Dell says so long to kiosks

Dell said Wednesday that it will close its 140 kiosks to focus on its direct sales and retail channel efforts.

The PC maker launched the kiosks in 2002 as a way for customers to play with Dell's gear before placing an order. Given that Dell products are sprinkled throughout retailers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy these kiosks have become passe.

In a blog post, Dell noted that the kiosks are being shut down "to focus on phone sales, direct orders on Dell.com and selling products through retail outlets." Dell touted its retail strategy and maintained that it was commited to its direct business--the way most customers continue to buy. Dell added it will maintain its kiosks abroad.

Dell has never broken out sales from its kiosks, but I've never noticed one with lines around the block. I doubt that these kiosks will be missed all that much in your neighborhood mall.