Would you buy a computer from this man?

Direct PC seller Dell is looking into the retail sales model, a move that may spell the end of the great “direct-only” PC sales technique.

Facing slow growth and attacks on all sides by bargain basement vendors as well as higher-end brands that have already taken readily to showing up in Best Buy and Circuit City, Michael Dell is considering “third-party” distribution, which means you’ll be able to fondle your Dell before you buy it.

“The Direct Model has been a revolution, but is not a religion,” Dell stated in the memo. “We will continue to improve our business model, and go beyond it, to give our customers what they need.”

Perhaps Dell should be thinking about what Dell needs and what Dell needs is a huge shot in the arm with non-direct sales.

Dell looks beyond direct model [InfoWorld]