Dell Getting Fit for Print

Dell(DELL Quote) shares showed signs of life Thursday, a day after company executives touted progress in the printer market, a relatively recent but significant product push for the world's largest computer company.

Dell has garnered strong sales momentum, but it continues to operate without profit. Dell executives are content to keep growing the business at or near break-even, as they count on subsequent sales of ink and toner to boost profit.

But the selling of ink and toner -- the printer consumables market -- is no less competitive and carries with it its own risks and hazards. ...