Dell to launch plasma TVs and will open more kiosks

Dell said it would expand its offering of large screen LCD-based televisions, which it began selling last year, in addition to offering even larger plasma-based models in time for the holidays.

Dell, based in Round Rock, Texas, also said it would increase by one-third the number of Dell kiosks, typically located in shopping malls or shopping centers, to allow consumers to try out its products before they buy them.

During a conference call, Michael Farello, vice president of marketing for Dell's consumer business, said the company will open its first kiosks, called Dell Direct Stores, in California in July.

Dell plans to increase the number of kiosks by about 20 stores, to 85 stores in 11 states by the end of this year, Farello said.

Dell is best known for selling computers directly to customers over the Internet and telephone, enabling it to cut out the middleman, keep prices low and undercut rivals.

The company began using small kiosks - about 10 feet by 10 feet - a few years ago in certain spots as it moved beyond selling personal computers to add other electronics such as hand-held computers, digital music players, and computer printers.

The company said it plans to introduce new models of computer printers later this year as well. That market is dominated by Hewlett-Packard Co. HPQ.N , Dell's closest rival in the PC market.