Is Dell The New Apple?
- 5
- Add a Comment
Dell, the PC Goliath, is experiencing an upwards trajectory ever since Michael Dell has taken over as CEO. Not only is Dell working on its retail strategy to have people come up and physically touch and feel their products, but from a pure consumer perspective, the company is also focusing heavily on innovation. It’s a new Dell. The latest in company news is the release of a special edition World of Warcraft notebook computer with high-end components that are customized for World of Warcraft. It’s not just that. The notebook is loaded with a series of special packages just for Dell consumers that are relevant. Sure, the notebook is expensive at $4,450, but it just might be worth it for hardcore WoW fans. Hey, it’s the best solution there is, and that’s saying a lot for Dell.
A few months ago, Dell also released different colored notebooks for students who wanted to flare up their notebooks and differentiate their models from their friends. There’s nothing particularly grand about it, but it’s a step in the right direction. These minuscule but important changes depict Dell’s intention to change itself, innovate for the better, for consumers. Similarly, the $4,450 model is extravagant, and Dell is asking too much from consumers. But no problem. At least it’s a step in the right direction. With PC margins declining and Dell dropping to the number two spot (behind HP in its OEM business), it has to reinvent and move away from its original roots. What better way to do that than to redefine the way people look at computers? PCs are not just inane, technological wonders; they are personality matchers with customized versions for classes of PC users. Everyone from gamers to professionals need a certain style of PC — and why not? We deserve it. And if Dell can take care of those needs, all the better. Good for Dell!
It was bound to happen. Dell was struggling and watching its market share shrink for a while, and it was only time it listened to everyone who could point out the obvious flaws.
This article has been republished with the kind permission of our friends at CoolTechZone. For more news about the gadgets that make the world go ’round, go give ‘em a look or Subscribe to CoolTechZone’s RSS Feed!
Related Articles @ CoolTechZone:
- Emerging Trend: Personalized Gadgets
- Why Apple Will Trump Microsoft With a Tablet PC
- Say Bye-Bye to iPod Killers, Welcome iPhone Killers
- AT&T Tilt Phone
- Microsoft Zune 2
5 Comments
Matt
December 11th, 2007
at 7:37pm
If only they could develop their own Operating System. Its no secret that Dell is not the biggest Windows fan, they have the power, resources, and respect to do it.
Nick
December 12th, 2007
at 9:19am
TIme will tell if Dell can see its fortunes turn around, with its sales and marketshare slipping.
All the comparisons made in the article are facile, however.
Colored computers a step in the right direction? If I recall, Apple did that 8 years ago, and now offers machines in white, black or aluminum. I’m so glad Dell is catching up.
A $4500 laptop? Even Apple’s priciest 17″ laptop doesn’t fetch that kind of premium, even with fairly similar specs. Plus, the WoW laptop is a dubious niche to appeal to anyway. (Maybe it would look better if they offered it in different colors).
Retail space? Well, Apple is seeing success with its retail stores, but let’s not forget that Gateway totally flopped in the same sector.
But the real issue at stake here is that Dell is not offering anything that is game-changing, whereas companies like Apple have consistently done that over the past 10 years. iMac, iPod, iPhone - all these products are game changers and Dell’s offerings are a far cry from what Apple has done.
Dell is definitely not the new Apple.
JohnP@Dell
December 12th, 2007
at 1:45pm
Thanks for noticing our transformation as a company that truly strives to listen and learn from its customers. We’re don’t see ourselves as the new Apple, but rather a reinvigorated Dell … we’re getting back to our roots as a company that prided itself on being able to have direct conversations and trusted relationships.
Kyrptic
December 15th, 2007
at 9:54pm
What would happen if Microsoft teamed up with Dell to release a version of windows just for them that is ultra stable? Would this lead to an end to Apple gaining market share? I think it would be interesting to see Microsoft and Dell go up against Apple. Then again the market may not change much depite this but interesting to think about.
Jeff
December 19th, 2007
at 1:10pm
Dell is a joke. Nothing they create screams inovation. It is a company that just assemblies parts. The direct model that Dell is oh so proud of just doesn’t seem so cutting edge anymore hence their reason for being in Walmarts and other stores now. Apple breds inovation be it an OS or an MP3 player or a phone. Come to think of it they created QuickTime too. What has Dell created ? XPS is an Alienware system what inovation is that ? I just don’t see them as a company with a long term strategy other then shipping more off their business off to India or some other 3rd world country and re-branding someone elses products with their logo on it. The best thing that has ever come from Dell was the movie “Office Space” and this really didn’t come from Dell but it certainly created the inspiration.