Mobile Computing

Officially introduced at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Dell’s upcoming tablet PC adds yet another option to what is fast becoming a booming market.

The name game

Dell remained noncommittal about the device’s name, referring to it only as a ‘tablet concept’– though names like ‘Mini 5’ and ‘Streak’ have surfaced a lot online.

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Specs

Details about the device remain scarce, but the company did confirm that the device will feature a 5-inch, 800×400 WVGA  touchscreen, and a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, as well as utilising Google’s latest Android 2.0 mobile operating system.

Mobile Internet device?

Though introduced as a tablet PC, the size of the device – larger than a mobile phone but smaller than an iPad, for instance – places it comfortably in the category of mobile Internet device (MID). During CES, journalists were allowed brief hands-on sessions to interact with the device’s thin form factor; while larger than today’s mobile phones, it seems to fit comfortably in-hand.

Just rumours?

While there has been much buzz about the device online, consumers will have to be patient to see if rumoured features (3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, memory card support) actually make it onto the final product. As with other MIDs, the device will undoubtedly be optimized for web searches, browsing, and multimedia content. Dell indicated that, along with other devices planned for release this year, the Streak will be equipped with Intel’s powerful new i3, i5, and i7 processors.

Competition

Due to its size, it’s hard to tell whether or not the device will compete directly with other tablets like the Apple iPad, but Dell’s Vice-President of Mobile Devices, John Thode, strongly indicated that ‘[Apple] is going to have more competition,’ most likely with the release of a family of Streak devices in larger sizes at later stages.

A UK release date has not yet been set, but the device is expected in stores later this year.

By Dean • Mar 5th, 2010 •

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