Staples to Sell Dell PCs

ROUND ROCK — Dell Inc. plans to sell computers and other electronics gear at 1,400 Staples Inc. stores, the latest departure from the direct-to-customer business model pioneered by the No. 2 computer maker.

Dell and the world's biggest office products supplier announced Monday that Staples would offer Dell desktop and notebook computers, monitors, printers, ink and toner starting Nov. 11. Dell products also will be available through Staples' Web site.

Initial Dell computer models to be sold at Staples include Inspiron 1721 and 1521 notebooks, and Inspiron 530 desktops.

Round Rock-based Dell was founded in the 1980s on a lower-cost, direct-to-consumer business model that made the company the global leader in PC sales. But Hewlett-Packard Co. overtook the top spot last year, and Dell started considering new ways to sell its products beyond the Internet and telephone sales.

In May, Dell struck a deal with Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, to sell PCs in about 3,000 stores. Dell also has struck partnerships recently with Bic Camera Inc. in Japan, Carphone Warehouse PLC in Britain, and Gome stores in China.

With the Staples deal, Dell products will be available in more than 10,000 stores, Dell said.

Framingham, Mass.-based Staples already offers several other major computer brands, including HP, Acer and Toshiba Corp.