Dell launches Android, Windows 8 tablets; priced between Rs 10,999 and Rs 26,499

New Delhi: Four months after going private, PC maker Dell announced its first major launch with the introduction of 'Venue' line up of Android and Windows-based devices in India, one of its top 10 markets globally.

In September last year, founder of the US-based computer maker Michael Dell had announced the decision to make the firm private as it focussed on changing technology trends and emphasis on mobility and virtualisation.

The company, which is trying to make inroads in the Indian tablet market, will also add 40 exclusive Dell stores by February-end to expand its retail presence in the country.

"India is one of our top 10 markets and it was important that we bring our latest offering here. With our versatile range of tablets, we want to be a leading player in this market, which is witnessing strong growth," Dell India Executive Director and GM (Consumer and Small Business) P Krishnakumar told PTI.

According to CMR data, tablets sales in India grew nine per cent to 12.04 lakh in the July-September 2013 quarter compared to 11 lakh units in the same period last year.

Available from today, the Android-based Dell Venue 7 and 8 tablets are priced at Rs 10,999 and Rs 17,499, respectively. Dell will sell the Windows 8-based Venue 8 Pro at Rs 26,499 from next month.

Though the Venue 11 Pro will also be available next month, pricing details were not disclosed.

"Currently, we are launching the WiFi version of these devices, but in the next few weeks, by February-end, we will introduce the 3G version of these devices as well," Krishnakumar said.

Talking about the retail expansion, he said the company will add 40 new exclusive stores across the country.

"Currently, we have 160 exclusive stores. We have aggressively expanded our retail presence in the last few months and by February-end, we should have 200 stores," he said.

Krishnakumar added that these stores, set up through franchise route, will come up across tier II and III cities, including Vijaywada, Jaipur, Udaipur and Jabalpur.

Dell India President and MD Alok Ohrie said the company's new range is aimed at both enterprise users and consumers.

"The Venue family completes our end-to-end device range, complementing our range of laptops, desktops, ultrabooks, all-in-ones and workstations," he said.