Dell Vostro Laptop PCs (click for larger image)

Dell on Wednesday introduced two notebooks and desktops for emerging markets, which have been major contributors to Dell's rebound in sales.

The latest Vostro brand computers are tailored for small businesses, governments, and educational institutions in countries where low-cost, basic computers are strong sellers. Dell is offering the new PCs in 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

"Within the world's emerging economies, millions of new businesses are demanding just the technology they need, at the prices they can afford," Steve Felice, president of Dell Asia-Pacific/Japan operations, said in a statement.

The two notebooks include a 15.6-inch and a 14.1-inch model. The systems have a wide-screen, anti-glare LCD screen and the choice of a variety of Intel processors from the Celeron to the Core 2 Duo. The systems also have integrated network, modem, and wireless connectivity with optional Bluetooth capabilities. Buyers have a choice of Ubuntu Linux or Microsoft Windows Vista as operating systems.

Pricing for the Vostro A860 notebook and the smaller A840 start at $475.

On the desktop side, Dell is offering the Vostro A180. The business machine comes with either Intel Celeron or Pentium dual-core processors. In addition, buyers can choose either Ubuntu Linux or Vista.

For organizations looking for an entry-level computer, Dell introduced the A100, which is designed for basic business work. The system comes standard with an Intel Atom processor and Ubuntu Linux.

Pricing for the Vostro desktops start at $440.

Dell's release of PCs built specifically for emerging markets makes sense given their importance in Dell's most recent earnings report. Revenue outside the United States in the fiscal first quarter surpassed U.S. revenue for the first time at Dell. Brazil, Russia, India, and China, markets known collectively as BRIC, led Dell's overseas sales with a combined growth of 73% year over year in shipments and 58% in revenue. The countries accounted for nearly 9% of Dell's total revenue.

Overall revenue in the quarter rose 9% over the same period a year ago, to $16 billion. Net income increased 4% to $784 million.