When you ask for suggestions try responding to them

Dell Community, Dell Web Site, IdeaStorm submitted by jervis961 Jul 3

This Idea is 2 fold.

First you created a website for customers to submit ideas and hardy ever give feedback. There are currently 14 ideas on the front page that haven't been tagged yet. Dell tells us that you talk about these top ideas 1 - 2 times a week. How hard is it to tag an idea after you talk about it?

Second you post an article on Direct 2 Dell about the new Dell home page and ask for suggestions. I posted a reply yesterday afternoon with links to several Ideas I had posted over the last year on the topic. Not only did I never get a response on any of them on IdeaStorm but they get ignored on Direct 2 Dell as well.

http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2008/07/02/the-redesign-of-the-new-del... 6 Comments »

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 »

Give Open Source Software a Higher profile On Dell.com

Dell Web Site submitted by aikiwolfie May 22

From InformationWeek.com : Open Source Quality Improving, But Development Assumptions Need Revising

This report confirms what open source supporters have known all along. Open source developers deliver very high quality code. As such Dell should be giving the open source developers it uses a higher profile on Dell.com instead of hiding them away in some dark recess out of the way!

At the very least give your own in-house open source developers more exposure! They deserve it after all the top quality code they've produced, tested and tweaked. 3 Comments »

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". 2 Comments »

More photos

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Dell Web Site submitted by playmariokong Jul 11

Many key components during the purchase process are missing photos (e.g. I want to see a photo of the video card! I want to know if it supports dual monitors!) If I'm spending money, the least you can do is supply close-ups of each component prior to purchase. Even a grainy, 2MP digital camera shot would be plenty sufficient. 1 Comment »

"Advanced" mode option

Dell Web Site, Service and Support submitted by playmariokong Jul 11

I realize that by offering limited choices at each step in the purchase process, you are helping those who are not familiar with building out a PC from scratch. However, for those of us who HAVE built a PC before and don't really want to have to do it ourselves, having more options is ideal and important.

What I propose is an "Advanced" option that presents a much larger number of options to the user. The average user has been trained to stay away from and not click anything that says "Advanced" thanks to Microsoft and other companies. This would allow you to offer additional options to more knowledgeable users. Comment »

Tell us which SSD drive is configured

Dell Web Site, Laptops submitted by claudio_ch Jul 8

SSD drive development is in great flux and therfore you can find on the market anything from rather cheap but slow to expensive and fast.

When I look at dell website (dell.ch in my case) and when I configure an SSD drive with a laptop I get just the indication 32GB or 64GB, and no more information. This is not enough to make a decision wether I should buy it or rather go for the conventional drive.

I know that also for HDD you do not specify the exact model, but there the variation between different drives is not so great. As long as you know if it is a 5400 or 7200 rpm drive you know more or less what you will get.

With SSD this is not the case, the range is just too large. Todays drive have e.g. write speeds ranging from 20-30 MByte/s up to 100 MByte/s. I want to know beforehand, what I will get. Thus pleae specify either the SSD models you will use, or at least give minimum spec for the drives you will supply e.g. SSD 64MB >70 MByte/s read, >50 MByte/s write. 4 Comments »

One Configurator 2 Rule Them All!

Dell Web Site submitted by q0987 Jun 14

Sorry about the title, I just couldn't help it.

Okay, this may just be me but why are there FOUR configurators to use when buying a system with the options split amongst them? What if I wanted something in between Cheap option and Really Cheap option. Do I have to buy the extra components even if I ain't ever gonna use them.

IDEA:

Have ONE configurator with ALL of the options listed and apply the price cuts whilst the customer is browsing between them by showing how total is worked out in a drop-down box next to the scroll bar e.g. RAM 3GB: - ₤15.
If you have to, then put [recommendations] down at the top of the page. Youknow, maybe something like 'Add the Monitor and get ₤50 off'. This way the price will adjust automatically so users won't have to go through each configurator to find out which one would give them the best price for whatever they have in mind.
It would be alot less confusing and frustrating and more quicker for the customer.



