Seattle—Although the PC market is in a slump–and just one day after computer manufacturer/marketer Gateway announced it would lay off a quarter of its worldwide workforce, or 4,700 employees—online retailer Amazon.com announced the launch of its online computer store.
The site sells new and refurbished computers from a variety of manufacturers, including Apple, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM. The site targets a wide audience, including small-business owners, families, students, and gamers. Wholesaler Ingram Micro will handle the fulfillment of new computers. Refurbished computers will be sold by third-party sellers such as Essex Technology Group, Overstock.com, and Techsmart.