Dell May Offer PC Buyers a Choice of Chips
Computer maker only offers Intel processors in its PCs, but a new survey on its Web site hints at changes to come.
Douglas F. Gray, IDG News Service
Monday, July 02, 2001
If you own a Dell computer, it is likely running an Intel processor. Dell is the only major PC vendor in the U.S. that offers only Intel chips in its computers, but it appears as though the company may be offering more options to new PC buyers. A survey posted on Dell's Web site suggests that Dell may add processors from Advanced Micro Devices to its list of choices.
The "Intel vs. AMD Research Survey" asks users for their options about processors from Intel and its arch rival AMD. The survey asks which processor they prefer--and why--out of Intel's Celeron, Pentium III and Pentium 4 families, AMD's Athlon and Duron families, and Motorola's PowerPC processor. It also asks for their opinions about Intel and AMD based on issues such as speed, price, reliability, and value.
For example, one question reads: "Assume you are in the process of purchasing a new desktop computer for your home. Also assume that the two desktop computers you are considering have identical product features with one exception. One desktop computer has an Intel Pentium III 1-GHz processor and is priced at $1099. The second desktop computer has an AMD Athlon 1-GHz processor and is priced at $1049. Which computer would you most prefer?"
Dell is the only major U.S. PC vendor that has refrained from offering processors from Sunnyvale, California-based AMD. It is also the current market-share leader in the U.S. for both servers and PCs. Other major vendors including Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq Computer, and IBM, offer chips from both Intel and AMD.
The survey isn't linked from Dell's home page, and is part of an e-mail survey sent by Dell to its customers, Dell spokesperson Bryant Hilton says. The customers would click on a link in the e-mail and be directed to the page.
Dell doesn't want users to read too much into the survey, and maintained that it's not a sign that Dell plans to start offering AMD's chips in the near future. "We obviously do an awful lot of customer research," Hilton says. "This is not an indication of a business move." |
