Yesterday, we brought you the tragic news that Dell recently stopped selling computers based on AMD processors on their website. Today, Dell made a statement to attempt to clarify the situation. Dell explained that there is a delicate balancing act that must be done between retail, phone, and internet sales channels. Dell also assured that there will be ample supply of AMD-based computers coming through retail channels, and that Dell hasn't quite stopped selling AMD computers on their website just yet (Inspiron 531 is still available). Dell also clarified that Dell is still selling plenty of AMD-based computers online, just so long as the customers are business. To sum it up, Dell said this:

We are committed to the AMD product lines as a long-term partner to provide the maximum choice for our customers.

For years, users wanted Dell to include AMD processors in Dell builds. In May 2006, Dell was happy to announce that they were bringing AMD on board. Everything seemed to be working out, until now. Dell recently announced that they're discontinuing almost all AMD-based Dell computers. The few ones that are left cannot be purchased online, and are only found in stores like Best Buy and Circuit City. This is likely to be a huge blow for AMD, and could not have come at a worse time. AMD recently posted abysmal revenue/loss figures for Q4 2007, and is running a company (ATI) that is worth 30% less than it was at the time of initial purchase. Hopefully, AMD will find more people to sell their processors.

The updated Dell Inspiron and XPS notebooks, refreshed with the new Intel Core 2 Duo "Penryn" 45-nanometer processors, are now available for customers in Hong Kong. Dell's laptop series that feature "Penryn" CPUs are the Inspiron 1420, 1520, and 1720, as well as the XPS M1330 and XPS M1730. You can now equip these models with the 45nm Core 2 Duo T8100 (2.1GHz/800 FSB/3MB Cache), T8300 (2.4GHz/800 FSB/3MB Cache), T9300 (2.5GHz/800 FSB/6MB Cache), or T9500 (2.6GHz/800 FSB/6MB Cache) processors. Currently, it is unknown when the Penryn-powered Dell consumer notebooks will hit the U.S. market.

Dell Bets on Intel Penryn for its High-End Laptops

Dell will begin offering Intel's Penryn processor as an option on several notebooks within a week or so, according to sources close to the computer giant. Although the 45-nanometer generation of Penryn processors targeted at laptops was announced back in early January, the chips haven't exactly leaped into laptop lineups. So far, Hewlett-Packard is the biggest taker of one Penryn chip: the Core 2 Duo T9300 (2.5GHz, 6MB L2 cache). Dell has not specified yet which models will get the processors, but the company's high-performance notebooks, such as the XPS, are likely candidates. Intel's 45-nanometer mobile processors integrate 6MB of cache versus 4MB for the older 65-nanometer Merom generation, and the lower-end chips integrate 3MB versus 2MB for the Merom-class processors.

Dell this morning kept on its promise and began offering the XPS M1330 with Linux in the US. The system is the first XPS in the country to come preloaded with Ubuntu Linux. The American model, however, is more limited than versions in Europe. Coming in black color only, the M1330 in the US will lack the 64GB solid-state and 320GB hard drive options of its overseas equivalent. At $954, the stock model ships with a 1.66GHz Core 2 Duo T5450 (2MB cache/667MHz FSB), 1GB of DDR2 memory, a 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive, and Intel GMA X3100 video. Upgrades boost the system up to 2.2GHz (Core 2 Duo T7500, 800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache) along with 4GB of memory and a 200GB 7200 rpm hard disk. Orders begin today with stock systems arriving in customer hands in less than two weeks.

As Dell's Global Consumer business continues to evolve, the company today announced that it will close its 140 kiosks in the United States.

The Dell Direct Store model, which began in 2002, enabled customers to touch and feel Dell products before purchasing systems direct from the company. In the past six months the company has adopted a retail strategy that enables Dell to connect with customers it has not necessarily reached in the past. Dell is applying the advantages of its direct business model into retail where customers can purchase laptop and desktop computers in more than 10,000 retail outlets worldwide.

Dell has upped the specs for its performance notebooks by introducing the option of dual 8800M GTX graphics cards for the XPS M1730. Dell is claiming performance improvements of as much as 49% compared to dual 8700M GT graphics processors, commenting that the notebook is capable of reaching 13,500 points in 3DMark06. However, the extra performance comes at a premium, with the minimum price for this setup being $3,400. That works out at being $1000 more than a single 8700M GT and $700 more than dual 8700M GTs, with the top-spec model costing around $7,000.

Dell and Microsoft Corp. will offer customers a simple way to make a difference in the fight against AIDS in Africa through the purchase of unique (PRODUCT) RED branded personal computers and a printer. Adding to the premium experience, all Dell (PRODUCT) RED PCs are powered by Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED. Dell is the exclusive partner for PCs and peripherals for (PRODUCT) RED.