And whilst we are on the subject, how come Crimson Red isn't available for the m1330 anymore?
Also, Montevina is suppose to come out this month. Any chance the Dell technicians will be able fit the Blu-ray drive whenever they decide to do the refresh? They said they were gonna when the m1330 was released about a year ago. Ain't it about time they come clean if they simply can't do it. Then we can finally stop holding our breath.

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10077207?comment_id=10184294#comment101...

7 Comments »

"More specifications" link

Dell Web Site, Desktops and Laptops submitted by playmariokong Jul 11

It used to be that I could get to the specifications on Dell products fairly easily during the decision/purchase process. Now I have to drill down through the technical support website to get the raw specifications on the motherboard and chipsets in use.

Additionally, the "Technical Specifications" tab is worthless. There is no useful information any more in there. You might as well not have that tab. That's how worthless the information is.

I would like to see, at the very least, a link that opens a popup window to the technical support site for each product. That way I can have some hope of easily finding the motherboard/etc. specs. 1 Comment »

dell ubuntu computer easyer to find

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by skyler814 Jul 11

to get to the ubuntu computers u have to type in the adress bar dell.com/ubuntu u should be able to sileked it just like windows vista and u need to upgrade ubuntu to 8.04 1 Comment »

Downloads/Drivers - Option to Sort by Date

Dell Web Site submitted by alfredska Jul 2

When using the support website to download updated drivers and applications for our Dell computers, we are only offered alphabetical sorting by category, then product description. It is time consuming to browse all of the categories. Implement a "Sort by date" option, so we can quickly see if one of our devices has received attention recently. 1 Comment »

Linux banner on Dell.com consumer page

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by rafaelrojasc Jul 1

Probably this has been thought of before, but Dell hasn't really implemented it: Dell.com features Ubuntu products with a very small and almost undetectable mention on the menu. I think Dell should feature the Linux products with a small yet readable banner with a Tux penguin, an Ubuntu logo or something similar mentioning YOUR UBUNTU IS HERE, YOU'RE GETTING UBUNTU, etc. It's just a matter of promoting your choices a bit more prominently. Comment »

Linux Hardware Compatibility List

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by s3indiana 02/20/07 **IN PROGRESS**

Create a listing of Dell hardware that's compatible with the major Linux distributions (Fedora, OpenSuse, ubuntu, Freespire) providing compatibility with not just systems (desktops and laptops) but include peripherals (printers, camera's, flash drives, compatible routers, etc.). Include levels of compatibility so the reviewer can make an educated choice. This would provide the greatest assistance for those looking at alternatives...

We're working to add something like this to our linux.dell.com wiki. Click here to see what john_h has to say.




30 Comments »

Dell Dock available for download

Dell Web Site, Software, Laptops submitted by junior Jul 5

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. 4 Comments »

Offer a comparison feature

Dell Web Site, Service and Support submitted by tgreenc Jul 6 **ALREADY OFFERED**

I was hoping that Dell would offer a comparison feature on its website so that you could compare different dell models to each other. i.e the studio line to the xps line to the inspiration line. I think this would be very helpfull for people choosing the correct system for there needs. 10 Comments »

Make the dell ubuntu models available through the main webpage

Dell Web Site, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by rajeevbhatta 06/19/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Instead of having the model listings on a different webpage ( www.dell.com/open) have these models available from the product search you have on the main page or a link available through the main page (www.dell.com)

When I go to dell.com and I search for the product model numbers I never can find them I have to go to the other page and then I see it. The only thing I saw on the main page is a small flash ad which then takes you to the page.

Why cant you place these models with the other models on your page.........





30 Comments »

A new buying process

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, Sales Strategies submitted by ccpljat Jul 14

I have seen lots of comments about the difficulty in finding the right computer match for them, especially in the laptops. Here is my suggestion on how to fix this.

Step No.1: Choose a "shell". With desktops this would be easy. But with the laptops, you would have to choose your screen size. All Dell's laptop "shells" should be built in such a way that you can put all configurations in all "shells" and each screen size should have all resolution options.

