Dell Computers specialises in selling made to order PCs direct to the consumer

It reported net first-quarter profits of $731m (�414.7m, 618.6m euros) compared to $598m a year earlier.

Dell said the best growth came from the Asia-Pacific region where revenue rose 38% over a year.

Sales of notebook computers rose fastest at 39% and desktop computers remained its biggest money spinner bringing in over half its revenues.

The results were released after the closing bell on Wall Street but Dell's share price lost over $1.00 to $34.70 in after-hours trading.

Leader

Founder Michael Dell stepped aside as chief executive in March this year, although he remains the company's chairman.

However, Mr Dell has remained "deeply involved" in the company's day-to-day business.

Mr Dell founded the firm 20 years ago when he was a student.