More laptop computers preloaded with Ubuntu Linux are coming from Dell in response to demand from potential customers around the world. Starting today, customers in Germany, United Kingdom, France and now Spain can purchase Ubuntu Linux 7.10 with built-in DVD playback on the XPS 1330n, in addition to the previously-released Inspiron 530n desktop system. The offer will also be available for U.S. customers after one week.

Dell CEO Michael Dell officially opened Dell's newest and most advanced manufacturing facility today, joining employees, customers, members of the Polish national and local governments and co-operating companies to celebrate the event. The facility locates Dell production and personalization capabilities closer to increasing numbers of consumers and businesses in Central and Eastern Europe and will significantly improve delivery times.

Dell and Microsoft Corp are teaming up to sell "Red computers", donating up to $80 for every one sold to fund AIDS-fighting drugs in Africa. Dell will start selling two (Red) laptops and one desktop running Microsoft Windows Vista on Friday. The two companies will donate $50 for a laptop and $80 for a desktop to the Global Fund, which finances health programs in Africa. The "Red PCs" will have a distinctive red casing and the Windows interface will feature a red background and sidebar. Microsoft said it expects "several hundred thousand" Red Dell PCs to be sold in 2008.

Dell today set a new standard for data center energy efficiency and flexibility with the PowerEdge M-Series blade solution. The PowerEdge M-Series was designed from the ground up using Dell Energy Smart technologies, resulting in 30 industry patents, to help customers simplify information technology and better address mounting environmental challenges in their data centers. The new M1000e blade enclosure is now available worldwide for ordering with a starting price of $5,999, along with blades starting at $1,849.

Whilst HP may be the top global computer brand, Dell has retained its crown in the US market, accounting for 29.6% of sales. Dell managed to ship 5.5 million units, which represented a 15.2% year-on-year increase, with HP in second place selling 4.5 million units, a figure which gives it a 24.3% market share. Acer took third spot following its acquisitions of Packard Bell and Gateway last year, with sales of 1.5 million units - up 294.2%. Apple was fourth in the US with 1.06 million units, ahead of Toshiba in fifth. Global sales saw HP commanding a market share of 23.3%, with Dell on 14.6%. Acer, Lenovo and Toshiba came in third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Dell today announced the Inspiron 1525, a 15.4-inch notebook that is smaller, slimmer and lighter than the generation it replaces. The new notebooks also offer more personalization options with four new cool patterns in addition to the original eight colorful LCD back choices. With a starting price of $499, the Inspiron 1525 is available at www.dell.com/inspiron.

Last year at CES in Las Vegas, Dell previewed a "concept" ultra-sleek monitor with tempered glass design and super-thin, clean profile. Now, just a few days before CES '08 we learn that the concept has made it to mass production. The Dell Crystal, much like its name implies, is the latest in Dell display innovation - featuring a breathtakingly slim and stylish design. The 22" widescreen LCD panel is encased in 4mm premium grade ultra-clear tempered glass floating on a beautiful chrome-plated zinc alloy tripod stand. Not only beautiful, this display offers exceptional performance including: 1680x1050 native resolution, TrueColor Technology with 98 percent color gamut (typical), 2ms gtg response time, 2000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, HD connectivity with DVI / HDMI with HDCP, sub-woofer out, USB and built-in 2.0 megapixel webcam with microphone. Priced at $1,199, Crystal is available at Dell.

Dell has answered what it says is a common request and has today added more display options to its XPS M1530 gaming notebook. While the original 1280x800 version of the 15.4-inch display is still available, the Texas system builder now has the option of either a 1440x900 or 1680x1050 resolution screen at the same size. The new resolution should both a larger work area in the same space as well as a sharper image for HD movies played from the optional Blu-ray drive. Going from 1280x800 to 1440x900 will cost additional 50$, while the 16:10 1680x1050 resolution will add 100$ to the overall cost of the laptop.

Dell and Tesco today announced the availability of Dell notebook and desktop computers in Tesco, a premier international retailer with operations in Europe and Asia.

Beginning next month, customers will be able to purchase Dell XPS and Inspiron products in Tesco stores, primarily in the UK, with sales also in Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Dell has updated its monitor line-up to offer a new 30-inch LCD. Nicknamed Dell UltraSharp 3008WFP, the new monitor has a native resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, a contrast ratio of 3000:1 and 370 cd/m2 brightness. The new Dell LCD features a 8ms (G2G) response time, a 3-year warranty and has a multiple connectors including S-Video, Analog, DVI-D with HDCP, HDMI, Component, Composite and DisplayPort. The monitor is already available for purchase online directly from Dell for $2,034.

