Radio Rentals, the company which loans appliances and consumer electronics devices such as TVs, washing machines and PCs, to hard-up customers is ramping up its offering with the addition of products from computer-giant Dell.

The deal follows yesterday’s announcement of strong financial results for the six months to 30 September 2007, which was largely due to positive sales of PCs and flat-screen TVs.

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Radio Rentals customers will now be able to borrow Dell computers and accessories.

The increased sales are the result of increased 36-month ‘Rent Try Buy’ contracts which accounted for 36 per cent of the company’s total installation rental income compared with 19 per cent for the same period in 2006.

According to the company’s financial report, its customer base rose 4 per cent in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Radio Rentals is now expanding its PC offering to answer rising consumer demand for the units, it turn a result of increased PC penetration in Australian homes.

Dell, well-known for its online sales business which allows consumers to design a computer to suit their needs complete with software packages and peripherals for discounted prices, has been added to Radio Rental’s product portfolio.

“Dell is the world’s largest computer systems company and their high quality customer service and support of the rental customer base was a major factor in the decision to add them to the range,” said Radio Rentals managing director, John Hughes.

The Dell deal along with the increased Rent Try Buy contracts follow the re-installation of Hughes last year who then took the company public.

Radio Rentals also announced it will begin trialling a new business decision to offer short-term cash loans to hard-up customers for pressing medical and insurance needs.