Dell Streak, Smartphones Show PC Companys New Mobile Direction

by Scott Ferguson

The Dell Streak is a mobile Internet device with a 5-inch screen that runs a customized version of Google Android 1.6. It’s currently available in the U.K. on the O2 wireless network, but the Streak should land in the states this summer and sell for about $500.

Dell designed the Streak for three specific tasks. The design allows the Streak to work as a phone. Second, the Streak, unlike other tablets, fits into a user’s pocket. Third, it allows the user to access the Web.

The Streak is very thin, measuring 10-mm thick, which Dell claims is thinner than any other mobile device that is available on the market right now. Again, Dell kept the Streak thin and sleek to fit into pockets.

The Streak is set up as an entertainment device. And Dell is looking to add Flash to the Streak. When Android 2.2 launches later this year, it will support Adobe Flash 10.1, at which point Dell plans to upgrade.

Here’s an example of where Dell is willing to take the Streak. The device is plugged into a dock and connected to a screen to create a different type of home entertainment system.

A new version of Dell’s smartphone running Google’s Android OS, the Mini 3Ti is slated for the Chinese market, specifically for China Mobile. Dell has been releasing smartphones in emerging markets, since there are bigger opportunities for the company there and many more potential users than in the United States.

This is Dell’s original Android smartphone for the Chinese market. Right now, these types of Dell smartphones are not offered in the United States, but that could change in the coming months.

This is another Android-based Dell smartphone, but the 3ix is slated for Brazil.