Unconfirmed: Dell buys Alienware - Alpha Blog - alpha.cnet.com
http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6464030.html
Might be a way for Dell to start selling AMD machines. Gateway did a
similar thing to sell AMD machines by buying Emachines.
I really don't think the Gateway/eMachines deal had anything to do
with Intel vs. AMD, that was more a coincidence than anything else.
Gateway had been floundering around in the market for some years at
that point, losing marketshare and seeming unable to really adapt.
eMachines, on the other hand, seemed to have the new PC market down
pretty well.
Similarly I don't think that this Dell/Alienware deal (if it turns out
to be true) will have much to do with AMD chips either. In fact, I
wouldn't be surprised if Dell rapidly phases out the AMD-based systems
if the deal goes through. The reason I think has much more to do with
Dell's XPS systems. While I think Dell has the right theory with
these systems I suspect that they've utterly failed in their
execution. There is definitely a market for people who want a
"premium" quality computer, Alienware's success is proof of that.
Dell wanted in this market with their XPS line, but it may well be
that they just don't know how to do a premium computer since it's
QUITE different then the stuff they sell normally.
Anyway, we'll wait to hear what comes of this one. Could just be
another pointless rumor.
