If this is really true, then Dell has totally missed the point of why people bought Dell computers in the first place.  Consumers in today's economy expect to get EXACTLY the features they want, and they are willing to pay more to get them (read Joe Pine's book called "The Experience Economy" for hundreds of more examples).  Dell's problem is not that it costs too much to "customize" a computer; with all those stock parts they have on hand, it's actually more cost-efficient to build to meet demand than to warehouse a product that someone may never buy.  Dell's real problem is that they outsourced their tech support to India or Pakistan, and now have the WORST customer "support" in the industry. Give them a call sometime, and see if you can get ANYONE who can actually HELP you instead of just read off a script...

Who really cares. I can build my own computer. What's really sad is that  companies have forgotten about good customer service, and they have no respect, or sense of obligation for the people that have worked for them, and helped them become successful. Everything these days is about the almighty dollar, the bottom line, and how big of a bonus the executives can get. Sure there's the right business decisions, strategy and vision, but if they'd start to refocus on what's really important, everything else would fall into place.

I also own 3 Dell's...reason?  'Customizing' options.  If I buy another one, it WON'T be a Dell!  Michael Dell needs to 'listen' to us...get away from China, Taiwan, India, and Mexico made parts!  We NEED quality computers, the thing Dell used to be, but has steadily declined ever since.  We NEED AMERICAN made parts with AMERICAN Tech Support!  Seems I've had my share of problems with my last 2 Dell's, and Tech Support doesn't know 'squat' about the problems without staying on the phone several hours at a time.  When I bought my first one, I had a problem and got an American Tech Support person in Texas.  This guy acted like he had 'built' the computer, and knew every little thing without putting you on hold for a few minutes while looking for a solution.  That WAS the support we used to get, but NOT now...so sad that Dell can't see through this clear wall.

As an ex-Detroiter whose father used to order custom cars, please note that Ford and GM DO in fact build 'custom' cars, with options specified by the customer. This was far more prevalent back in the '60's and '70's, but today due to the consumer's 'instant gratification' mindset, I would surmise that most cars are sold as is, off the lot. But you can still go to a dealer and order a custom car. I wouldn't because I don't want to wait several weeks.

Perhaps if Dell tried hiring service personnel that could speak clear English when you do have problems with their computers they wouldn't have so much customer dissatisfaction and sales volume loss. There is nothing more annoying than trying to communicate with someone whose mother tongue is a foreign language when you have a technical problem. Any computer manufactured can have problems, but not being able to rectify those problems is a guaranteed way of losing customers.

Derek...DUH!.  Walk into ANY dealership and you have been able to order a custom car for decades.  Dereck you must not have EVER  bought a new car.

Well derek..I'm due back on the planet earth. So long.

I bought my latest computer (a laptop) from Dell because I could customize it. Dell had the features I wanted for the best price. I like being able to upgrade only certain areas.

I'm disappointed that Dell will soon only offer pre built computers.

The only reason I buy Dell is so that I can configure my own computers. Now Dell will be like every other company.

As a long time  Dell buyer, I regret this decision.  I initially bought Dell because it tested their machines and provided a high quality product with all of the options I wanted.  Not a single computer company currently provides the same selection of options. Check it out. I believe the reasons for Dells decline is their poor quality control, failure to adequately test installed software and hardware and the total failure of their foreign service department. My 89 year old father recently bought a Dell 1720 laptop with a Dell wireless printer.  The computer included a "free" virus program that was not compatible with Vista.  It took more than 5 hours and a complete reinstall to rectify the problem.  This decision will not resolve Dell's situation.  Elimination of a poor management team and the termination of those senior management employees who have made one bad decision after another is the only way to address their issues.

Don I  agree.... Dell hurt a lot of small and large businesses,, and you can not have a business model based on price alone, it seems finally the avarage consumer is realizing that the small computer shop has always been the best way to go..you can always customize and ask for exactly what you want..it will cost a little more than a Dell or any of the big box PC Makers but hey,,,, your support is down the street not in India, Dell is the worst Company in the world..lol