A Netbook for Soldiers

Broadband and Mobility, Laptops, Digital Nomads submitted by tyrsten 2 days ago

Soldiers are buying the HP 2133 because it fits (barely) in their cargo pockets. With a very little bit of effort Dell could easily market netbooks and notebooks that would become the standard for personal use by soldiers:

1. Matte color schemes with earth tones. Maybe even the ACU-style digitized pattern. No-one likes to deploy with something shiny, and most of the Army are proud to be soldiers even when they are out on the economy. I've heard talk about the Aspire One based solely on the fact there is a brown color option...

2. A red OS pattern and easy dimming utility. Like take Ubuntu Netbook Remix and redo it in muted red as an option. Red doesn't kill night vision and it has a limited range across which it is visible, which may not really be that important for what, and where, a civilian system would legitimately be used... but socially it's huge. It's a very common color of light, from flashlights to overheads, in field environments. I don't see any officer, commissioned or otherwise, cracking down on a soldier with a camouflaged netbook running a redlight OS.

3. No bloatware, completely stripped of commercial service interface packages. Soldiers' best internet access when forward is usually through a military provided lab or area designated for casual use under certain conditions. Those areas still fall under military supervision, and no soldier wants to risk something on their computer reaching through the military network for something that upsets the military network police. They have to believe they have absolute control of what goes out to the network so they are not risking NJP or UCMJ.

4. A standard issue type netbook. That means, not too confusing with lots of options, just one simple one that soldiers will tell each other about and can be "the (fill in the blank) netbook". Most military units are highly cohesive, many choices about personal equipment purchases (like UnderArmor, Wiley X, Rockies, Camelbak, etc...) are made based entirely on social influence. If there is a single item, and maybe a higher end variant, that will keep it socially simple, the idea of that as basic deployment gear will propagate well. What would really make it work best is if you could get it a National Stock Number or give it a title that is in line with military nomenclature: Like: Computer, Personal Field, AN/PRC-910. That might mean units would feel better about ordering the items for Unit-specific applications (e-learning, e-personnel, etc...)

5. Some marketing emphasis on music/video/books is called for. It doesn't have to be profound, like a full size computer, but it has to clearly indicate the netbook is superior to a Zune, personal DVD player, and eBook.

6. Ensure there is an accessory that will charge the netbook battery off of DC power, vehicles are the only truly unbiquitous source of power in the Army.

7. Ensure there is at least a matte black bump sleeve. Something very slim, so the netbook can still fit in pockets, assault packs, rucksack pockets, etc... but also tough and spongy enough that the netbook doesn't get a reputation for having one little bump kill it dead. 11 Comments »

Work With ISPs To Provide Internet Connectivity For Linux Users.

Broadband and Mobility, Linux submitted by aikiwolfie Aug 17

In the rush to get Linux pre-installed onto PCs it seems people have forgotten to include ISPs. I'm not a fan of bundled software. Especially the nonsense ISPs push. But some Linux users are hitting brick walls when trying to get on-line. Should they even dare to mention they are using Linux the ISP will refuse to provide them with a service.

Please help ISPs implement better solutions so that Linux consumers can get the sort of service we all expect from ISPs.

Notes:

1. Cable broadband tends to work best.


2. Adding a DSL router for cable and ADSL router for noncable connections can help alleviate modem recognition problems.


3. Where a modem needs to be enabled for network access, the ISP can do it from their end of the network. The fact that software doesn't exist for Linux to do this is why many Linux consumers are hitting problems.

devicescape

Broadband and Mobility submitted by ricord Aug 17

Please include Devicescape in LATITUDE ON to ease hotspot connection 1 Comment »

secure thin client

Broadband and Mobility, Latitude products submitted by ricord Aug 16

A netbook running entirely on LATITUDE ON device. Comment »

Specify the real name of the WifF components not the Dell name

Broadband and Mobility, Linux, Laptops submitted by bjrosen Aug 13

The wireless chip in the Studio 15 listed as a Dell 1397, that doesn't tell me anything. Dell doesn't make wireless chips.

I want Intel wireless in my next laptop so that I'm absolutely sure that it's Linux compatible. Just because you have a component in your Ubuntu laptops doesn't guarantee that it has native Linux support, you could have used Ndiswrapper + a WIndows driver which is not an acceptable solution.

