901am » Dell

$99 laptop from Dell, not really

Dennis Bouchand — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:17:07 +0000

Dell and AT&T Mobility announced an offer that brings nationwide high-speed connectivity at an affordable price to Inspiron Mini 9. Through Jan. 31, 2009, you can purchase a select Inspiron Mini 9 that is regularly $449 for $99 after a $350 Dell mail-in rebate. Here’s the catch: you should purchase a qualifying two-year AT&T LaptopConnect agreement. At $60 per month, this would be around $1,440. Yikes.

The Inspiron Mini 9 is a small, easy-to-carry Internet companion that can be tuned to fit your specific needs and deeds. Minis are ideal for teens, tweens, travelers and “Tweeters” to surf the Web, chat with friends, blog, upload photos or enjoy online videos, music and games.

AT&T offers the nation’s 3G network in nearly 350 major U.S. metropolitan areas. AT&T LaptopConnect customers with a 2-year service agreement also enjoy free connectivity to the AT&T Wi-Fi network.

The $99 tag price is too tempting, however.

Dell, Universal Music Group to jump-start digital libraries with pre-loaded MP2 music

Dennis Bouchand — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:43:01 +0000

Dell and Universal Music Group (UMG) teamed to provide a simple, economical way to jump-start a digital music library by pre-loading MP3 bundles on select new systems purchased on Dell.com. For the first time, individuals will now be able to select a variety of optional music bundles to be pre-installed on their new PC, creating highly personalized music collections right out of the box.

As part of this unique offering, Dell and UMG have created 50 and 100-song music bundles starting at $25, each of which includes a curated selection of MP3s for approximately half of current standard per track pricing.

Dell and Microsoft launch (PRODUCT) RED branded products to help eliminate AIDS in Africa

Cristina Ledesma — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:24:41 +0000

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 of (PRODUCT) RED.

Dell (PRODUCT) RED products are now available at www.dell.com/joinred and at Best Buy stores throughout the United States by the end of the week. Beginning Jan. 31, they also will be available through Dell in nearly 30 additional countries.

(RED), launched in 2006, is a brand designed to engage business and consumer power in the fight against AIDS in Africa. To date, (RED) partners have contributed more than $57 million to the Global Fund based on the sale of (PRODUCT) RED products. (RED) funds are at work on the ground in Rwanda, Swaziland and Ghana.

With each purchase of a (PRODUCT) RED branded Dell personal computer including Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED, Dell and Microsoft will make a combined contribution of $50 to $80 – depending on the PC purchased – to the Global Fund. Purchase of a Dell (PRODUCT) RED printer generates a $5 Dell contribution. One hundred percent of the funds contributed go to Global Fund-financed grants in Africa.

An $80 contribution generated by the choice of a Dell (PRODUCT) RED all-in-one PC with Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED is equivalent to more than six months of life-saving antiretroviral treatment for an individual living with AIDS in Africa.

Dell acquires Zing Systems, re-enters mobile entertainment scene

Rhiza Sanchez — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:08:05 +0000

Hardware giant Dell enters the portable entertainment scene again with its recent acquisition of technology and software startup Zing Systems.

Known for its “always connected” mobile entertainment, Zing currently provides the streaming audio technology for Sandisk Sana Connect wireless mobile mp3 player, and the Sirius Stiletto.

This acquisition is just one of the steps that Dell has taken to expand its retail catalog. “We’re looking at companies that can expand our capability to provide great product experiences,” said Frink. “We think this is a company that can provide a great technology and entertainment experience.

However, with the disappearance of the Dell DJ Ditty, Dell’s own-branded but now defunct portable media player, many are perplexed about this recent attempt. Then again, when all else fails, Dell could still continue effectively selling third party products anyway.