Dell Ideas
Dell.com consumer-oriented Linux page
Dell, Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by rafaelrojasc
Jul 1
I know Dell already has a Linux-oriented Web page at www.dell.com/linux but it's too BUSINESS-oriented. Dell should make a small Web page explaining to regular consumers the benefit of using Linux and their Ubuntu offering (no virus, no spyware, rock stable, choice, free as in freedom), and then direct the user to Dell's Ubuntu computers, instead of the "cautionary tale" you get when you click on the "Dell ubuntu" link which says something like "Ubuntu's not for everyone. If you want Windows, come back.".
This proposed Web page can also say something like that, but it can also feature all the positives of using Linux. I mean, Apple tells you all about Macs telling you how nice they look and are, how stable it is and they don't really care if most Users go for Windows. It's all about saying "here's a choice. You can try it".
170
Dell Dock available for download
Dell, Dell Web Site, Software, Laptops submitted by junior
Yesterday
for the new product line Studio, there is a release of the Dell Dock, Dell should make this Dock for download on their website for users of Windows XP and Vista. like this:
Dell.com > having a tab saying Dell Dock, new page opens, Dell Dock for Windows XP, Windows Vista tabs......opening Windows Vista tab......two option tabs saying
Windows Vista Tab
Windows Vista 32/64 bit OS
Windows Vista 32/64 bit SP1 OS
Windows XP tab
Windows XP 32/64 bit SP1/SP2 OS
Windows XP 32/64 bit SP3 bit OS
Windows XP 32/64 bit OS
Thats what I think.
110
Increase R&D - create your own competitive advantage technology
Dell submitted by pablohs
Jun 25
The rule in the PC world has always been “evolution not revolution”. Dell, like many other PC manufacturers, just does “Product Development” – They take parts and pieces from many suppliers, put them together and have designers make it look nice and we get a new PC or Laptop. This is often done by simply incorporating features from other platforms. The changes are incremental and produce incremental performance boosts.
Dell needs to increase their Research and Development in new technologies that will give them clear competitive advantages against competitor’s products. I know this is just a big statement (not an idea) but I would like to list some of the technologies I believe Dell should be working on. I am sure that my fellow IdeaStorm Bloggers will add a great list of “technologies” that may produce a “revolution” increment instead of baby steps.
Processors
Cell Processors – the PS3 use a Cell Processors – when the specific cell processor in the PS3 is good for the console, DELL should be working with its partners (Intel/AMD) in a new x86 based Cell processor and a Linux based OS that squeeze all the power out of this architecture. (IBM is working on something like this but using their PowerPC)
Memory
Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) – use magnetic fields (IBM is working on this)
Nano-RAM or NRAM – use the mechanical position of carbon nanotubes
Memristors – HP is working on a memory that will use resistance
Hard Drives
Giant Magneto resistance and Perpendicular HD – GMR or CPP-GMR (Hitachi is working on these HD) this technology promise 10 times more density on HDs.
Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HMAR) – Fujitsu and Seagate are working on this technology.
170
All of Dell Computers
Dell, Sales Strategies submitted by dermatologist
Jun 23
Dell will fare MUCH BETTER and stand overwhelmingly strong against all other major competitors, if they can offer the best component assembled configurations of all their PC lines (especially demanding XPS lines) internationally.
Dell should test drive all the system stability at one spot in the world (regardless of the variation of component brands), and when the system is stabilised, then do they BEGIN THEIR RETAIL AROUND THE WORLD (relatively) SIMULTANEOUSLY. This will SERIOUSLY pack punches against all other vendors and competitors.
There are so many markets out there that dell did not fully penetrate. Dell provides good systems and powerful ones for the XPS, but when compared to the individual countries aimed at selling premium computers, dell cannot fully defeat the them as their parts are either not available, NOT TESTED IN THE REGION YET, or something else. If this continues, dell will never push the market frontiers.
A simple sentence to sum up is: If you have the parts, test the system and sell it all around!!!! NOT some lopesided sales and market here and there with so many loopholes for other vendors to pin your systems down.
No offences or racism or any sort of insulting remarks are meant, but why is the Asian market always the slowest in the import of premium technologies, when there are a HUGE POOL of consumers willing to invest in a premium dell system, and when 4 billion people live in Asia alone???!!
