Dell

Dell, Inc. is a popular computer hardware company. Founded in 1984 (its original name was "PCs Limited"), it has since grown into one of the most ubiquitous names in personal computing. Its wide range of personal computers, laptops, data storage devices, personal digital assistants, software, and printers, have kept it at the top of the long list of competing American computer developers.

Dell began when a student at the University of Texas at Austin decided to put together IBM-compatible computers out of whatever stock components he could find or order. The result was a computer that could perform at the same level as other PCs, and be offered to the public at a relatively low price. Since then, Dell has expanded its operations to include many other areas, including multimedia and software.

Dell now produces products in almost every multimedia-related category, including Dell TVs, Dell Handhelds, and Dell Digital Jukeboxes. Its most popular desktop model--the Dell Dimension--is a standard, well-integrated platform, offering many features common to most personal computers. Its Inspiron has also become quite popular due to its small size, durability, and low cost.

Dell also offers a range of products for those customers interested in setting up multi-unit servers (webs of inter-connected computers). These models include the PowerEdge server--a line that is specifically designed for use by large businesses.