Please don't obscure the components that you use. 4 Comments »

Offer ATI video cards on the new E-series Latitudes

Broadband and Mobility, Latitude products, Digital Nomads submitted by jervis961 Aug 13

The recent problems with NVIDIA cards breaking down have spread to the newer cards as well. Combined with the way NVIDIA is hiding information from customers and blaming everyone else wake me uneasy about the company. I simply cannot trust NVIDIA at this time and refuse to buy a system with one of their cards even though I need dedicated video. Dell needs to offer ATI video cards as an option on the E-series Latitudes.

Here is some reading material on the subject. http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/08/12/nvidia-g92s-g94-report... 1 Comment »

Dell MID

Broadband and Mobility, New Product Ideas submitted by zmjjmz Aug 8

Why not have a customizable MID -- it would be one of the first, right?
You could have the choice between using a
VIA Nano
Intel Atom
some random ARM processor
in the processors
and have a choice of
Ubuntu MID edition
Moblin
A Dell customized Maemo stack
A Dell customized Qtopia stack
Origami
Android
OpenMoko
for Operating systems.

Why not? 3 Comments »

Post a video of your Global Mobility Event

Advertising and Marketing, Broadband and Mobility, Dell submitted by jervis961 Aug 8 **IMPLEMENTED**

On August 12th Dell executives from around the world unveil a new generation of Dell mobility products that will re-invent the way people do business.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080807/20080807006301.html?.v=1

Can you please post some video of the event that night for those of us who cannot attend. I know there is a sign up for media streaming http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=50463 but some people will not be able to watch at that time due to work or other issues.

Also remember that home users may also be interested in some of these products.


Please see Vida_K's comment below
12 Comments »

Time for a NEW AXIM - similar to the iPhone, but better!

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Broadband and Mobility, New Product Ideas submitted by itpro Aug 2

Dell should bring back a handheld comparable to the Axim X51v, but with SDHC, camera, integrated USB, and a slideout keyboard like the Audiovox smartphones.

A more powerful processor, and more NAND memory would also put it in good market stead.

Look at Apple, Sony, Nokia, ASUS, Samsung, etc.

There is definitely a market here.

While the phone functionality is nice, it's not required. 3 Comments »

AXIM as a UMPC or MID

Broadband and Mobility, New Product Ideas submitted by daewootech Aug 1

i think you should bring back the AXIM family reinvented, with several options, a mp3/pda to cover the ditty family, a Smartphone version to cover us who want phones as awesome as the Axim, and a UMPC/MID version that has even more power, a bigger screen and a full keyboard for those of us who want a mobile internet device and dont want to wait for thier M1330 to startup log on and sign in.

for examples for the MP3/PDA version look towards the ipod touch or the Creative Zen or X-fi line

for examples of the smartphone look towards the latest phones, sprints instinct, htc's touch line, etc..

for examples of a umpc/mid line look towards the Sony Ux, samgung Q1, the OQO, the inspiron Mini, the HP mininote 1 Comment »

Axims as WiFI Phone

Broadband and Mobility submitted by sirebral Jul 30

Apple has the iPhone, and Microsoft has the laughable Zune. Maybe DELL could enter into the market with a PDA that connects via WiFi and offers WiFi phone service. Leave the Cell Phone out of it and pack more hardware into it for a more enjoyable experience.

This might be a way to upgrade the Axim Line.

I'm asking that you don't use Windows Mobile. Instead, get a Linux Light package with Pidgin, then work on a Pidgin update so that we can access VoIP. Add Skype and Vonage, and maybe even Pidgin access to Skype and Vonage, and you could cover just about everyone.

With Skype and Vonage the user can decide if they want to add friends to their list for free calls anywhere, or if they want to cough up the extra for the service.

WiFi is going to turn into the new cell phone someday. 3 Comments »

Let Your Tech Team Have Extentions in Addition to eMail for Callback

Broadband and Mobility, Service and Support submitted by celesjalee Jul 26

I Absolutly Love Dell's New Idea to Provide 2 Minute Adverage North American Technical Support for 99.99. This Is Your Best Idea Yet. I also love how I can request the same tech VIA eMail But...It Would Be 10x Better If They Had Extentions with Email To eliminate the middle man i.e. the person reading the email. Again way to go dell for implimenting this cool tool and I hope that I see personalized ext's coming pretty soon!

Thanks!

-Shawn C. Comment »

Bluetooth Numberpad

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by erikmurr Jul 21

Recently I purchased a Precision M4300 laptop. I do a lot of programming, so I was hoping to get a laptop with a 10-key number pad. I just do not need a 17" laptop to lug arround.