100
STOCK SHARES
Dell submitted by wendy
Jun 20
MAKE SHARES OF DELL STOCK AVAILABLE AS A DIRECT PURCHASE FROM DELL TO THE INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR
110
Jump on New Hardware Before Competitors
Dell, Gaming, XPS products submitted by shiloh.meyers
02/17/07
Dell would benefit tremendously in their XPS line if they were to release new hardware as soon as developers released it. Take for example the Santa Rosa Intel laptop chipset. I believe that at least in Dell's XPS line, they should put it into their computers ASAP. I Dell will wait sometimes to see how hardware will fare in the general computing market, but with the XPS line, which is supposed to cater to gamers and more experienced computer users, I don't believe it benefits Dell to wait on the release of the hardware while their competitors grab all those gamers who were waiting specifically for that hardware and release it first. We, as gamers, already know what's coming out, and we'll want it as soon as it can be obtained. I think if Dell were to release it that early, gamers and more knowledgable computer users would make it worth the effort.
398
Start offering DELL products to the general public in Poland
Dell, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by lukasz.wisniewski
11/12/07
According to today's local newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza [1], by 20th November, 11:30 to be more exact, Dell will just have manufactured their first notebook in Lodz, Poland. Unfortunately, even though I am inhabitant of this city, it is more than unlikely I will buy DELL notebook anytime soon.
Firstly, the current policy of your company in Poland is "Only for enterprises and institutions" (original in Polish: Tylko dla firm i instytucji). Such a approach seems to me to be more than just bizarre. Do you happen to realize Poland is something like 38 milions of your potential customers? Just for instance, in my city, there are two big public universities, several private ones - you see the universities but not the students. Is this of your concern? I guess not but Apple is already there offering discounts for students.
Secondly, start distributing preinstalled Ubuntu for Poland as well. I actually do not see the point why you do this in UK, Germany or France and not in Poland. People of Poland are more eager to install open-source products, just let me remind you that according to XiTi monitor [2] open-source Firefox browser has market share of 39.6% in Poland, whereas in Germany - 38%, France - 23.9% and UK just 18.7%.
Thirdly, by preinstalling Ubuntu I mean making it an option anywhere where there is an OS selection option on your website. I clearly see no reason in the world why you keep offering such a miserable Ubuntu notebook in Europe instead of something more powerful - Inspiron 6400n with Intel T2130 processor. In your opinion, how impressive is that nowadays?
Last but not least, DELL, please stop participating in this devoid of good sense campaign "Dell recommends Vista..." which is sarcastic. You really do not have to put down this sentence on your website as in Poland you force people to use Vista leaving no other choice.
Take all these remarks under your consideration unless it is OK with you that Poles should travel to Germany in order to buy your notebooks. Hear our voice, DELL!
Signed,
Lukasz Wisniewski
student of the Computer Science
Technical University of Lodz
Links:
[1] http://miasta.gazeta.pl/lodz/1,35136,4662983.html
[2] http://www.xitimonitor.com/en-us/browsers-barometer/firefox-july-2007/index-1...
4100
CarbonFibre or Stainless Steel for XPS 1330
Dell, XPS products submitted by realskript
08/28/07
How about a Carbon Fibre option, or a Stainless Steel.. or Brushed Aluminum option for the XPS 1330 ? (even all xps notebooks :S... minus the 2010 of course)
It would decrease delays because of "painting" the laptop...
It wouldn't "fade" over time..
More durable
Better look
Makes Dell a better competitor in "style"
Provides the Consumer with more options to better "personalize" their very own laptop.
By the way... i mean REAL CarbonFibre, aluminum etc... high quality material for a high quality product.
370
Dell: Support Open BIOSes for Linux
Dell, Linux submitted by phubert
10/10/07 **REVIEWED**
An Open BIOS for Linux would free it from the DOS legacy code and speed boot times.
The current BIOS is a legacy throwback... it's time to replace it!
Our current priority is to expand Linux availability by bringing more platforms and languages to market. Read what daniel_j has to say.
