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• Dell Inc. was founded in 1984 in Austin, Texas to sell personal computers for both businesses and consumers. The concept of providing computers with the latest high-tech software and the fewest moving parts at an affordable price led Dell to become one of the top-25 companies on the Fortune 500 list, and to manufacture not only desktop computers, but also servers, notebooks, printers, and peripherals.

  In February 2009, after a steep net income loss of 48% in the fourth quarter, Dell announced that it would be cutting $4 billion in costs by the end of 2011.

• Fast Facts:

  1. NASDAQ Ticker Listing: DELL
  2. Founded in 1984
  3. Dell CEO: Michael Dell
  4. Headquarters: Round Rock, TX
  5. Employees: 95,000
  6. 2007 Fortune 500 listing: 34th largest company

• Customizing your computer

  One of the innovative ideas that helped launch Dell into the national consciousness was their ability in the beginning to offer customers the ability to customize the exact specifications of each computer ordered. Rather than forcing consumers to be 'pigeon-holed' into a standardized computer, Dell offered the opportunity for customers to not only pick and choose the options they wanted, but to pre-assemble them as well.

• Dude, you're getting a Dell!

  Dell was also a pioneer in the area of marketing and shipping of their products, offering customers the ability to purchase from catalogs to computer magazines, and eventually through the internet, rather than forcing them to go to a local store. Dell was also one of the first to offer 24-hour technical support through both telephone and internet connections. Additionally, Dell has offered enticements such as free shipping and free add-on products, such as printers.

• State Consumer Protection Suit

  34 states filed a consumer protection suit against Dell after the computer company allegedly aired deceptive advertisements which promised customers zero-percent financing, though did not inform customers that many would not be accepted for the financing and would be charged higher rates. Customers also complained about promised rebates which were never received and trouble receiving warranty service.

  In January 2009, agreed to pay $3.35 million to the states in a settlement agreement. Customers who ordered from products from Dell between April 1, 2005 and April 13, 2009, can submit a settlement claim by April 13, 2009.

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