Dell PCs take on rivals globally

Beijing —- Dell unveiled new computers designed for businesses in developing nations Wednesday, a step executives and analysts called important to the company’s ongoing drive to boost sales outside of the United States.

The company introduced four computers. Two notebooks will be available in more than 20 countries, starting at about $475. The cheaper of the two desktop computers will start at about $440, including a screen.

“Within the world’s emerging economies, millions of new businesses are demanding just the technology they need, at the prices the can afford, from a vendor they can trust,” said Stephen Felice, Dell’s president for operations in the Asia Pacific region.

“We have high hopes for broad adoption in the 20 countries,” which include Brazil, Russia, India and China, Felice said in Beijing.

The cheaper of the two new Dell notebook computers —- the Vostro A840 —- has a 14.1-inch screen and offers the choice of several Intel processors and either the free Linux operating system or, for an additional charge, Microsoft Windows.