We do not believe this deal signals that Dell ( DELL ) is going to become more acquisitive, but it does suggest the company is beginning to take some decisive steps to repair its recently volatile consumer business.

I believe they're sending signals of wanting to engage, ... Now there's a reprieve.

Dell is firing on all cylinders.

Although we had anticipated tepid guidance, the company was far more conservative than we anticipated. The company projected April quarter revenue in the range of $14.2 billion to $14.6 billion, with earnings of 39 cents to 41 cents per share. This was below our previous revenue and earnings estimates of $14.6 billion and 41 cents per share.

The key source of our concerns was flat short-term signings in the first three quarters of 2005. And in the fourth quarter, short-term signing actually declined 4%.

We believe standardization has helped both Dell and our customers,