Dell's Product Launch Ho-Hum

Last month, Dell took the first step in getting its consumer sales plan in synch with the market realities by opting to sell certain PCs in Wal-Mart stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Investors are still waiting for the broader retail plan, particularly as it relates to crucial overseas markets.

Dell of course, has been in turnaround mode since late January when Michael Dell returned as CEO and refreshed the company's upper ranks with new blood.

One of the most high-profile new hires was Motorola's(MOT) Ron Garriques, who heads up Dell's newly formed global consumer group. Since he joined the company, speculation has been rife about what Dell has up its sleeve for consumers.

And given that Dell has recently shuttered its Axim line of handhelds, and is reportedly winding down its flat-screen TV business, some industry watchers wonder if the company is clearing the decks ahead of some bold and innovative new consumer gadgets.

Dell investors can only hope that the Macy's spectacle was only a dress rehearsal and not the full Monty.

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