Dell is the No. 2 personal computer maker. The vast majority of PCs it sells are desktop computers but notebooks are growing in popularity.

Dell, which introduced a desktop computer for gamers, said that its first notebook computer specifically designed for gamers runs on a Pentium 4 or Pentium 4 Extreme microprocessor from Intel and has a top graphics card from ATI Technologies Inc.

Users can also buy an upgrade to the graphics card, which will Dell will install when it is released.

The body of the notebook, called the Inspiron XPS, will differ from the standard Dell models. The back of the 15-inch-plus monitor will come in three different bold designs including one featuring a black-and-white skull-and-bones.

Dell runs its operations at low cost and uses its supply and distribution system, in which it sells its PCs directly to customers, to undercut competition. When it enters new markets, it often cuts prices and pressures the traditional players