Give Dell a Piece of Your Mind

Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:05AM EST

See Comments (45)

Kudos to Dell for this intriguing new experiment: Dell IdeaStorm, asking consumers for ideas about what they want to see in Dell products, then throwing those comments open for voting by other Dell users (and potential customers).

The idea is simple: Using a very Digg-like interface, anyone can leave a comment about what they want from Dell ("Lime green laptops now!"), then people who agree with you can vote for your story by clicking the "promote" button. Give it a spin and you'll catch on quickly. You won't be able to comment unless you create an account, but anyone can read the ideas on display and even vote on them.

To date (and IdeaStorm just launched late last week) there are over 1,000 ideas on the site. Many are duplicates, but some interesting fodder has risen to the top through the voting system. In rough order, here's what Dell users want:

  • Linux (and other open source offerings), either as a standalone option or dual-booting with Windows.
  • Nothing. Dell is famous for its crapware-loaded machines. How about offering a "clean" installation? (In fairness, this is already an option on some Dell machines, but you may have to call to get it.)
  • More RAM. I have to agree that 512MB is pitiful for today's memory-hungry operating systems. Stepping the default up to 1GB makes sense in 2007.
  • Ending overseas tech support. You know why.
  • Webcams on laptops.
  • Go green. A call for environmentalism, which Dell has already shown a commitment to.
  • Quieter PCs. Frankly I'm impressed by how quiet current machines are, but I know there's always room for improvement.
  • Put microphones back on laptops. In the era of Skype, this is a no-brainer. I have a microphone port on my Dell laptop... but does Dell think I tote around a mic with me all the time for the occasional audio need? This is a 10 cent addition, max.

 

Like I said, fun stuff (and some great ideas), but it really opens the door for Dell to start listening to its customers in a major, unprecedented way. I'd love to see other companies follow suit, but for now, chalk up a point for Dell. Now let's see Dell follow through with some of these suggestions...

Comments on Give Dell a Piece of Your Mind

Post a Comment

Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

  • 6 Posted by juanrod2625@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:43PM EDT Report Abuse

    It is too bad that most companies outsource their tech support overseas. I had a problem with SBC:Yahoo. I was surprised to hear a distinctly not American voice offering to help me resolve my problem. I was mildly surprised that the individual was actually able to help me. One happy moment. On the other hand dealing with Symantec's overseas tech support was a totally negative experience. It ended up that I gave up on getting any help from Symantec's tech support. We could have been in two completely different universes trying to communicate with a string and two cans. My question was, "Why won't this particular module work the way it says in the Manual on disk it should." Response, "Yes it is a very sunny day. I believe it will rain tomorrow, however." I would rephrase the question. Response. "Occasionally planes do fly too close to mountains." Finally i give up and resolve never to buy another product from Symantec. Not before I have spent nearly 1.5 hours finding out that I am not going to get any tech support worth the time spent finding out that I am not going to get any tech support. It is partly our own fault for wanting living wages that will actually allow us to live on what we earn. Outsourcing allows lower wages be paid to people who can live on lower wages. We can turn our personal information over to convicts and learn to live with invasions of our privacy and identity theft or outsource.

  • 7 Posted by liberty45 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've purchased several Dell products and I'm currently using 2 of them. I've been terribly disappointed with the support and will not be purchasing any more Dell products regardless of price and quality. "Dude, you're getting a Delhi!" Dennis Hall TLA Communications, LLC Denver, CO

  • 8 Posted by dixie_mom25 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    Please get rid of overseas tech support, keep it in the country where the computer is being used (like USA for the USA) I would really like to speak with a technician that I can understand. It would also help to get simple (ie..easy to understand terms)answers to questions. I am not very computer savy and hate having to ask for so many things to be explained. Why not just assume that we don't know(the main reason we asked for help in the first place) and keep the answers as simple as possible. I would like my next computer to have more RAM instead of more hard drive space. It would really be great to be able to choose the exact software that is initally installed on a new computer, I don't use a lot of the programs on my computer but am afraid to uninstall them. I also think that if a company wants my business when I decide to buy my next computer it will have to offer me free tech support and reliable customer service.

