A Student, Corporate and Medical Tablet PC
Education, Small Business submitted by quintin
07/02/07
A recent video was put on Direct2Dell proposing a new Dell Tablet. It proposed that it should be delivered to student, coroprate and medical markets. My experience as a student, a long time tablet user, a computer store owner and as a marketer (previous job) informs me best as to the student catagory, but i would like to note that ONE SIZE TABLET DOES NOT FIT all the aforementioned markets.
Student needs:
- battery life - unis dont have many powerpoints and students are often there all day
- features - why? Because buzz-word-of-mouth marketing is big on campus and the computer guys really do tell everyone what is best to buy
- style - have a look at the iPhone, its simple, tough, has a long battery life, minimalist, and showy. Students when they see a tablet will all go and have a look 'hey look you can write on this things screen', but if its no good the student who owns it will spread the word. You need to make it so 'cool' people just want to use it like the iphones touch-slide screen...
- build quality - students throw the laptop in their backpack and give it a rough time. If Dell markets a tablet to 'students' and its not rugged evryone on campus who has one will tell everyone on campus who does not very very quickly.
- cheap - students cant afford much! Like Apple one should engage in price discrimination. Even buying an Apple Hi-Fi students can show their student ID and get a big discount. The Result? They buy and they tell. Word of mouth on a campus where everyone swaps classes regularly and everyone looks at the few people who have laptops and asks them about them is extraordinarily important - moreso than any other means of advertising.
- loyalty - many software brands will offer their thousand dollar product for free to unis in the hope they can build loyalty among students who will go 'i used this SW i really liked it and because it fit me so well i will buy another'. The computer market does not have brand loyalty BECAUSE THERE ARE NO BRANDS WITH PERSONALITY AND WHAT'S THERE IS PRETTY HOMOGENOUS, therefore producers compete on price. The same could have easily happened in the portable music market had Apple not done those five things above.
- segment well - sorry i keep apple idolising i dont use a Mac, i own 3 different tablets, and i see in my store how marketers of tablets really miss the mark. Make a laptop specially for the student market, another specifically for the medical market and another for the corporate market. In tablets one size does not fit all. People who buy tablets buy them beacause they need something more customised to their needs than the normal offerings of other computer companies - so why go generic? i dont know. Those who dont suffer the following problem:
the different segments mentioned:
medical
- power points are all aroun so only a normalish battery life is needed of a few hours
- medical people like big screens because they will put the tablet down whilst they are doing somthing else and will want to draw and see what they are doing
- they will need it to be light as they will probably go from meeting to room to meeting with it and charge intermitantly between or at each venue.
- medical people need the computer to easily integrate with their current system.
- medical professionals will learn about things by nature by having pharm. reps and others come out to show them how things work. This is how they like being marketed too, or else colourful and detailed brochures.
student
- unlike medics students need powerpoints because unis currently dont have them in most lecture halls
- students dont need huge screens 14" is fine because their eyes are good, but many do design so they will want to get up a bit close
- students will not need it too light because they are strong 2-2.5kgs is fine but they need it to be rugged because unlike medics they will not have tender loving care in the way they handle things
- students dont need to integrate with existing systems but probably need software to make use of the tablet's functionality - as i said sotware makers should give software away almost for free to this market to get them hooked - lookat mindmap, notetaking and design software here...
- students are marketed to through word-of-mouth and promotions. If they see a promotion they will go ask their friends in IT what they think of what is being promoted and if its a good deal. They will also look at what other students have and ask how they find it.
Corporate/biz
- biz users generally will have the PC docked on their desk with an esternal screen and will take it to meetings for a couple of hours and bring it back for a charge
- therefore biz users dont need huge screens because they will probably use an external one on their desk and a projector in the meeting.
- therefore it will be easy to make it small and light so they can carry it in their crowded briefcase (unlike the students backpack or the medics hand (probably)).
- they, like the medics, need it integrated into their existing systems. They will need onsite support (unlike students who will want a big warranty provided for free TO PROOVE ITS RUGGEDNESS MORE THAN TO GIVE PROTECTION!)
