Dell working on pocket-sized Internet gadget
Dell, which has long been searching for an answer to Apple's iPhone and iPod touch handhelds, is reportedly in the intermediate development stages of a new pocket-sized gadget that will let users access the Internet on the go.
The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday cited two people familiar with the matter as saying the device will run Google's open Android software and possibly employ ARM-based microchips similar to those currently found in Apple's multi-touch handhelds.
Dell reportedly began developing the gadget last year with the help of engineers that were once tasked with conceiving a direct rival to the iPod. That project was aborted, and the Journal noted that there's no certainty that the electronics maker's latest efforts to develop a mobile internet device (MID) won't be similarly "delayed or scrapped entirely."
Still, Dell is said to be exploring the idea of marketing its embryonic MID with the help of wireless carriers who would presumably supply the device with 3G or other connectivity. Those carriers would likely subsidize the cost of the gadget alongside lengthy service agreements.
People familiar with the project told the Journal that Dell would ideally begin selling its new MID, which is slightly larger than an iPod touch, later this year alongside a series of mobile handsets that will also run Android software.
The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday cited two people familiar with the matter as saying the device will run Google's open Android software and possibly employ ARM-based microchips similar to those currently found in Apple's multi-touch handhelds.
Dell reportedly began developing the gadget last year with the help of engineers that were once tasked with conceiving a direct rival to the iPod. That project was aborted, and the Journal noted that there's no certainty that the electronics maker's latest efforts to develop a mobile internet device (MID) won't be similarly "delayed or scrapped entirely."
Still, Dell is said to be exploring the idea of marketing its embryonic MID with the help of wireless carriers who would presumably supply the device with 3G or other connectivity. Those carriers would likely subsidize the cost of the gadget alongside lengthy service agreements.
People familiar with the project told the Journal that Dell would ideally begin selling its new MID, which is slightly larger than an iPod touch, later this year alongside a series of mobile handsets that will also run Android software.
Comments
Possible...not likely...
Still, they have decent netbooks so it's not beyond the possibility that they can succeed in a portable computing device.
Using Android is about the only possible success vector for Dell.
Possible...not likely...
Still, they have decent netbooks so it's not beyond the possibility that they can succeed in a portable computing device.
More lengthy contracts? No thanks.
If they can strike a deal for pay as you go or cheap 3G internet access then the little "MID" of theirs would sell. That's providing the device is decent enough.
It's like the race to the moon. Who will get there first- Apple or Dell?
Pocket-sized. So, Apple. 2 years ago.
It's a much better move for Dell to try the pocketable computer business than the music player business or the phone business. Hopefully they use the design teams that have been turning out their Studio products. You know, the ones who are at least trying.
Pocket-sized. So, Apple. 2 years ago.
It's a much better move for Dell to try the pocketable computer business than the music player business or the phone business. Hopefully they use the design teams that have been turning out their Studio products. You know, the ones who are at least trying.
But what about 7 - 11" size- Netbook sized?
That's right. Add another one to the pile, Mikey.
It's like the race to the moon. Who will get there first- Apple or Dell?
Get first to where?
Wonder how much coal it burns.
MID. That's really catchy. I hope it's brown. I love brown.
Wonder how much coal it burns.
Get a white iPhone and give it a week.
Get a white Phone and give it a week.
I haven't checked this, but do they have the 3GS in white?
As to Dell hardware isn't the problem, state of the art software is. In that regards I don't think Android will cut the mustard.
Dave
Dell's business model needs to change to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Perhaps this is one step on the way to doing this.
Dell's entire attitude/priorities about design, software, engineering . . . pretty much everything across the board, has to change. And it all starts with what is going through everyone's head at design/engineering roundtable discussions. So far, it seems to have been a lot of tumbleweed and wind whistling through empty spaces.
Dell is so far behind Apple even in terms of sheer ability to conceptualize "new" and "compelling" that it isn't even funny. Dell is a follower. And they're about to slide below Acer, to boot.
Dell working on pocket-sized Internet gadget
Going to run Google's software too, and the CEO of Google is on Apple's board.
"Hey Eric, when are you going to release Android 2.0?"
"When do you want me to release it?"
Stupid Dell.
Dell's entire attitude/priorities about design, software, engineering . . . pretty much everything across the board, has to change. And it all starts with what is going through everyone's head at design/engineering roundtable discussions. So far, it seems to have been a lot of tumbleweed and wind whistling through empty spaces.
Dell is so far behind Apple even in terms of sheer ability to conceptualize "new" and "compelling" that it isn't even funny. Dell is a follower. And they're about to slide below Acer, to boot.
If Dell is a follower then why do iMacs nowadays look like Dells?
Going to run Google's software too, and the CEO of Google is on Apple's board.
"Hey Ed, when are you going to release Android 2.0?"
"When do you want me to release it?"
Stupid Dell.
isnt his name Eric?
If Dell is a follower then why do iMacs nowadays look like Dells?
How do iMacs look like Dells?
And I'd imagine it would be the other way round.