The optical focus is placed on the vehicle, which adjusts d Dell's Windows 8 with swinging screenynamically to even the smallest individual change.

FORBES: Windows 8 Enterprise Adoption Will Be Segmented By Users - Avanade

Before I go further, I should note that after I'd finished writing my original column I got back a response to questions I'd e-mailed Michael Dell.

CNN: Does IT matter? CEOs and CIOs sound off

The basic thing to get down is that Dell is kicking the D series to the curb, and is going E with its professional laptop line.

ENGADGET: Dell's new Latitude E series for suits detailed by elaborate PowerPoint presentation

"As products are standardizing, that's the right time to enter the market and accelerate the process, " says Russell Holt, 41, who runs Dell's enterprise systems group along with Randy D.

FORBES: Pulled in a New Direction

"If you look at Dell's profitability and financial characteristics, you'd be hard-pressed to call this a terrible business, " he says, with a characteristic grin.

FORBES: Pulled in a New Direction

Within a few years IT departments got the idea they could replace the big servers they'd bought from brand-name Silicon Valley firms with cheapies from Dell, HP and IBM.

FORBES: The Big Cheap Chance

Weak consumer spending has hurt both Dell and Fruit of the Loom, and they both said this week that they'd be handing out pink slips.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If your experience with Dell's upgrade has been any different -- or just as hellish -- we'd love to hear it in the comments.

ENGADGET: Dell's "Express Upgrade" to Vista not so "express"