Windows 8 was an ambitious attempt to update the personalcomputer for the tablet era by moving to a new touchscreen interface based on colourful tiles, hiding the "desktop" launch screen familiar to white collar workers and consumers around the world.
The ultra-compact multimedia-capable device, called Dell Wyse "Project Ophelia, " is slightly larger than a USB memory stick and enables users to convert any capable TV or monitor into a functioning interactive personal display device without using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Dell's decision to go private is a reflection of the tough times facing the personalcomputer industry as more technology spending flows toward smartphones and tablet computers.
In the personalcomputer category, Amazon said the Apple MacBook, Nokia Internet Tablet PC and HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook PC were strong sellers.
While not spectacular performance, the company is both benefitting from the growth of the tablet and smart phone categories, and largely avoiding the troubles now gripping the personalcomputer sector.