My laptop has Bluetooth, so I have been looking for a nice travel mouse. I am greatly disappointed that there are only about 2 out there right now. With Bluetooth so popular, why do all of the travel mice use USB receivers that hang out the back or side of a laptop?

Anyhow, to further my frustration, I have not found a single Bluetooth numberpad. There are many pads out there for those who's laptops do not have them or that are left handed and want to have their pad on the left side of their keyboard.

It would be really handy to have a Bluetooth numberpad that has no wires or receivers to hang out the side or back of a laptop. Perhaps bundle it with a nice Bluetooth travel mouse. 6 Comments »

World Wide Hotpoint (WWH)

Broadband and Mobility submitted by roderic8 Jul 16

Hotpoints should be like cell phone coverage. With WWH you would sign up for a service like ISP but WWH is set of towers that transmit wireless signal. This would standardize the wireless network. 3 Comments »

cell phone

Broadband and Mobility submitted by jt4615 Jul 15

A viedo conference phone as well as a pocket pc. 2 Comments »

Buy Motorola's handset division (its a steal right now)

Broadband and Mobility, Dell, Small Business submitted by jervis961 Jul 10

Dell is always looking for new opportunities to expand its offerings and become a one stop shopping spot for business and government. The one thing Dell has been lacking is cell phones.

Recently Motorola's handset division has fallen upon hard times and they are looking to get rid of it. Just last year an analyst valued the division at $8 BILLION but now the same analyst has said that Motorola would be lucky to fetch $500 million. Another Analyst has gone as far as to say Motorola may need to pay a company to take the division off its hands.

Strike while the price is low Dell and scoop up Motorola's handset division. You already have the guy who knows how to run it and with Dell's resources you could easily make a killing in the long run.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/anaylst-says-motorola-would-be-lucky-to-ge... 5 Comments »

Let us give all features of a mobile phone to laptop

Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by sks405 Jul 4

Today mobile phones are getting more powerful with GPS, windows mobile 6.0 and digital camera. They are kind of trying to become laptop.

Why can't a laptop try to give all utilities of a mobile phone? That will help me to keep just a laptop with me. I need mobile phone, GPS and a better camera in my laptop.

Today, I have 13.1 inch notebook which I can easily carry in car or small bag. When I have 2 additional batteries, I can always keep my laptop on. For mobile phone, one software can be made which will mimic virtual mobile phone. There should be any easy place to insert SIM card. For GPS, today I have to attach one hardware and need to install software. It can be made internal. The web camera can be made powerful.

I am sure, when all these features are put in notebook, it will become more useful device of our modern life. It will sale more and more and more.

Regards
Sudhanshu 1 Comment »

USB connector at keyboard for extension...

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Broadband and Mobility submitted by mauricio_martins Jun 30

It might look as I'm trying to promote my previous post: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66299/Simplify_USB_wiring_redesigning_s...

Well in these days I bought a bunch of things to attach to USB like USB externam memory, video capture cards and a bluetooth... It comes in my mind the ancient idea S*n and A**ple had: Why don't Dell add a USB mini hub in its keyboards just to improve connectivity?

I know the "word of order" today is wireless... but some devices will perform better wired... Well, to simplify my wires at my desk, I hacked my keyboard to add a 2 port hub inside of it... I hade my mouse cable shortened by a half and now, KB and mouse works attached to the computer via 1 wire... The hardest part of this task was to find a space to accomodate that hub. :) Think that! :) 2 Comments »

InCar PC

Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by roderic8 Jun 30

This is a PC like system that is larger than the IPODs, Blackberries or NAV Systems with all the functions. This system would replace these current handheld/portable systems with a PC that have more capabilities than window mobile systems. The InCar PC system would have a small keyboard that would has a docking station that is incorporated into current and new car models. The three systems listed above all require separate operating systems, the InCar PC will have one operating system, portable, and offer music, E-mail, PC functions with Keyboard and NAV. With InCar PC you will have a NAV system, a Music Jukebox, in hand Internet, and a PC operating system while in your car or on the street. 15 Comments »

Wireless and Bluetooth Hotkey

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Broadband and Mobility, Laptops submitted by pepejose Jun 4

I saw it in a asus laptop (I'm not sure).

When you press the bluetooth and wifi hotkey, it changes the configuration:

Wireless and bluetooth off

Wireless off bluetooth on

Wireless on bluetooth on

Wireless on bluetooth off

It's very interesting since in my inspiron (for example) there is only one hotkey for this.

Or make available one hotkey for wifi and another for bluetooth 1 Comment »