  • 9 Posted by cmwhalen2001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    I just spent $1,500 for a Dell Inspiron E1705 laptop. They advertise in the paper this laptop costs $599.00 but that is very misleading. It doesn't include Virus Scan, word processing, warranty and a bunch of other stuff you must have to really have a decent computer. OK, I went ahead and bought it anyway, although it wound up costing me TWICE the advertised price! As soon as I opened it out of the box it was a dud defective lemon. I've only had it 3 weeks, but had to call Tech Support 16 times! Their Tech Support is 100% Call Centers in India and although those folks "technicall" speak English they are unable to communicate and do tech support - they just read from a script. My email freezed up constantly, my laptop would not connect to my printer, my word processing froze up and the laptop is basically JUNK CRAP. Dell ad says "30 days return" policy. I only had it 21 days but Dell tried to force me to be stuck with it - and exchange for another. I was fed up with Dell mostly due to awful Tech Support from India Call Center - and didn't want to get stuck with another of their computers. I had to spend one hour on the phone with their billing office in Oregon to force them to take the computer back and credit my account! This is fraudulent advertising to say they give you 30 days to try the computer out, but really after 21 days is the deadline. The sales rep on the phone did not tell me 21 days - he said 30 days. There was no notice in the box that I only had 21 days to return it - nor was there any mention of 21 days in the confirmation e-mail I got right after I ordered the laptop from their 800 #. I don't think Dell is an ethical company, their Tech Support stinks on ice and they sent me a highly defective dud lemon laptop that should have never made it past factory quality control. I cannot recommend them. This is the WORST computer I ever owned. About 7 years ago I bought a Dell PC - and it was also defective junk straight out of the box. I think they are as crappy quality as Compaq computers. Get a HP or a Gateway computer - but not a Dell or Compaq! Buyer beware - Caveat Emptor!

  • 10 Posted by simply_bohemian on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Bought a Dell 3 years ago, it came defective, I sent it back to them for repairs 5 times. The problem was never fixed. I let anyone and everyone know to this day I will NEVER buy a Dell again. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice; shame on me.

  • 11 Posted by tg1stargazer on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    I ordered my first p.c. from Dell. When I called to place the order, I spent no time on hold and the sales rep was in the U.S. and spoke perfect English. Four days later I tried to find out why Dell was attempting to ship my p.c. to the wrong address. My first call to Dell to resolve the problem was from 5pm to 6:07 pm and only about 10 minutes of that time was spent with a rep (I was on 'hold' the other 57 minutes). My patience gone after being placed on hold to listen to bad music, I had my first ever encounter with a Dell tech. HORRIBLE! ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!! Not only was it very difficult to understand his English, the tech continually tried to rephrase the issue but did not resolve the problem, the whole time repeating "is there anything else I can do for you today?" I calmed down a while after that conversation and called back again at 6:30pm. After being on hold for another 42 minutes listening to the same bad music, I got another tech that I could not understand. And again, the tech kept repeating what the problem was, but did not resolve the issue... and again using what appears to be their standard line: "is there anything else I can do for you today?" YES!! I would like someone to tell me why UPS is leaving 'attempted delivery' notes at the wrong address!! At my insistence, I was finally able to speak with a sup, whose Australian accent was easier to understand. I was informed the problem was not Dell's--that UPS 'must' have the wrong address. I terminate that call with Dell and call UPS to find out why they are attempting to deliver my p.c. to the wrong address. I am told UPS is trying to deliver my p.c. to the address Dell provided them with. UPS tells me to call Dell back and request a 3-way conversation between Dell, myself and UPS to resolve the issue. I call Dell back, and once again "hold"--for 52 minutes, until I get another tech that I can not understand, and request to speak with a sup. After waiting on hold another 13 minutes, a sup whose English is even worse than the tech's comes on the phone. The sup informs me that they do not do 3-way conversations. And again I am told that the problem 'must' be with UPS, not Dell. And again I got the same "is there anything else I can do for you today?" That call ends at 9:12pm -- 4 hours and 12 minutes after I placed my first call to Dell. My time and wasted evening aside, I resign myself to the fact that I may not get my p.c. Outcome: the next night, my neighbor directed UPS to my house. I inquired what address UPS was trying to deliver my p.c. to. UPS delivery showed me the address label. Dell had given them the WRONG ADDRESS!!!! Bottom line: no wait to place an order with someone who can speak decent English and take your $. After that, FORGET IT!! You'll never get thru to someone without a wait or who you can understand and who will actually resolve a problem. BAD!!!!! I'll NEVER call Dell again & will NEVER purchase another Dell p.c.!!

