Michael Dell.(Brief Article)(Interview)

In 1984, Michael Dell dropped out of college and started a computer company. He was 19. His chances of succeeding may have seemed slim. But by breaking conventions and taking risks--both at home and increasingly, in overseas markets--Dell has continually defied expectations. Today, despite the IT crash, Dell Computer is one of the world's largest technology companies, with $33 billion in annual sales, and its founder is one of the world's richest men: Fortune.com has named Dell the wealthiest American under 40, with a net worth of $16.5 billion. He spoke recently with NEWSWEEK's Richard Ernsberger Jr. in New York. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: At 37, you're now the longest-tenured technology CEO in America. How does that make you feel?

DELL: It surprises me a bit. At most companies, by the time you get the CEO job you're 55 years old. You work a few more years and then you're done. You move to Florida.

What's your reaction to all the corporate scandals we've witnessed the last year or two, especially involving technology companies?

Surprise, disappointment and a bit of depression. It's very surprising to see the magnitude and depth of financial creativity, if I can call it that. I probably feel like most people feel--disgusted.

I hear you have an unusual way of selling PCs in China.

First, about 85 percent of our business is with businesses and institutions. But, yes, consumers in China don't have credit cards; they either have cash or debit cards. When a Chinese customer contacts us, we tell him how much the machine costs, give him an order number and tell him to go to the Bank of China. He goes to one of the bank branches, gives it his money and the order number, and within a couple of hours the money is transferred to us and we ship the computer. We also have a payment on delivery system with debit cards. They work very well.