Dell Moves to Regain Lost Ground

Dell announced a host of changes to its device lineup and introduced several new products in an effort to retake some of the ground it has lost in the consumer market, as well as make itself more attractive at retail.

Key to this is the introduction of new laptops in an array of colors akin to the first iMacs - complete with flashy names such as flamingo pink, ruby red, midnight blue, jet black, sunshine yellow, alpine white, expresso, and the standard grey.

Also introduced is the company's first flash-storage based notebook: while it only has 32 gigabytes of storage space, it measures in at a little under one inch thick and slightly less then four pounds.

That isn't all: also announced is the fact that all of Dell's newest laptops are now HSDPA and EV-DO ready, and the company will now provide online backup services for interested customers, with the amount of storage space depending on the product.

The Dimension name is being phased out in favor of the Inspiron name, with several desktops released Tuesday that bear the new brand. Dell said it will continue to use the same brand for its notebooks as well.

"Getting to know customers is what we do best," consumer marketing chief Zita Cassizzi said. "Taking their feedback, putting it to work, and delivering the devices consumers want most is reflected in these new products. As our new campaign says: Yours is Here."

"Yours is Here" is intended to convey that the company is able to deliver personalized devices that "enable a great digital experience." It also highlights Dell's renewed push at retail -- take for example the Wal-Mart deal -- and its effort to regain the top spot in the computer industry.