Dell hasn't abandoned the quality that makes Dell, Dell: the ability to cram a whole lot of capability into a machine at what will ultimately be a nice price.
Instead, it's just the latest sign that Apple's real targets aren't Microsoft or Dell--they're Japanese consumer electronics wizards like Sharp and Sony.
While Mr. Dell hasn't said what he might do with a closely held Dell, analysts said Dell now has most of the pieces it needs to become a one-stop technology shop.