Dell Computer Corporation

Product Development at Dell Computer Corporation

The personal computer industry is a fast-paced and rapidly changing business environment, continuously implementing the latest technologies available to produce the faster and more efficient devices. Driven by consumer interests, it is very important for companies such as Dell to respond to relevant market trends and commit itself to continually produce the most cutting-edge technology available in innovative ways that satisfy the demands of an increasingly competitive market. Today’s consumers are demanding products that benefit their lives in the most convenient ways possible. In particular, the market for laptop computers, which is growing at a much faster rate than that of desktops, is pursuing lighter, more durable computers with the greatest performance capabilities.

One of the most pressing matters to attend regarding laptop computers is the type of battery to be used in the latest models. Today’s consumers want longer and more efficient battery life in their laptops, without having to sacrifice any functionality. Business professionals especially want batteries that will be able to last through an entire flight or a long meeting. Specifically, we need to determine whether to incorporate the older, proven technology (NiHi), or the new, better technology will be available for use, despite the risk that it may not come to completion (LiOn), for the design of the new line of laptops. Each of these options clearly has its own risks. In addition, some combination of the two design options could be implemented in order to cover the company from all possible market trends. Creating an over-designed product, for example, is one option. However, it is my opinion that the best option is to pursue a dual development path.

The dual development path entails initially developing two separate design models; one which would incorporate the current, proven battery technology (NiHi), and another in which the latest...