5550
Reveal Truth About Microsoft License / Promotion Deals
Advertising and Marketing, Dell submitted by gear
Apr 27
It is now an open secret that Dell PCs sold with Ubuntu and "No OS" except for servers are more expensive than PCs with a Windows license.
It is also an open secret that Dell is not featuring Ubuntu and Windows XP prominently in accordance with customer demands.
It is also assumed that Dell is under a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits the disclosure of terms Microsoft imposes on the OEM licenses, and also the terms for participating in their promotional programs and other inducements to be an exclusive Microsoft shop.
However, in less than a year, the Administration will change in Washington, and with it, the potential for renewed interest in the anti-competitive behavior of Microsoft and their illegal efforts to extend their monopoly to other markets.
i.e. hardwiring in Microsoft search in Vista and making it very inconvenient for a user to use an alternative search engine, or imposing their Internet Explorer Browser by making Microsoft / Windows update incompatible with all other browsers and not offering customers a choice of alternatives like Firefox when you buy their operating system.
Here are my speculations:
Dell is incentivized by Microsoft to participate in these anti-competitive schemes by the following methods:
- Install Microsoft Vista in lieu of any other operating system
- pays a license fee to Microsoft for every PC sold regardless of whether it ships with a MIcrosoft OS installed.
- rewarded for not pre-installing Firefox
- prevented from not offering "Media Direct" or a equivalent system or making this DRM scheme optional.
- incentivized to offer no viable option to Office except for Microsoft Office Live even when viable options like Googledocs, Open Office, etc. exist and are 'out there'.
- incentivized to bundle Microsoft Works with every PC sold
- prevented from disclosing that Dell is a willing party to these efforts to illegally extend Microsoft's monopoly and participating in anti-competitive measures
Under such circumstances, Dell may have considerable legal liability and exposure to anti-trust laws by colluding with Microsoft.
While it may be a year before these issues come up in the USA, the issue may come up in Europe, where the EU has an active ongoing investigation of Microsoft going on.
I would hate to see Dell fined by the EU like Microsoft.
Please start revealing the truth --- because if the terms are as I speculated above, it likely will be the same terms Microsoft give to every other major manufacturer of PCs.
200
Fedora 9 on select Dell laptops and Desktops
Dell, Linux, Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by s33nagain
3 days ago
Linux on the Dell laptops Have been amazing, so very nice. But your Linux videos completely enstate that Dell is all about choice. And, well, some users like Fedora more than Ubuntu. It doesn't have to be known this way, but some Linux Veterans lke Fedora more. And Ubuntu is more of a beginning Linux OS. I'm not saying that people who are long-time Linux user souldn't use Ubuntu.
I'm saying that some perfer a different "cup of tea" or, in Ubuntu's case, "cup o' coffee". And that's what dell is about.
In addition to the already distributed Dell computers that serve FreeDOS, and Ubuntu, we should add Fedora on select desktops and laptops.
20
Dell Charges $49 to Remove Their Own Spyware
Dell, Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by thebittersea
05/07/07
I recently purchased a new Dell computer. Previously I made a promise with myself to never purchase a Windows based computer again, but due to work-related complications I had no choice. The Dell arrived three days after I ordered it, which was great considering the shipping was free.
Fearing that my computer would become infected with a virus within 12 minutes, my first line of order was to purchase and install anti-virus software. Once that was finished, my next task was to delete the unnecessary programs that come pre-installed on the machine. Having purchased a Dell before, I was well aware that Dell computers ship full of bloat. I anticipated to find garbage such as AOL coach, Dell Picture Studio and Internet Explorer. What I was shocked to find, however, was My Way Search Assistant.
For those of you recently in a coma (or those of you that use a Mac or Linux), My Way is a spyware program that claims to block pop-ups and provide other nice features for users on the web. In reality, My Way spies on your browsing habits and reports this information to a central server so that customized ads can be delivered to your machine.
I’ve been a fan of Michael Dell for about ten years since I read an article about him in Reader’s Digest. Not wanting to believe that my friend Michael would allow this garbage to be installed on computers that bare his name, I assumed that somehow a virus had snuck its way onto my machine in the ten minute window where my computer was without anti-virus software. Sadly, Google search after Google search revealed that in fact Dell is being paid to pre-install this filth on their machines.
