Dell sets up shop in Second Life

PC giant becomes latest firm to open a store in the virtual world.

Second Life, the much talked about virtual 3D world, has become one of the fastest-growing online communities.

A virtual population of almost 1.4 million inhabitants has attracted the attention of big name brands in the real world, the latest of which is computer manufacturer Dell.

Ro Parra, senior vice president for Dell's Home and Small Business division, hosted a virtual press conference earlier this week along with Phillip Rosedale, founder and chief executive of Second Life creator Linden Lab, to kick off Dell's presence in the virtual universe.

Not a company to do things by halves, Dell has acquired its own landmass, Dell Island, which consists of a welcome area, a Dell factory, a conference facility and a museum.

Dell intends to use the facility to pitch real and virtual products to residents of Second Life.

"Residents will have lots of ways to interact with Dell. In the factory, for example, residents can see 3D interactive views of products, build their own systems, and even order real systems from Dell.com," the company said.

"Initially, we will offer Second Life residents the option to order an XPS M1710 notebook, and the XPS 710 gaming desktop will be available for order soon. This is only the starting point."

The vendor has has set up a Dell Second Life webpage with more information about its virtual activities.

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