what strategies might Dell employ to restore its lost competitive advantage in pc markets?

1. Sell only Latitudes; no more Inspirons.

I've read that Dell itself makes Latitudes, but that HP (the company Dell bought up) makes all the Inspirons. Latitudes are definitely better.

2. Give people the choice, for the same price, whether to order a computer with Windows 7 or Windows 8. Right now, their computers with Win8 sell for less than those with Win7 ... and I hate Win8!! It's very clumsy, IMO.

they arent really that bad to be honest in my opinon

To determine the strategies that Dell might employ to restore its lost competitive advantage in PC markets, we can follow a systematic approach. Here are the steps you can take to find and evaluate potential strategies:

1. Conduct a SWOT analysis: Start by examining Dell's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). Evaluate the company's internal capabilities and external market factors to understand its current position. This analysis will help identify areas where Dell can leverage its strengths or address weaknesses.

2. Evaluate customer needs and preferences: Understand the evolving needs and preferences of PC consumers. Analyze market trends, consumer surveys, and competitor strategies to identify emerging opportunities and areas where Dell can differentiate itself.

3. Innovation and product development: Invest in research and development to enhance Dell's product line and offer innovative features and designs. Focus on improving areas where Dell lags behind competitors, such as performance, design, user experience, and sustainability. Pay attention to emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing to stay ahead.

4. Customer experience and support: Enhance the overall customer experience by providing excellent pre-sales and after-sales support. Invest in customer service training, process improvements, and technology solutions to address customer concerns and improve satisfaction levels.

5. Pricing and cost optimization: Review the pricing strategy to ensure competitiveness while maintaining profitability. Explore opportunities for cost optimization, such as streamlining the supply chain, leveraging economies of scale, and negotiating better terms with suppliers.

6. Partnerships and alliances: Form strategic partnerships and alliances with other companies to gain access to new markets, technologies, or distribution channels. Collaborating with software providers, component manufacturers, or retail chains can help Dell expand its reach and enhance its product offering.

7. Marketing and brand positioning: Develop a compelling marketing strategy to communicate Dell's value proposition effectively. Highlight the company's strengths, such as quality, reliability, customization, or customer support. Use targeted advertising, social media, and influencer partnerships to reach and engage with the target audience.

8. Geographic expansion: Identify untapped or underpenetrated markets where Dell can expand its presence. Evaluate market potential, regulatory factors, and infrastructure availability before entering a new geographical region.

9. Focus on sustainability: Emphasize sustainability initiatives to align with consumer demands and market trends. Incorporate environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing carbon footprint, using recyclable materials, and promoting responsible manufacturing.

10. Continuous monitoring and adaptation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and make adjustments based on market dynamics, customer feedback, and performance metrics.

Remember, these are general suggestions, and the actual strategies Dell selects should be based on a thorough analysis of their specific circumstances.