New Dell lineup will appeal to consumers looking for powerful, AI-enabled devices: Atul Mehta, Dell Technologies

Hello Atul, can you throw some light on how consumers are reacting to the new branding of laptop lineups from Dell that is replacing some popular series like Latitude, XPS, and Inspiron?

The redesigned Dell lineup replaces familiar names like Inspiron, XPS, and Latitude with a clearer, more intuitive structure: Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max. This is designed to simplify the buying journey by aligning with how users think about their needs: from everyday tasks to professional-grade productivity and premium performance. While the names have evolved, customers recognize that the trusted Dell experience remains unchanged.

The new lineup, which includes the latest Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon processors, appeals to those looking for powerful, AI-enabled devices. 

 

Are consumers coming into your stores and asking for AI PCs these days?

AI is no longer a distant concept or just a buzzword; it’s become a key purchase driver. Customers are looking for devices that offer real, tangible benefits, whether it’s faster performance, better battery life, or more intuitive user experiences, and AI PCs deliver on that promise. At Dell, we’ve anticipated this shift. Interestingly, there are 1.5 billion PCs in use today, and none of them have neural processing units (NPUs), a key enabler for on-device AI. That’s a massive opportunity for consumers to upgrade and future-proof their computing experience. So yes, customers are not just exploring AI PCs, they're realizing the cost of waiting is high, and they will eventually be ready to make the switch.

What has been the biggest shift among buyers that you have noticed in the last two to three years in the Indian market?

We've noticed a huge shift in Indian customers' expectations of technology, from performance-centric to intelligence-centric computing. This trend has been fuelled in large part by the increasing adoption of AI across industries, as well as a rising understanding of what AI can offer in general. The favourable reception of AI PCs in 2024 is a clear manifestation of this trend. These systems, which include an NPU alongside the standard CPU and GPU, constitute a significant shift in computer architecture. They enable intelligent workload management by choosing the most efficient engine (CPU, GPU, or NPU) for a given task, which dramatically enhances the user experience. Utilizing these capabilities and a growing recognition of the opportunity cost of holding on to older technology has led to a desire for PCs that can seamlessly integrate into as well as automate performance and workflows. In essence, buyers are now prioritizing future-readiness in their purchase decisions. This is a pivotal moment, and having the right foundation today is essential to fully leverage the intelligent experiences that will define the next phase of computing.

Lastly, can you tell how the newly launched Dell Plus will be positioned compared to your other existing offerings?

The new Dell Plus offers a step up in performance, security, and AI-readiness compared to our existing offerings. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors with integrated Intel Arc Graphics, Dell Plus is purpose-built for users who demand more, whether it’s for multitasking, content creation, or AI-enhanced productivity.

What truly sets Dell Plus apart is its ability to harness up to 48 TOPS of performance across CPU, GPU, and NPU, enabling seamless execution of demanding workloads like video editing, virtual collaboration, and next-gen AI tools such as 'Recall' and 'Cocreator'. 

These laptops are optimized for over 300 AI features across 100+ ISVs, covering everything from content creation and productivity to gaming and security. Alongside performance, Dell Plus also brings enterprise-grade security with features like an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM), delivering an added layer of protection without compromising on usability. Positioned to meet the needs of today’s fast-evolving AI landscape, Dell Plus offers a comprehensive solution for consumers who want power, intelligence, and ease of usage, all in one device.