Dell ups the ante on the Windows experience
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 by Frogboy | Discussion: Personal Computing
For years, PC makers have competed with one another largely on price. PCs, it was said, were nothing more than a commodity. But over the past couple of years, consumers have begun to take the overall experience a lot more seriously.
Last year's successful launch of the Apple iPhone made clear to cell phone makers that yes, the experience a "commodity" provides for the customer matters. PC makers have begun to take note and leading the way is Dell who began pre-loading the new Dell Dock on consumer PCs yesterday.
The new dock, represents a significant improvement for Windows Vista users over the default experience by seamlessly integrating programs and data into the desktop experience. It's a first step to be sure but it's a pretty bold move for one of the world's leading PC producers to take.
While at a glance, one might try to argue that the dock looks like the MacOS X dock. But that would be akin to people saying that the dock in MacOS X is like the LaunchPad that came with IBM OS/2. What makes the Dell dock special is its ease of customization, low memory foot print, and raw performance. In addition, as pretty as the Dell Dock is, its focus is on usability rather than flash. Short-cuts get separated from folders, the category view is designed for ease of access, and dozens of small touches make it feel as if it were a natural part of Windows.
Developed by Stardock's ObjectDock team, the Dell Dock is not based on the ObjectDock code but rather a brand-new Stardock technology platform designed to deliver exquisite performance while being incredibly efficient with system resources.
"We've spent years learning how to integrate new technology into Microsoft Windows to improve the user experience," said Kirk Windisch, Director of Stardock Software. "Now the focus is how to deliver this improved experience to consumers with enterprise-level robustness with a minimum use of system resources."
The Dell Dock is expected to be launched on over 11 million PCs this year. For PC users, it is a first step to a brave new world where the PC makers themselves are taking the Windows experience more and more seriously. Dell has clearly made giving their consumer customers a better experience a priority.
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Reply #2 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:42 PM
Almost was not going to finish it though, what do I care about Dell. Then I saw why it was posted in the forums. Way to go Stardock.
Same question as warreni, how does it compare to ObjectDock or ObjectDock Plus?
I believe you let the community know that this was going to happen either late last year or early this year. Very nice to see this happen. Is there more great news coming or do you have to keep quiet about it?
Once again, congratulation on the very good news.
Reply #3 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:07 PM
Reply #4 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:30 PM
If I were to get a Dell, I'm sure I'd unload that and use my beloved, OD+, but I won't lie - people are going to love it. Everyone I introduce Object Dock to ends up using the free copy, and I know at least a couple of people have purchased OD+.
Hope this is just a foot in the door for great things to come!
Reply #8 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 6:03 PM
The mistakes of "Bob" were not passed on luckily.
Reply #9 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 6:39 PM
Vista isn't being well received. This is a way to make it easier for users to use Vista.
Reply #10 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:33 PM
I don't disagree with that statement at all. I've just always thought of OD (and despite the backend, this is essentially OD +++++) and the likes as reserved for more advanced users and such to experience once they have grown used to the natural flow of the OS. Starting new users off with this will be nice and helpful. I hope the effects are positive ones that promote interest, curiosity, and provide a springboard for learning rather then becoming a crutch that is kicked away when they sit in front of a non-dell system.
Reply #11 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:49 PM
Reply #12 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:36 PM
You got the dock going well. Lets give them a my-colors XPS theme for a fantastic price with the dock environments. To include icons and gadgets with some nice sidebar stuff for Vista.
Oh of course a cool new design for a wallpaper with maybe even a Dream Scene to match.
I'd almost give it away with of course the promotions for Stardock in there. Allow it for a year on new Vista SP1 XPS systems and see how it comes out. It was done with Alien Ware and now that Dell is owner of that. It would be a good step in some direction for other works to follow.
Also maybe even some promotions for sales here at WC / Stardock too. Broader spectrum for more results is a very interesting good move in a well know direction.
Very good start Brad and hope it continues well!
I'm thinking of going Dell with a new laptop anyway here soon. Maybe for Christmas...an XPS sounds nice.
SGT
Reply #15 Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:27 AM
Reply #16 Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:44 AM
Reply #18 Wednesday, May 21, 2008 2:54 PM
But I love MY Object Dock. It is one piece of software I cannot live without... Great job boys... Higher and Higher... 
Reply #19 Wednesday, May 21, 2008 3:43 PM
Can you guys do anything to make Vista less of a resource hog? I think that is the major problem with switching. Second to its plethora of bugs and UI failures. That I would pay for.
Reply #20 Wednesday, May 21, 2008 3:44 PM
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Reply #1 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:31 PM
In any case, congratulations on having the tech pre-loaded on Dells--that must be a nice business boost.