In Faulty-Computer Suit, Window to Dell Decline

The New York Times reports:

After the math department at the University of Texas noticed some of its Dell computers failing, Dell examined the machines. The company came up with a unusual reason for the computers’ demise: the school had overtaxed the machines by making them perform difficult math calculations.

Dell, however, had actually sent the university, in Austin, desktop PCs riddled with faulty electrical components that were leaking chemicals and causing the malfunctions. Dell sold millions of these computers from 2003 to 2005 to major companies like Wal-Mart and Wells Fargo, institutions like the Mayo Clinic and small businesses.