as well as the company itself this hassle.. and start charging NORMAL prices for an upgrade in RAM.

thanks =D

PS..... PROMOTE THIS!!!!











86 Comments »

3720

Switch to New Lithium-Sulfur batteries: Carries a longer charge, double the lifetime, Environmentally friendly, no toxic heavy metals, cheaper to produce, lighter weight

Environment, Laptop Power submitted by reg 06/10/07

Recharge Lithium-Sulfur over and over again. Sulfur is cheaper than heavy metals, and friendly to the environment. No toxic metals, and also better performing in colder temperatures. Lithium-Sulfur batteries also weigh less than Lithium Ion batteries.

More Power, Lower Costs, Safer for the environment, Easier to carry:

Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.



We Need A New Source of Power! MORE POWER! 13 Comments »

690

LED and OLED displays

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by mike2912 09/14/07

I would like to see more of the laptops and even desktop screens utilise the LED sisplays. The colors are richer and they consume a lot less power. The XPS 1330 is excellent so why not spread the technology to the rest of the products. 1 Comment »

1880

DELL, post own ideas here and see reactions of users

IdeaStorm submitted by millhauz 09/21/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**

Some icon could be used to let people know it's a DELL - idea. Then watch promoting/demoting and comments to see, if the feature is worth putting in production 22 Comments »

480

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! 13 Comments »

670

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."

Intel Core 2 Quad 18 Comments »

-320

Give customers the _option_ of even more trialware.

Software submitted by jmxz 04/27/07

Currently Dell has to walk a delicate balance between getting paid to include trialware on computers and offending customers who aren't comfortable uninstalling the trialware. However some customers have no problem with the trialware and appreciate it - either because they're interested in the software or appreciate that this software subsidized their hardware.

I could think of many reasons why more trialware might be appreciated.

  • To those people unfamiliar with Windows software, Trialware's appreciated because it's probably the best way to learn what potentially interesting software might be out there.
  • Give me trials of TurboTax (http://web.intuit.com/about_intuit/press_releases/2001/02-08.html) That was the last program I can think of that made me go borrow someone's Windows PC; and pretty much the only thing that makes me think I should have an up-to-date windows box around.
  • Give me a 1-month trial of WoW, Everquest, EVE, or whatever the hot games are these days. I never got into gaming; but perhaps a trial could get me hooked.
  • Give me even more ISP trials - with a dozen 1-month ISP trials I get a year of free internet.
  • Give me all of Symantec and McAfee and Norton - I'm unfamiliar with windows software and trying them both might be the best way for me to choose which one I like better.
I'm not that familiar with Windows software - but no doubt there's plenty of other commercial software that I wouldn't be willing to pay for without trying it first. Those vendors would probably pay to be bundled on a Dell. And if this makes for a cheaper machine I'm all for it.

So this Idea is for Dell to have an additional option that reads
<input>: Install trial versions of 150 other software titles [save $10]
Those that want to learn about a wider variety of software available for Windows, and those looking to save $10 can choose it. Others don't have to. 3 Comments »

540

New/updated XPS M1710/M1720 17" performance notebook

Gaming, XPS products submitted by hjwasson 05/02/07

Dell's well regarded XPS M1710 is arguably the flagship of their notebook line. Unfortunately, it is starting to show it's age, and I am hoping that Dell will soon update it. Here is my personal wish-list for an updated M1710/M1720. Please make additional <u>realistic</u> suggestions, or discuss what you'd like to have that is different from my vision.

<u>XPS M1710/M1720 wish list:</u>



Processor: Intel Montevina (Mobile counterpart to Penryn) Core 2 Quad. If that's not yet ready when the new M1710/M1720 debuts, then Intel Centrino Pro(aka 'Santa Rosa') T7700 & T7500 Core 2 Duo.
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3265
http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/29/intels-penryn-core-2-quad-processor-on-sch...
http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/intels-santa-rosa-platform-officially-dubb...
Alternative Processor: If AMD manages to strike back at Intel with a powerful alternative to the Core 2 Duo, perhaps Dell could add a 'M1715' alternative with the AMD processor

DX10 compatible GPU: To fully support Windows Vista & DirectX 10, Dell needs to offer DX10 compatible video processors on all new notebooks. The nVidia Go 8800 (and AMD/ATI's mobile DX10 GPU, whenever it comes out) should make any XPS notebook gamer drool. Even Linux users wouldn't scoff at the 8800 - would they?

