A while back, I posted about how you can pay Dell to remove Windows Components for you when you configure.
They’re at it again! This time, while I was browsing and configuring a new Desktop Computer for our Publications Group, I ran across these settings that Dell will so graciously do for you when they build your workstation.
Save time by establishing the preferred medium the system will default to when booting.
{ } None
{ } Boot to Floppy Drive [ Add $8.30 ]
{ } Boot to Hard Disk Drive [ Add $8.30 ]
{ } Boot to Optical Device [ Add $8.30 ]
{ } Boot to Network [ Add $8.30 ]
So, I tested this on a desktop nearby, and it took 35 seconds to set this setting. So, assume it takes me a full 2 minutes to change this setting on one computer and go to the next computer and change that setting, too. If that were my full-time job, and assuming that there were enough computers (62,400 of them) for me to do this on, and I was paid $8.30/computer, that’s about 30 computers every hour, or $249/hour, which given the average work week, is about $507,960/year.
Half a million dollars a year! I need to go work for Dell!
UPDATE: In Dell’s defense, they do have “Energy Smart” options for their desktops. Here’s what they have to say about that:
Save Energy, Save Costs
The Energy Star-compliant OptiPlex 745 is extremely energy efficient. With the new Energy Smart configuration, OptiPlex default power settings exceed the worldwide mutually recognized Energy Star standard, which means that each desktop is designed to further reduce power consumption and energy costs, right out of the box. This high level of power management, combined with Power Factor Correcting power supplies, flat panel displays, Intel Core 2 Duo processors and thermally efficient BTX chassis designs, means that the OptiPlex 745 uses up to 70% less power than previous generations of OptiPlex desktops1, so it helps you conserve your resources and the earth’s resources at the same time.
