Aiming to recapture the top spot in the U.S. and world PC markets, computer maker Dell today launched series of new products designed to refresh the company’s consumer offerings, unveiled its new Yours is Here marketing campaign…and at the same time, retired one of its most venerable brands.
Making a colorful splash, Dell’s new Inspiron notebook series are available in eight colors (jet black, alpine white, espresso brown, ruby red, midnight blue, spring green, sunshine yellow, and (yes) flamingo pink) with screen sizes ranging from 14.1 inches to 17 inches. All offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, optional mobile broadband options, and high-definition video options like Blu-ray drives and integrated Webcams. The Inspiron notebooks are driven by Intel Core 2 Duo processors (the 14.1 and 15-inch models) or AMD Turion Dual-Core processors (for the 17-inch model) running at speeds up to 2.2 GHz, support up to 4 GB of memory, and are available with a variety of screen resolutions (and LED backlighting), storage, graphics, drive, and OS options—although none are available with Linux pre-installed . The new Inspiron systems are available today, and prices start as low as $749.
Dell also took the wraps of its XPS 1330 notebook, which the company is touting as the world’s thinnest 13.3-inch notebook, being just 0.9 inches thick and weighing a scant 3.97 pounds. The system features an aluminum alloy chassis, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, optional Nvidia GeForce Go 8400M graphics, and an optional 32 GB solid state drive instead of a traditional hard drive—although the system is also available with a 7200 RPM 200 GB drive. The XPS 1330 will be available in three colors (red, blue, and black) with prices starting at $1,299.
“Getting to know customers is what we do best,” said Zita Cassizzi, Dell’s VP of Dell’s consumer marketing, in a statement. “Taking their feedback, putting it to work, and delivering the devices consumers want most is reflected in these new products.”
Dell also introduced Inspiron 530, 530s and 531, 531s desktops, where “s” stands for “slimline.” These systems start as low as $349 with Intel Pentium Dual-Core processors, 512 MB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, and Windows Vista Home Basic, but optional upgrades can add an INtel Core 2 Duo processor running as fast as 1.13 GHz, up to 40 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and either Nvidia or ATI graphics controllers. Not to forget about its LCD display business, Dell also introdued the 19-inch SE198WFP LCD monitor for $189, and $669 will now buy the 2407WFP 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor.
Dell also announced it plans to retire its venerable “Dimension” brand for desktop PCs. Dell fans may have noticed in the releases above that the company has extended its Inspiron brand—which use to be exclusive to notebooks—to budget-conscious desktop systems, replacing Dell’s long-standing Dimension branding. Dell has been selling Dimensions since 1992—and, in an ironic move, recently announced plans to move into traditional retail channels by offering Dimension-branded PCs at Wal-Mart. Looks like Dell’s first desktop products to be offered via the mega-retailer may have a short lifespan.