- Biz people are used to being advertised to and they often go for big coroporate deals within their biz or else they buy similar to what their co-workers have which is why the dock makes it more palettable.
Therefore i think the idea should be to cater very specifically to each market.
I am happy for anyone from Dell to contract me if they want anymore detail etc.
290
15.4 size XPS system
XPS products, Laptops submitted by lilredfoxie
02/16/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
I think theyre needs to be another 15.4" size XPS system, currently the XPS lineup has no middle ground, theres either the m1210 which is too small, or the m1710 which is too large ( I dont count the m2010, since its not really a laptop, its more of its own hybrid desktop/laptop comptuer thing) use the e1505 chassis, give it the cool XPS lights, and a D-dock connectior below
Check out the Idea in Action post for details about our new 15in system.
2611
A NEW IdeaStorm home page is needed badly
IdeaStorm submitted by jervis961
07/03/07
Dell needs to redo the IdeaStorm home page to clear up alot of confusion on the site. When you go to www.ideastorm.com you should not be directed to the popular ideas tab but instead a home page with the following.
1. Links to the top 20 overall unique (not duplicte) ideas by title only.
2. Links to the top 20 new unique (not duplicate) ideas by title only
(up and coming ideas)
3. Links to helpful areas like a tip section, post a new idea, ideas in action, moderator update that have a flashing red indicator when they get updated until you view it.
4. Links to ideas based on: popular ideas, new ideas, implimented ideas, coming soon ideas, under consideration ideas, acknowledged ideas, no way in hell ideas(yeah thats a new one that should be added)
5. A nice BIG SEARCH BUTTON.
6. Top contributors section.
The pages needs more color variation than the site currently has (all blue), sections and buttons need to stand out as well.
Dell still needs to incorperate better catagorization and search functions like cosh created. http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67110< is a link to his site which is basically a very well done search engine specifically for ideastorm. http://d354310.u39.digiweb.ie/ideastorm/index.htm<
330
Give XPS 7xx owners the option to upgrade their power supplies
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), XPS products submitted by bjminor
07/03/07
Some of the new video cards coming out can require up to 400 watts of power per video card to run. With the SLI options now being offered in the XPS 7xx series, the existing power supplies in the XPS 700 and later models may not be able to provide adequate system power to run two video cards in SLI mode. Due to this fact, XPS 7xx users should be granted the option of upgrading their existing power supplies to 1000 watt versions or even the new 1200 watt power supplies now on the market. This could be an after purchase option through the Dell accessory store - but should be an available option for purchase.
140
Better Styling, More Choices on Video Cards and a Hybrid Video Design, and Definately less or NO pre-installed Software.
Sales Strategies, Software, Laptops submitted by kman79
02/16/07 **REVIEWED**
Dell probably does build one of the best performing notebooks that one could order, well at least you could make it to be one of the best performing notebooks, but they lack in style. Of course the priority of having the notebook is having good performance, but having a stylish exterior adds value and want for the notebook/laptop. The white and gray casing gets old, and needs updating. I like the simple yet stylish look of the M1210, the rest of the line should be updated. Maybe it's just me, but the rest of the XPS line of laptops need to be toned down, it just looks to kidish and has too many things going on with it. Design a better looking notebook with the current hardware performance you have available right now, and you can guarantee it will sell better. The design does not have to be complex, but anything is better than white and gray plastic exterior you currently use. Get ideas from Apple, Asus, Sony, Toshiba and even HP. Give the exterior look of the notebook some curves......maybe evem a glossy finish, and a little texture. People spend thousands of dollars on their Dell Notebooks, at least make them feel better by making the notebooks look like it's worth the money spent on them. Give the notebook some attitude, a personality and a soul and not just a piece of plastic with a keyboard and a screen.
Dell should also give customers more choices with the video cards. I wanted to get an M1210, but was dissapointed that it only had a Geforce Go 7400 as the only choice for video card. I was more than willig to spend the extra cash on a higher end video card. Also, if sony has not patented this design/idea, what about a Video Hybrid design where you have a choice between intel graphics while on battery, and purve Nvidia graphics when plugged in. I think the idea is genious and very useful. You can use intel graphics when your running on battery to save and extend battery life, and switch over to nvidia graphics for full-on graphics power when the notebook is plugged in.