HDD/SSD Storage Options: Since Dell has acquired Alineware as a wholly owned subsidiary, perhaps we'll see some new technologies coming out of Area 51 to infuse the M1710? Specifically, I'd like to see multiple Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive bays available on the M1710. I'd be happy with 2 bays, which would allow for:

1. 32 GB (64 GB* or larger) SSD Primary Boot drive + 7200 RPM 160 GB SATA HDD** for additional storage (slower but larger HDD's could of course be offered in addition)

2. 2 Raid 0 (Striped) or Raid 1 (Mirrored) 7200 RPM SATA HDD's** (RAID 0 for increased storage and performance, RAID 1 for data redundancy [this does not replace the need for regular backups])

3. 2 Raid 0*** (Striped) SSD's for the extreme performance geeks (& you know who you are!)
* SuperTalent has already announced 64 GB SSD's, according to OverClockersClub: http://forums.overclockersclub.com/index.php?showtopic=69431
** I would want these 7200 RPM drives to be Seagate Momentus 7200.2 drives with "free fall protection" to protect data from loss due to drive head collisions with the platters.
http://www.techshout.com/hardware/2007/13/worlds-first-7200-rpm-160gb-momentu...
*** I have not seen real-world performance tests on striped SSD's yet, but the extreme performance enthusiasts sites seem to think it should work
http://news.com.com/Dell+to+acquire+Alienware/2100-1003_3-6052842.html
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1941376,00.asp
Memory: 4 DIMM slots to allow for up to 4 GB per core (800 MHz as well as 667 MHz offerings, natch)

UXGA (1920x1200) Display: Dell's current M1710 display is already impressive, but I've seen many posts requesting a minor antiglare coated screen option to the TrueLife display. Not a return to old anti-glare technology - just something a little less shiny. I guess not everyone enjoys looking at themselves, (especially when trying to use the display outdoors or in heavily backlit conditions). Why not use the same anti-glare coating technology used in eye-glasses and SLR cameras?

Optional A/V Communications Module: Similar to what is already offered on the M1210. There are many posts requesting webcams, and this module would allow the use of an internal cellular broadband modem Mini-Card, like the M1210 (1.3 MP webcam, microphone, internal loop antenna in the display panel for the cellular modem).

Mini-Card cellular Broadband modem: Drop the legacy dial-up modem port on the chassis (people who still need dial-up can use an ExpressCard or PC-Card option). Instead, offer cellular broadband modem Mini-Card options, HSUPA/HSDPA (aka 3G) for AT&T (formerly Cingular, formerly AT&T) and EVDO for Sprint/Verizon. I recommend the Option GTM380 HUSPA Mini-Card: http://www.option.com/products/gtm_380.shtml
AT&T is already upgrading to this standard (increases upload speeds - download speeds remain unaffected).
* Those who don't opt for the A/V Communications Module can of course utilize ExpressCard versions of these cellular broadband modems.
http://www.broadbandreports.com/shownews/82652
http://www.phonenews.com/content/view/1989/31/
Backlighted buttons & keyboard: There are many posts requesting LED backlit keyboard and mediadirect keys that can be read in the dark. There are additional requests that the backlighting be controlled by the user (Off, as well as brightness settings). This would greatly enhance the usability of the notebook in low-light conditions. The MediaDirect buttons on the M1210 light up, but do not show the function symbols - this needs to be addressed in future models.

Auto screen brightness sensor: This feature is now found on many notebooks, including Apple iBooks. It should be adjustable & overrideable by the user. This sensor could also be set to control automatic keyboard/MediaDirect button backlighting.

