Dell's news direction is music to the ears

Dell is about to crank up the jukebox. The PC maker is preparing to unveil a new consumer-electronics plan that involves selling two new devices, including a portable music player, under its brand name in time for Christmas.

Outside of its core computer hardware Dell has put its name on only a limited number of product categories, such as printers, network switches, projectors and USB storage devices. But the company, which sells several consumer-electronics products via its software and peripherals business and online store, believes that offering more such devices can help it meet revenue goals.

One of its first new consumer-electronics devices will be a hard drive-based portable MP3 player, sources familiar with Dell's plans said. The player, which is expected to include a 15GB drive, will compete with others in the market, most notably Apple Computer's iPod. Dell sells the iPod on its own site and is expected to continue doing so after the debut of Dell's own player.

The products are expected to ship in October or early November.

Dell is not likely to unveil many other details about the device - or of any new products it intends to offer - during the press conference.

However, Dell is expected to reveal that it is working on a line of LCD televisions and a pair of new Axim models - the company's handheld computer.

Dell's new Axims are likely to include a slimmer model, dubbed the Axim X3 and a new wireless model, while the company's LCD TVs are likely to include a 17-inch model and a 30-inch model.

The computer maker already sells MP3 players and LCD TVs, as well as printers, from other companies. Dell is expected to continue selling those products despite its own presence in those markets.

John G Spooner writes for News.com