Dell-Alienware: Where are they now?

In 2006, Dell acquired the leading manufacturer of gaming computers, Alienware. The idea was to use Dell's supply chain to manufacture and sell the Alienware computers, keeping the marketing and product design of the high end gaming computers in a separate division under the Alienware brandname. Recently some conflicting product announcements came out saying that Dell would pare its own gaming line to reduce cannibalization.

Dell Inc. is taking a surprising step to reinvigorate its business in specialty gaming personal computers: abandoning several of its most popular models to focus on what it sees as its premium line.

The new strategy is part of Dell's broader turnaround effort. Last year, it slipped behind bigger rival Hewlett-Packard Co. in overall PC sales and is struggling to achieve profits in consumer PCs. Gaming PCs -- high-priced machines made specifically for playing games -- are a niche market, but tend to shape PC design trends and influence mainstream buyers.