  • 12 Posted by c_m_st_pierre on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    Dude! They totally got this idea from SALESFORCE (CRM) -then again with Mike Dell & Marc Benioff (CEO of SF) being pals ...they probably share lots and lots of ideas ;)

  • 13 Posted by keithen84 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    make computers that last more than 6 months...and are like mac's i will never buy another dell, the are pieces of crap...i'm a mac buyer for live now!!!!

  • 14 Posted by keithen84 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    make computers that last more than 6 months...and are like mac's i will never buy another dell, the are pieces of crap...i'm a mac buyer for live now!!!!

  • 15 Posted by irishli817 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    Three Dell Laptops all three do not work.I paid for three year next day service.The computer that I use for business started to fail in the fist year.The replaced the video card and screen three times, put the screen resolution never worked correctly. I babied this machine zero abuse.I was on a business trip three weeks ago turned on the machine checking email machine beeped once and shut down. I called tech services when I returned home. They went through a series of tests. Informed me that my mother board was fried and that my warranty didn't cover the mother board. Never again I didn't even speak about the other two laptops that were bought for for my sons. Michael Dell, wake up your products are substandard and you have lost a customer that only bought dells in the past. What a disaster

  • 16 Posted by jsamalo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think Dell should offer the option to get Windows XP on any new system, because we all know that VIsa is full of bugs, not compatiable with older printers, scanner and the like. I will not buy a Dell because of this. I had a custom made machine locally for my work and the business will do likewise because not everyone wants to purchase $ 5,000 worth of computer equipment cuz Dell wants to force the new crap Visa on everyone purchasing a new computer. This will cause alot of bad customer service, when the unknowledgeable purchaser has to replace alot of support items, like the printers, cuz of VISa compatible.

  • 18 Posted by ammanamu on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    my name is amman i recently came from england and i have playstation DVD's and thatz in Pal format and over here in united states itz a NTSC Format, So is there any way i could convert or play the DVD's Plz help me out.

  • 19 Posted by crlzsgrl05 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have a Dell and have had it for 2 yrs. now. I really dislike it. I've had nothing but problems with since i took it out of the box. I called tech support and they wanted to charge me for talking to them. It was brand new even e-machines have free tech for a yr. I had to order it twice. the first time I got some person from another country couldnt understand anything they said. I'm looking for another computer now and i can say it will not be another Dell. I'm sure its not all Dell products i must of just got one that wasnt that good from the getgo. My mother-n-law has one 2 and has had nothing but trouble with hers 2. so it isnt just me.