Dedicated hardware controlls for Wireless: Seperate dedicated buttons (or Fn-key combination buttons) to turn on/off Bluetooth, WiFi & Cellular Broadband transceivers (WiFi & Cellular Broadband <u>could</u> share a button and toggle in a loop, since it's unlikely you'd want both on at the same time: Off>WiFi>Cellular)

Update video ports: Keep S-Video, but drop the VGA in favor of two DVI outputs.

Better audio: Larger diameter speakers (primaries as well as sub-woofer) for better fidelity & greater volume output. Multiple 3.5mm audio jacks (like the M1210) that can convert to surround sound output. Integrated (not ExpressCard add-on) Creative X-Fi* audio option to power those new speakers.
* http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3589
Larger touchpad: I hate touchpads, but if the M1710/M1720 has one, it should take up the entire space from the spacebar to the front edge of the computer (for less lift & drag, lift & drag suckiness and higher precision) Dimensions should match screen ratio (WideScreen). There should be a physical Scroll wheel/middle button between the Left & Right buttons (or perhaps on the front bezel, centered between the L&R buttons - to avoid issues with closing the display).

Dedicated Numeric Keypad: There have been many posts requesting a dedicated numeric keypad on larger notebooks (no, the function-key enabled embedded keypad does not cut it). I personally would not want to sit off-center from my display to have this feature (like those found on Toshiba & HP notebooks), but would welcome a dedicated pad in the unused palm-rest area below the
keyboard & immediately to the right of the touch-pad.

Increased I/O ports: 2 ExpressCard slots (or 1 ExpressCard + 1 PC-Card for legacy support), eSATA & FireWire in addition to USB 2.0 ports on the chassis.

Multiple battery charger option for XPS notebooks: Especially for a power hungry beast such as this, it would be nice if there was a multiple battery charger accessory to charge spare batteries while the notebook is in use. I realize that most owners would keep their M1710/M1720 tethered to the wall for gaming, but sometimes it's nice to be able to sit on the couch next to the missus/mister/significant other and just surf the web. More importantly, while this system is heavily focused towards LAN party gamers, it would make an absolutely dandy mobile sales presentation machine! You wouldn't even need to bring along a digital projector for small group presentations (1 or 2 clients). See this

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66117


11 Comments »

5060

LED Back Lighting

Monitors and Displays submitted by drew08867 06/28/07

Dell should transition all monitors to LED back lighting. More cost effective (in terms of energy use), greener, longer life. 10 Comments »

1140

More detailed hardware specs when building a computer

Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by bbr 08/24/07

Like a number of other users, i like to mix and match a system, but with the ease of a system put together by dell.

Show per component what the detailed specs are.
So we know what we're getting, perhaps there are equal quality components, for a lower price available, perhaps users want different hardware.

I could see this being difficult however, since you could go to a hardware store, buy 1500 Euros worth in loose components and end up with a computer equal to a 2000 euro dell system. More detailed component specs however will never hurt anyone though.
what's the refresh time of the monitor, size and manufacturer of the HD, buffer, ram size, bus speed, clock speed of the video card. etc.

For example :

Antec LifeStyle Sonata III : 500W power supply included : http://www.antec.com/ec/productDetails.php?ProdID=08142
Asrock 775Dual-VSTA : http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=4CoreDual-SATA2&s=
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (S775, 4x 2.4GHz, 8MB, 1066MHz FSB, Boxed) : http://www.intel.com/products/processor/core2quad/index.htm
Cooler Master Hyper TX 2 : http://www.coolermaster.com/products/product.php?act=detail&tbcate=1&id=2535
2x1G ram. Kingston KVR667D2N5K2/2G : http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBa...:
Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer : http://nl.europe.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=6...
ATI Sapphire Radeon X1950 Pro 512MB DDR3 (AGP, 2x DVI) 11099-00-20 : http://www.sapphiretech.com/ne/products/products_overview.php?gpid=168&grp=2
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000KS, 500GB (7200rpm, SATA II, 16MB)
Samsung SH-S182M 18x (Dual-layer, Lightscribe, Zwart)
Windows XP Home
Samsung Syncmaster 226BW (22", wide, 2ms (GtoG), D-Sub/DVI-D, Zwart) : http://www.samsung.com/nl/products/monitor/lcdmonitors/widescreen/226bw.asp
Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard (USB)
Logitech G5 Laser Mouse (USB) - wired 7 Comments »

