Dell’s PC division bets on new Venue tablets

Dell took a big step in unveiling a new family of tablets and new laptops, including a two-in-one Ultrabook. The Dell Venue line of tablets is comprised of four new thin models designed to comply with everyday lifestyle.

Dell’s “damn sexy” tablets, as described by leading Enderle Group analyst, Rob Enderle, deliver leading performance and quality, backed by Intel processing technology.

On Wednesday, the company presented several 11-inch versions of the Venue Pro. It also introduced three new Ultrabooks bearing its XPS brand, including an 11.6-inch, 2-in-1 convertible, and a 15.6-inch model surprised with top graphics and quality display with a resolution of 3200 by 1800 pixels.

Dells new tablets also revive the Venue brand name, which the PC maker abandoned when it ceased its shipment of smartphones early last year. Dell earlier launched Venue smartphones running Windows Phone and Android in 2011.

The new tablets also indicate that Dell is retaining its PC division. Michael Dell reassured customers that the company would retain its PC division after shareholders last month approved a deal in which the CEO and associate Silver Lake Partners would take the company private for $24.9 billion. It had been speculated that the poorly performing division might be cut off after the company goes private.

A billion people will be using a tablet by 2017 and it remains an important category for Dell, said Neil Hand, vice president at Dell. “We are dedicated to growing a tablet business in the company,” he added.

During a video to start the presentation, the company invoked its reputation as a PC innovator.

“Its a very exciting time for us at Dell,” said Sam Burd, vice president of personal computer group, during the event.

The current consensus among 17 polled investment analysts is to hold stock in Dell Inc. This rating has held steady since September, when it was unchanged from a hold rating. Share price has been up more than 50% so far this year.