I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. Michael Dell, how could you allow this to happen? It really hurts to see a former hero *sarcasm* falter like this. Now I know how fans of Tom Cruise must be feeling. :-) Michael, I thought I knew thee so well!
After spending an hour in shock and mourning, I gathered myself off the floor to remove the program from my machine. I opened the control panel and selected “Add or Remove Programs.” After removing My Way, I was told that I would have to reboot my computer. A quick reboot later and I was back in the control panel. At this point I was ready to forget the entire ordeal and move on with my life.
Looking back on it, I should have known there would be more problems. If only I had paid more attention to the screeching violins that could be heard in the background. That’s right, My Way still appeared in the “Add or Remove Programs” window. However, this time around there was no uninstall button. My Way appeared to be permanently on my machine.
Having read that Adaware can remove My Way, I downloaded, installed and ran Adaware from Lavasoft. Perhaps because My Way had already partially removed itself, Adaware was unable to detect My Way on the machine. It was time to call Dell support.
After a 30 minute wait on hold, a man with an Indian accent who asked to be called Stewart answered the phone. Our (abbreviated) conversation went something like this:
-----------------------
Stewart: What seems to be the problem?
Me: I’d like to remove My Way Search Assistant from my computer. I tried to remove it through the Control Panel, but it still appears in “Add or Remove Programs.”
Stewart: What do you know about this program?
Me: I know that this is Spyware and I know that I want it off my machine.
Stewart: How did My Way get onto your computer in the first place?
Me: What do you mean? It came pre-installed when I bought my computer from Dell.
Stewart: I have trouble believing that this was on your computer when you purchased it.
Me: So do I Stewart, so do I.
-----------------------
Obviously Stewart is not very up to date with the sotware Dell pre-installs on their computers. If anybody doubts that Dell has a relationships with My Way, one only need visit http://www.dell4me.com/myway< then explained that he would no longer be able to assist me with my problem. He indicated that I would need to contact software support services for help removing the spyware that Dell installed on my machine. Oh yeah, and he indicated that they would charge my credit card for the call. $49, specifically.
What Dell is doing should be illegal. They are being paid to install spyware on new computers. They are making it difficult for customers to remove the spyware on their own. Then, they charge $49 to teach you how to remove it. This would be like a doctor being paid to infect you with a disease and then charging you for the antidote.
Dell claims that people like me are overreacting, but a lot of people seem to disagree.
If you feel comfortable messing with the Windows registry, here are some instructions on how to remove My Way. More information can also be found on the Dell forums.
I’m responsible for the purchase of eight Dell computers for myself, friends and family in the past few years. After this ordeal, I will never again purchase a Dell. I will never again recommend that anybody else purchase a Dell. In fact, from this point forward I will go out of my way to recommend that people looking to purchase a computer avoid Dell altogether. I doubt that I’m alone. With practices like these, Dell shouldn’t be surprised to hear its customers say, “Dude, you’re getting a boycott.”
860
5ms LCD monitors need to go. 2ms or faster should be made mainstream.
Dell, Gaming, Monitors and Displays, XPS products submitted by bbr
Jan 7
5ms, or looking at the UltraSharp LCD that Dell offers a pathetic 25ms is completely unacceptable.
Gamers need fast refresh rates.
And i mean FAST, like a CRT offers.
5-25ms wont do.
i'd consider switching to a LCD if you can come up with a 1-2 ms type. preferably 1 ms refresh rates.
And these monitors "do" exist.
Dell just doesn't offer them, at all.
The fastest available trough the dell site is 5 ms.
For a gamer, considering a XPS system, this won't do. (yeh im repeating myself)
Fast motion, scrolling, action shooters, RPGs, all have fast action on screen.
5ms or slower won't cut it, and cause the screen to go blurry.
Dell should offer faster options, or as stated earlier, offer more CRT options for high end computers like this.
Definitely no monitors with a ridiculous 25ms refresh rate,, WHAT are you thinking ?
260
I bought a Dell to run Linux.