1380

Show effects on weight & battery life when building a laptop

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by ashley 08/30/07

As you add or remove components it would be nice to see how it is affecting the weight and battery life of the laptop. 7 Comments »

340

FULL 6-Pin Firewire Ports on Laptops

submitted by hotuan87 05/28/07

Give us full 6-pin firewire ports on laptops. For anyone who does video editing with a camcorder, the camera uses a 4-pin plug, and it is annoying to find 4-pin to 4-pin cables; they're more expensive and harder to find. In fact, any cable with a 4-pin firewire plug is more expensive and harder to find. 6-pin firewire ports aren't THAT much bigger.

If Apple can fit them on their laptops, so can Dell! 6 Comments »

533

Lighten the load and brighten the display.

Monitors and Displays, Laptops submitted by jjfcpa 02/17/07

I have a number of Dell laptops and what made me eventually buy a Macbook Pro was the lightweight and bright display. Of course, I could have never made the switch without Parallels, but after trying a MBP, I now know what's wrong with Dell's.

1. Too heavy. My MBP is light, svelte, and has great ergonomics. Dell needs to really trim the weight and shrink the box.

2. Too many choices and none of them are right. Apple, as an example, gives you far fewer choices and many less configuration options. Time to reduce the clutter and simplify the choices. I recently configured a XPS 1210 and by the time I was done, I couldn't remember all the options and canceled the order.

3. A nice bright, clear display can win the notebook war. I had a ACER 8104 and couldn't use it cause the display was so bad. The D620 and D820 are better, but not by much.

4. If you really want to start selling laptops, come out with a high end, less configurable, business laptop. Haven't you heard, we business people pay a premium for an Apple laptop and we're happy with them. Lenovo has stumbled with their Thinkpad line and I've just about given up on them. This would be an ideal time to come out with a very high end model for the business traveler. I'd order one right now if it was spec'd right and was lightweight with a great display.

I'd really like to see Dell back on top, but with what you offer me, I'd rather see you sell out to Apple. Get a new design team and get in the game! Believe me, there are users out there ready to spend upwards of $ 3K for a great laptop. 1 Comment »

450

Dell notebook style needs to be changed

Laptops submitted by bigbang11 05/26/07

Dear DELL,
You should look at Apple and HP for lesson; they all come from behind Dell, but now their reputation and their products have passed Dell's; In my opinion, it is very simple; any products with good looking, fabulous and smart design will dominate the heart of comsumers; if Dell could design shiny, fabulous design laptop with webcam option and sell it for cheaper other brand such as HP, Acer... Dell will regain the number 1 of computer maker again. 7 Comments »

600

Keyboard light

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by georged1 05/27/07

We have two Dell Laptops, An XPS and Inspiron which we like very,very
much . I also have a Thinkpad A30 and like it alot too. My Thinkpad
has a light for the keyboard which is really nice, why does the Dell
laptops not have this feature. 6 Comments »

4689

Better Notebook sound and features

Laptops submitted by foxx 02/17/07

I was looking for a high end notebook for video editing. Every Dell model I looked at was missing something essential.

Most serious is the lousy sound. I can understand for low end notebooks, but high end need A REAL SOUND CARD. I would have been willing to buy a sound card, but that required a PCMCIA slot and you had elimintated those. I gave up.











119 Comments »

530

Higher-quality paint job

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by benbenman 05/23/07

I've had my Inspiron 6400/e1505 since about September last year (so it's about 8 months old) and already a heap of paint has worn off the touchpad buttons. This shouldn't be: you would not expect the paint to flake away so easily. I'm not an overly heavy user of my notebook, but it's disappointing to see a grey plastic "hole" on my left touchpad button. A more durable paint job would be a great idea for people who use their Dells heavily. 3 Comments »



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