  • 20 Posted by ken0870 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Does ANY manufacturer EVER have 100% perfect systems out of the box or last forever ??? I doubt it !!! I agree that some issues can happen and I am VERY sure that Dell is not perfect. BUT, out of how many computers that they build and ship come back or fail ??? I personally have ordered 3 laptops and 4 desktops for my small business and for my own person. I can say that ALL of them have worked perfectly, they shipped to the correct locations and worked out of the box without any issues

  • 21 Posted by louispitts on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree with Shutrbug on the better RAM, etc. I have a Dell that is a year old, and came with 512MB memory. I ordered more memory from Dell (by the way, with a lot of Dell computers, you have barely a choice - they do not take any generic memory and are very picky). Even though I used their online process and picked out the memory after signing in under my service tag, I had to send the memory back. I installed it (and memory takes about 1 minute to install). When I booted my computer back up (which is all you usually need to do after installing memory) it freaked out, not finding any drivers, programs etc. The icons were there, but nothing worked. It would not even connect to the internet or play windows media player. Even installing the original memory only got it running at about 75% after much fiddling with it. I needed more memory so I tried this process again with different memory withe the same results. I will not call support for we know I will get nowhere with them. I am just trying to use my Pro-Tools and am not a gamer, so I am probably just going to consider the Dell a lost cause and buy the Mac I always wanted.

  • 22 Posted by nettaway on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    My dell computer is a piece of crap! Don't buy Dell. They sell 24-hour technical support and when it comes right down to it, its "hardware" support only. When there's a problem with your software, they refer you to the technical support line for the software you're having trouble with. I purchased the extended warranty with at home service and 24/7 technical support. They have completely refused to send a technician to my home to fix the problem.

  • 23 Posted by hector_cpd on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hi there everything I own is from DELL I can onestly say that the service has realy change compare to 4 years ago even doe they were always from overseas the service was much better than today now I no longer recomend getting anything from DELL since their service has gotten so rotten!!. 4 years sga when I bought my fisrt DELL it came with all the software but now when i bought my last desktop and my laptop I had to fight for my software with DELL but in the end I got even I can't tell you how but belive me I got EVEN HA HA!!ANYWAY NOW IM LOOKING AT A DIFFERENT BRAND FOR MY NEXT BY BUT DEFENETLY NOT A DELL, COMPACT OR MAC. MACS ARE VERY LIMITED AND THATS NOT MY TIPE.

  • 24 Posted by hector_cpd on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hi there everything I own is from DELL I can onestly say that the service has realy change compare to 4 years ago even doe they were always from overseas the service was much better than today now I no longer recomend getting anything from DELL since their service has gotten so rotten!!. 4 years sga when I bought my fisrt DELL it came with all the software but now when i bought my last desktop and my laptop I had to fight for my software with DELL but in the end I got even I can't tell you how but belive me I got EVEN HA HA!!ANYWAY NOW IM LOOKING AT A DIFFERENT BRAND FOR MY NEXT BY BUT DEFENETLY NOT A DELL, COMPACT OR MAC. MACS ARE VERY LIMITED AND THATS NOT MY TIPE.

  • 25 Posted by cewmeeks on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    I own a Dell Dimension 2350 Desktop that was given to me by a former employer brand new in the box back in 2002. Last year I finally upgraded the 256 MB Ram to 768. I added a 512 stick. I also purchased a Dell Inspiron 1705 Laptop. I love my laptop, and I find I use it more even at home than I do the desktop. Unless of course, I'm playing City of Heros. With the help of m Linksys wireless internet router connected to my DSL modem, I can be anywhere in the house and get online with my laptop that has a built in wireless receiver. I can even log onto the internet while in class which is helpful when doing research while in class.

More Posts: First Prev 1 2 3 Next Last

Post a Comment

Sign In to Post a Comment

My Tech

Please enable your browser's cookies to activate the My Tech column.

Also on Yahoo! Tech

Computers Home Office Wi-Fi & Networking Phones & PDAs Cameras & Camcorders TV & Home Theater Portable Audio
 

Site Map | Tour | Subscribe to Yahoo! Tech

Question and Answer content at Yahoo! Tech is written by Yahoo! users at Yahoo! Answers. Yahoo! does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. For more information, read the Full Disclaimer.

Opinions expressed by the Advisors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo! receives no compensation from any manufacturer or distributor nor does it compensate any Advisor for the coverage of any product or service in any Advisor's content.