More importantly, let it be the customer's choice on which programs and services they want installed on their ordered computer. I hate turning on my newly ordered computer and having all these unwanted software and services already installed. I hate having to spend the first minutes to hours after receiving my computer uninstalling programs or doing a clean OS install.
Over the past year we launched several laptops that were developed purely for the consumer. Check out all the details on mike_h's post.
7696
Backlit Keyboards
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu
02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.
I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.
Check out Vida_K's comment below on the New Latitude.
24110
"Trade In" Program
Advertising and Marketing, Environment, Sales Strategies submitted by john_saddington
02/19/07
I'd love to see a "Trade In" Program and/or initiative, where a customer who's been a long time customer could trade in an old system for a new one, or at least, a good sized discount.
I've got an old laptop and seriously need a new one. It's been out of warranty for a long time, but, would love to get a discount for a new one if I could trade it in.
This would also be environmentally healthy!
6215
With Ubuntu installed models, offer a "Linux starter kit" to help transition from Windows.
submitted by benjesuit
05/03/07
As an option for the Ubuntu Linux preinstalled models, offer a starter kit to help former windows users make a somewhat seamless transfer away from windows and onto Linux.
This kit should contain:
1. Codeweaver's CROSSOVER LINUX which allows Ubuntu (as well as other Linux distros) to run popular Windows software.
2. List of currently compatible software that runs with Crossover Linux.
In addition, in all online and print ads, let this option be prominently displayed along with a brief but concise explanation of Crossover Linux's capabilities.
I believe that this will make the Ubuntu Linux models more attractive to the general public and make the transistion to Linux less of a "risk."
950
Dell Tablet PC
Laptops submitted by gautam
02/16/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
The XPS and E series notebooks are great, but a move into making 12.1 and 14.1 inch tablet PC convertible notebooks would be fantastic. I can easily see the m1210 and the e1405 being ported to the tablet medium.
Check out what Glenn from the tablet team has to say about the Latitude XT.
13193
No more junk software
Software submitted by samjabr
05/04/07
Please please please make your computers available without any software, except necessary drivers and apps that allow devices to function.
I can honestly say this is the one thing that keeps me from buying your computers. I already buy printers, monitors, accessories etc..
1700
Notebook Shells Are Plastic - Offer Metal Casings Too
Laptops submitted by googideas
02/17/07
Notebooks get carried everywhere. Shouldn't Dell offer an aluminum or otherwise metal casing/construction as an option?
If I am going to drop two grand on a laptop, which I just did, I sure as heck want it as rugged as possible. I don't care about weight or additional cost. I want it to last.
Plastic is brittle. A dent in the metal is better than a crack in the plastic. It's also easier to recycle.
What do you think?
10056
Do not hire nontechnical people for techsupport
Service and Support submitted by jbrogers
02/17/07
This is the main problem with the India call centers - they have no idea what they are doing. They are obviously reading a scripted diagnosing tool and have no personal knowledge of computing issues.
I have both home and business accounts with Dell. When I call in for support on my Business account, I get a good old-fashioned American geek, who instantly understands that I am fairly technical, and doesn't treat me like an idiot.
The Indian call centers, not having knowledge themselves, do not recognize that I know anything, and treat me like an idiot as they read from the diagnosis tool. Yeah, I know the computer is plugged in. Yeah I know that I have internet connectivity. Sheesh.
8986
No McAfee
Software submitted by doomlord52
02/19/07
I think everyone agrees here. No McAfee. i cant unistall my copy because it will take all my settings for the Microsoft firewall with it. That includes my outlook settings, internet, and just about every program. Why cant i say "no McAfee please"??? is it really that hard? use Norton....
15134
No OS Preloaded
Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by agreer
02/17/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
I have a XP Pro retail copy, will soon buy retail vista, I also like Linux: Make WINDOWS-FREE, and OS-Free an option for more than just expensive business lines.
Dell has systems available that do not have an OS pre-loaded called N-Series line. You can check them out at www.dell.com/nseries.
86070
Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
Linux submitted by gergnz
02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**
I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.
84417
 track my votes
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