Dell and DSG international plc (DSGi), one of Europe's leading consumer electronics retailers, announced the availability of Dell notebook and desktop computers in DSGi stores. Beginning in January 2008, DSGi and Dell customers will be able to buy a range of Dell notebooks and desktops through PC World, Currys and Currys.digital stores in the UK, as well as Dixons.co.uk online. Customers will also be able to buy Dell products through the European network of DSGi store brands such as Electro World, PC City, and Elkjop. Customers can buy products in stores from Norway to Greece, and from Spain to Finland. Dell also plans to sell systems through DSGi stores in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. This agreement means Dell customers can call, click or visit retail stores throughout Europe to learn more and buy Dell's award-winning products. DSGi's unique TechGuys services in the UK will be extended across the new Dell products, providing full IT customer service availability including telephone support, installation and set-up. DSG operates similar support services across its European operations.

Nearly seven months after the Latitude XT was first shown to the world, Dell is finally making its first Tablet PC available to consumers. Dell says that its new 3.53-pound Latitude XT is a ground-breaking device and is among the thinnest and lightest in its class. The 12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) traditional CCFL or LED-backlit display of Latitude XT has both pen and capacitive touch technology. Capacitive touch allows users to manipulate items on the screen without the need to apply pressure directly to the display. The Latitude XT is built around Intel's Core 2 Solo (1.06GHz) or Core 2 Duo ULV (1.2GHz) processor and comes equipped with a Radeon X1250 UMA graphics, up to 3GB memory, up to 120GB 5400 rpm drive, or 64GB SSD option. The system features a base price of $2,499, with orders for the system to begin shipments before year's end.

After ASUS was accused of patent infringement by IBM yesterday, Dell is the company in the legal spotlight today after a company called Typhoon Touch Technologies has commenced legal action against both Dell and Motion Computing. According to Typhoon, Dell and Motion Computing have infringed upon US Patent No. 5,379,057 entitled "Portable Computer with Touch Screen and Computer System Employing Same" and the similarly named Patent No. 5,675,362 entitled "Portable Computer with Touch Screen and Computing System Employing Same". Typhoon's CEA and President, James Shepard said the following:

As alleged in our Complaint, we believe that both Dell and Motion Computing are using and profiting from our patented technologies. It is our responsibility to ask the Court to enjoin Dell and Motion Computing from the continued violation of our patents and seek recovery of lost profits. In addition, it is our intention to protect the interests of our shareholders, licensed users and our future business, by seeking all damages available, including treble damages.

At the core of our offering is to partner with companies to bring our unique technology to the market for their own competitive advantage. As further set forth in our Complaint, the alleged infringement by both Dell and Motion Computing absolutely impedes on our offering and has prevented us from obtaining our due royalties. We believe that their infringement was wilful and therefore entitles us to treble damages.

Dell today announced that it will sell a variety of award-winning XPS and Inspiron notebook and desktop computers, including the new XPS One through more than 900 Best Buy locations in the U.S. in the next few weeks.

In a quest to nail the greatest gaming experience ever, Dell and Blizzard Entertainment, have joined forces to bring gamers the XPSTM M1730 World of Warcraft Edition notebook PC. The unique gaming notebook is available for purchase today by customers who pre-registered for early access during the "It Begins" quest. It will be available to all U.S. customers on December 11th on Dell Gaming.

Dell has just announced that it has joined the Carbon Disclosure Project's Supply Chain Leadership Collaborationp (SCLC) in a bid to cut its carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly by monitoring the emissions of its suppliers. Dell's Chief Production Officer and Senior Vice President Martin Garvin said the following:

Our global supply chain is integral to Dell's long-term commitment to become the greenest technology company on earth. This means partnering with suppliers, customers and stakeholders to drive meaningful and positive change.

Dell announced earlier this year that it plans to neutralize the carbon impact of company-owned and leased facilities by 2008, and this move brings the firm a step closer to its goal.

Dell plans to expand its presence in China from 45 cities to more than 1,000 over the next year or so in a bid to match the broader market reach of Lenovo. "When we talk about that 45-city presence, we're really talking about cities with populations of 2 million plus where Dell has applied its direct [sales] approach," said Steve Felice, president of Dell Asia-Pacific and Japan, during a conference call with reporters. Over the next year or so, Dell will expand beyond the 45 Chinese cities where it now has a presence into smaller cities, using both its direct sales model and partnerships, Felice said. These smaller cities are now dominated by domestic PC vendors like Lenovo, but fast-growing demand for computers makes them an attractive target for Dell. "It's our desire to have much broader coverage," he said.