Step No. 2: Choose color (if applicable based on the "shell" that is chosen).

Step No. 3: Choose a processor. The customer should be able to choose any processor that Dell sells and put it in any of the "shells" that he chooses.

Step No. 4: Choose operating system. All versions of Vista should be options on all computer possibilities.

Step No. 5: Choose RAM: Each computer should be able to get configurations of 1, 2, 3, and 4 GB of ram.

Step No. 6: Choose a HD: The customer should be able to choose any HD size that Dell sells. There can still be differences between notebooks and desktops, but it should be 100% interchangeable between all the notebooks and 100% interchangeable between all the desktops.

Step No. 7: Choose graphics card. All notebook "shells" should be compatible with all graphics solutions. Obviously a user's processor, RAM, or HD choice(s) may limit the options, but everyone should have the option of getting every solution.

Step No. 8: Choose optical drive. Same as graphics. All drives should be available, but a user might knock off some choices based on his other choices.

Step No. 9 and following: Choose other options. Most of these are already available in most if not all laptop solutions.

Hopefully someone sees the pattern here: go for complete compatibility. Let the customer decide how he wants his computer. You can offer more stylish "shells" like the XPSs and offer some that aren't so "cool" such as the Vostro line in the Small Business section.

I know Dell just came out with a new notebook line, but I think implementing an idea like this would not only increase their sales, but would also make the customers happier because their computer would truly be exactly how they wanted it. Or, they could pick exactly which features they wanted for the amount of money they have to spend instead of having too big of a HD and too small of a graphics card, to give an example.

Please promote. This is for the dedicated Dell customers like me who are dying to buy a Dell, but are on a tight budget. Gas prices aren't going to be friendly to the high-end computer world. If you demote, I expect to see a comment with a very good reason why. 21 Comments »

Dell's Website must work with Firefox running on Linux

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by qgonjon 07/16/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

It's discouraging to have a Tier 1 vendor (Dell) selling Linux products and yet not really tailoring to Linux. Don't get me wrong Dell, I am not trying to take away all the good you have done. Offering Linux is a step in the right direction and I would like to see more steps taken in a monthly or quarterly basis. But, it seems that the basis for your current Linux promotion is for the Open Source enthusiast like me. I use Linux at home and at work as my main operating system. I use Firefox as my browser and I'm trying to order a Dell Inspiron 1420N. However, it seems that the embedded flash script that shows the different colors choices for the Inspiron is not working under Linux. It also shows that I can't see the different images thereafter. It works with Windows running Firefox as my vmware machine verified. But that is not the type of user that will most likely purchase a Linux laptop.

My request is simple. Can someone fix and verify that this page works well with Linux browser technology? So, that users can enjoy purchasing your Linux products and demonstrate that Dell really cares about their customer's operating system preference.

Dell I wish you the best in this venture as your success in this territory will help the Linux Desktop become a reality to the open source community.





71 Comments »

Alternate navigation paths on Dell.com

Dell Web Site submitted by efriese Jul 1

There needs to be alternate forms of navigation besides flash. I work for the U.S. Government and was unable to navigate to the government section for a server quote. Flash is blocked for most government computers. 1 Comment »

Give all N models the same hardware customization options as the identical non-N options

Dell, Dell Web Site, Desktops, Dimension products, Inspiron products, Linux, Small Business, XPS products, Desktops and Laptops, Laptops submitted by laptoplinux 9:52am

Why is it that the hardware customization options on N models are not identical to the non-N models. For example, the Inspiron 530 and the 530N. The 530 has an option for a wireless internet card. The 530N does not. There are other discrepancies between what is offered on the 530 and what is no offered on the 530N. These are the exact same machines. Same case. Same processor options. Same memory options. Same hard drive options. Yet somethings are left out of the 530N. Why is it this way? Why can they be just as easily on the 530N as well? Don't they come of the same or similar enough assembly line? Comment »