With the consumerization of IT in the enterprise, Dell is focusing more on mobile devices that can be used for both work and home. Its consumer business has taken a back seat as the company builds up its portfolio for the higher-margin enterprise and services businesses. Dell is also moving to higher-margin consumer products by and putting more emphasis on its premium XPS line of PCs.

It's ready to push the reset button on its tablet and smartphone business after many missteps, said Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates.

Dell wasn't putting much force behind its mobility business and was sending mixed messages around products and operating systems, Gold said.

"If you're not a Motorola, RIM or Apple, people won't take you seriously," Gold said.

Dell could focus on Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 OS for tablets and might be better off reselling third-party smartphones, Gold said. That could save development costs and give Dell more flexibility with its offerings.