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Dell bows to user pressure over 'bloatware' | |
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| Time: 11:18 EST/16:18 GMT | News Source: ZDNet UK | Posted By: Jonathan Tigner | ||
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Ever since the computer manufacturer set up the IdeaStorm forum for customers to raise issues they wanted addressed, one of the most popular topics on the site has been that of bloatware. Dell is notorious for selling its PCs and notebooks with a varied assortment of programs pre-installed, ranging from security software to ISP and entertainment applications. Now the company has announced that most of the pre-installed software on its computers will become optional at the point of configuration. "When you configure a system on Dell.com, you [now] have the option of choosing "No software pre-installed" for things like productivity software, ISP software and photo and music software," wrote Michelle Pearcy, Dell's worldwide client software manager, in a blog. | ||
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| #1 By 3746 (72.12.162.246) at 6/22/2007 11:36:58 AM |
| This has been a long time coming and I am glad to see it. Hopefully other manufacturers do this also. |
| #2 By 7754 (216.160.8.41) at 6/22/2007 11:42:31 AM |
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Hoooooray! I wonder if that means I can select "no Google apps" pre-installed, too? With the last batch I ordered, it was pretty intrusive (the Google sidebar app was particularly bad), and it was a little quirky to remove as well (this was a one-off, last-minute project... no time to create a system image). I'm not a Google-basher... I just like the machines to come CLEAN, and let me install the stuff.
By the way... wasn't this supposed to have happened months ago??? |
| #3 By 7754 (216.160.8.41) at 6/22/2007 11:45:47 AM |
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Other mandatory software will include Acrobat Reader so users can view essential system documentation, and Google tools.
"Google tools"--oh well. Maybe someday. But that's not really "essential" software now, is it. |
| #4 By 32132 (142.32.208.232) at 6/22/2007 11:55:08 AM |
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Acrobat Reader is ugly bloatware that hoses systems when it tries to update.
And what the hell is essential about Google? Other than the bribe money they pay to Firefox and Dell. |
| #5 By 135 (216.17.26.137) at 6/22/2007 12:06:32 PM |
| I'll still just reinstall from the OS CD. |
| #6 By 2960 (24.254.95.224) at 6/22/2007 12:09:52 PM |
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#5,
IF you get one. Another scam if you ask me... TL |
| #7 By 135 (216.17.26.137) at 6/22/2007 3:12:10 PM |
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#6,
I got one with my dell last year. |
| #8 By 4209 (198.68.16.40) at 6/22/2007 3:53:45 PM |
| #2 my latest batch of 30 came pretty bare, except the Windows Live Toolbar! |
| #9 By 20505 (216.102.144.11) at 6/22/2007 8:22:31 PM |
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This problem will never go away. It seems to be part of the mainstream build model.
I'll continue to build my own for my self and the office. I've gotta tell ya a clean XP pro install with Office 2003 can scream even on old crap hardware. |
| #10 By 16451 (68.35.10.96) at 6/22/2007 8:41:01 PM |
| #6, I buy a bit over 135 a year, and they always come with the XP CD. |
| #11 By 10802 (206.223.232.195) at 6/22/2007 9:37:17 PM |
| Why does Dell always install a version of Adobe Reader that is a version or two behind? For example, a new Dell computer purchased today will come with Adobe Reader 7.0. A Dell computer purchased in December, would come with Adobe Reader 6.0. |
| #12 By 23275 (24.179.4.158) at 6/23/2007 4:42:03 AM |
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#11, Time - the size of the packages matters. Older versions are smaller.
When we began to manufacture computers, we had to make a decision whether to bundle and subsidize prices with such wares. We decided to go in the other direction and work to make a machine and its OS as perfect as one might. Many very rich, learned men told me I was nuts - that no one would buy our systems. On more than a few occasions, I was laughed out of the room. Happily, we found a pretty nice market that understands the value of machines that were ready for immediate use - free of any form of bloat, or crap ware and individually customized for each user. We have recycled and tossed system cases simply because their labels weren't placed as perfectly as they need to be and when there is a problem, it isn't the customer's - one just solves it. Others said we couldn't scale that, and they were wrong. One can apply the same standards, regardless of where they are on the parts list - you just can't use white box crap - ever, and you have to test. When a customer receives a machine, it has to be pefect and it has to be complete and as a business person, you can't think about the money. You have to focus on the customer experience and quality. Also, what matters most is how a machine is supported - by that I mean, how is the user supported in what they want to do. So showing people how to do things, is really what that is about. |
| #13 By 81028 (69.68.0.253) at 6/24/2007 8:18:35 AM |
| Now that this issue is ?resolved. What can be done about their Li-ion laptop batteries that only last a year. My XPS M140 battery started dying out about two days after the 1 yr warranty. I have a "Quantex' laptop from 1998 with a NiMH battery that still works. A new battery for this laptop is $160. |
| #14 By 81057 (70.241.172.110) at 6/24/2007 7:36:56 PM |
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I wonder what would have happened if Dell's IdeaStorm had been around during the MS trial?
You have REAL consumers saying they want a clean Windows install and I will pick and choose my own apps. Hmmm. |
| #15 By 8556 (12.210.39.82) at 6/25/2007 11:19:13 PM |
| Now all Dell needs to do is give Google back the billion dollars used to insure all bad addresses get directed to a Google site and maybe Dell will have my respect again. Dell has sucked as a company since 2000. Any business should respect and honor the customer's wishes, where ever possible. Dell needs to re-earn respect and market share and stop using dumbed down "re-engineered to save cost" parts on your machines to save 50 cents here and there. That's just lame. |
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