I wouldn't say this is intentional.
I think they have estimates (and of course we think that things that are DELL branded would have the best estimates) but these are based on trends, inventory, manufacture time, promotions, etc.

For dell products like computers, their timing seems to be spot on. For PDA's that are coming from other sources, I think it can slip.

And it OFTEN slips when there is a perfect storm deal, like 25-35% off and then come $$ off 100's coupons that make the purchase and purchase PRICE a no brainer.

All the accessories products, canon cameras, routers, etc. that are coming from third parties, where I have gotten simply CRAZY deals, I expect them to take time. Even though one day on order the canon 20D digital SLR says, ships in 24 hours, then the next day there is a CRAZY deal it is costs 1080$ instead of 1500$, I get in on the deal and expect it to take a WHILE to arrive. Dell just gets totally overloaded with orders and responsibility to fullfill.

Add to that that the system is in NO way perfect. We think, that there is some perfect connection between the orders system, the warehouse or fullfillment center and/or manufacturing, but there just isn't.

As noted by many, and I am no exception to this, the dell status site will show DELAYED, or IN PROCESS or something other and yet, I HAVE THE ITEM IN MY HANDS!

If the delay gets really bad, give them an email and they will email you a 35 or 100$ off coupon for your next order. these are GREAT items to get, for no effort other than waiting.

For mission critical items, or a camera I would have to have for a holiday or trip, I would place my dell order, but have a backup somewhere.

the dell DEALS are great, but to get the deal one has to sometimes wait.