Dell, Linux submitted by warner
09/09/07
If you bought a Dell, either one of their Ubuntu machines or a Windows machine, to run "Desktop" Linux; please post, just once, to indicate that Dell made a "Linux" sale. This way we can get a sense of, and give Dell a better sense of, how sucsessfull the Dell-Linux program is. Please include what Dell has done right and what they could improve on for their growing Linux customer base.
180
Dell Champion the National Computer Recycling Act
Dell, Environment submitted by jorge
06/01/07
Dell should support and champion the National Computer Recycling and clean up by not only ponying up money for the bill (PACs) but create a Recycling Center to recycle old computers (at a charge) and assorted parts/peripherals. If its too costly then sell the Center later to interested Green supporters and stick them with the dirty work. But leave Dell in the name of the Center. Looks good and is good. Also, offer media destruction to the paranoid customers at a charge as well.
Its a win/win cause. We get a reputable company to recycle our toxic computer (electronics) parts and erase any possible data left on drives/memory-sticks/tape/cd's/dvd's (at a cost so Dell doesn't lose money). Then Dell can resell any recyclable materials or re-use those materials in future computers and associated parts/peripherals.
Details here:Legal Mumbo Jumbo.
170
What Dell Needs to do to be # 1 again ..
Dell submitted by lindahewitt
02/17/07
Dell used to be #1 when it came to hardware configuration, engineering, customer support and documentation. In fact for years, Dell's technical documentation won national awards in every category that it entered in. I am not a hardware geek, but the documentation was so good that it make me want to get a Dell and do the hardware work. Now that is real marketing.
Dell's customer support was out of Round Rock and it was A+. As a result of Dell excellence in hardware, engineering, customer support and documentation, I never had a problem recommending Dell to family, friends, associates and clients. But that was in 1994-1999.
Dell needs to return to its high quality roots, if it wants to be #1 again.
It also needs to eliminate some of its deceptive advertising, where customers pay for a premium tech support warranty for "next business day" support, only to discover that the term "next business day support" is defined completely differently by Dell. BTW, my BSOD problem occurred on a 5 month old brand new computer.
Let the customer control what software is loaded on their new computer, so that it could be no OS, OS only or OS & Microsoft Office.
Set up the C partition to only contain the operating system and nothing else. Redirect all data files to the D partition for data files and set up the e partition for programs.
Then if the user gets a BSOD or Dell's tech support says that the OS needs to be re-installed, the OS can be re-installed without affecting anything else. Yes, I know that the programs will need to be re-installed but the user will not have lost any data. In this regard, all customers should receive a CD (or DVD) with their operating system on it, just in case they have to re-install it for some reason. In fact, I think that every computer should come with 2 hard drives, so that data files and programs are completely separate from the OS hard drive. In short, make the process as easy and simple for the customer as possible.
In the case of BSODs, why not develop some prepared documentation, which explains that a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) can be caused by malfunctioning hardware, the operating system or software applications, which is what makes trouble shooting so very difficult. Based on my experience and substantial research, most of the time the cause of BSODs are poorly written software. So, why not emphasize the importance of backing up before installing new hardware or software. Backup restoration should ALWAYS be tested.
If Dell wants to be # 1 and I know that Dell does, then why not deal with only those vendors that have the best products instead of putting Norton AV on the computer.
Companies that I would recommend that Dell consider developing a business relationship with are
Acronis for their True Image (backup) and Disk Director (partition) software
Kaspersky for their AV and Internet Security products
Raxco for their PerfectDisk defragmentation product
FYI ... I do not have a business relationship with any of these companies.
When Dell includes software or add-on hardware, it should always be top of the line quality. In a sense, they are endorsing or recommending this vendor, so the reputation of the vendor gets tied to Dell's reputation as well.
Make it easy, simple and a quality experience to do business with Dell. In 1994-1995, this was the reputation of Dell and it carried you to the # 1 spot. Now it is time to return to your roots.
Pet Peeve:
Every quarter, when your financial reports came out that said that Dell had increased its net profits 27% over the same quarter last year, it only served to remind me that Dell was focused on maximum profits and that they didn't care that they were short-changing their customers to get those maximum profits.
Your customers understand what is really going on and have made their purchasing decisions based on Dell's past actions.
Congratulations on IdeaStorm. This is a great idea and I think that it can work to everyone's benefit.
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