Dell Notebook Delay

Dell's now confirmed Inspiron notebook delays may extend as late as November, according to companies within Taiwan retail channels. Although Dell has admitted having problems with the quality of the multi-colored paint schemes on the lids of its XPS M1330 and Inspiron portables, the Texas-based PC maker is said to be encountering enough trouble that shortages could last until October or November -- significantly damaging the company's sales in the all-important holiday season.

A large part of the challenge may be due to Dell's need to adjust to a more deliberate manufacturing process, according to the report. The company has previously shipped nearly all of its systems in a single color and has often relied on colored faceplates to personalize systems. Veteran multi-color notebook makers such as Sony have refined their processes but still produce fewer colors, with the VAIO CR selling in half as many colors as the eight Dell has offered in its first attempt.

Dell itself has declined to say when it would completely resolve the situation and has only said that it wanted to speed up deliveries of Inspirons and XPS systems "as soon as possible." The company has been struggling as of late with declining share versus its main rival HP as well as smaller builders.

By Electronista Staff