Dell Developing Android-Based Mobile Internet Device?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/30/dell-developing-android-based-mobile-internet-device/)

The Wall Street Journal reports (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124630305634469553.html) that Dell has been developing a Mobile Internet Device (MID) based on Google's Android operating system. The device is reportedly slightly larger than Apple's iPod touch, with which Dell's offering would presumably compete in many respects should it eventually be released.Another person who was briefed on the company's plans said Dell may begin selling the device later this year, though this person said the plan could be delayed or scrapped entirely.

The development effort is one of the first experiments by a big-name PC maker in a nascent category of products known as mobile Internet devices, or MIDs,which are designed to fill a perceived gap between mobile phones and laptop computers.Dell is expected to use ARM processors for the new device, the same platform that powers the iPhone and iPod touch. Back in 2003, Dell introduced (http://www.macrumors.com/2003/09/25/dell-dj-digital-jukebox-and-dell-music-store/) its "Dell DJ" music players to compete with the iPod, but the line was discontinued by the end of 2006.

Article Link: Dell Developing Android-Based Mobile Internet Device? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/30/dell-developing-android-based-mobile-internet-device/)

[twoodcc]

well i hope that they try to make a device to compete with the ipod touch. hopefully it'll force apple to make a bigger one

[Goona]

Probably going to be discontinued in about a year or two, they should stick to making commodity computers.

[ddTaylor]

I hope they release this as maybe it will get Apple off their collective rear-ends and make something like a tablet and netbook - but this Apple we are talking about, right?

I think the idea of a MID is fine and something I would consider if the screen were larger than that of the iTouch or iPhone. While I own both a 2nd generation iTouch and 3G iPhone I find the screen and small virtual keyboard all but useless for anything but short messages and only time-killing internet browsing. Is it better than anything else in the portable and mini market? YOU BET! Could it be better with a 5" or 6" screen and larger virtual hepatic feedback keys? Absolutely.

D

[liven2]

To little to late! -- This will be a yawner of a device. By the time this thing comes out Apple will be finishing up the next round of software and hardware updates for the iPhone. I am not sure how they will compete but I guess time will tell.:)

[Goona]

I hope they release this as maybe it will get Apple off their collective rear-ends and make something like a tablet and netwbook - but this Apple we are talking about, right?

D

Yeah they sure forced Apple to really compete with their past offerings like the Dell DJ.

[martint84]

Like a lot of others have been saying, this is a good thing. The more competition, the better. It keeps Apple at the top of their game.

[BongoBanger]

Like a lot of others have been saying, this is a good thing. The more competition, the better. It keeps Apple at the top of their game.


I agree. Everyone needs to be kept on their toes including Apple.

[nick004]

This site really has just become an iPhone glory hole... Page 2, if at all.

[ajbrehm]

Probably going to be discontinued in about a year or two, they should stick to making commodity computers.

Given how Google have positioned Android that pretty much is a commodity computer. Dell (and Google) are trying to save the old business model. I assume they will have some success.

If Dell build this, I will buy it. Why not?

I would buy a Palm Pre if it were available in Ireland without contract (my main phone is an iPhone). I like anything that can be connected via USB.

While we are at it: Can anybody recommend a cool Windows Mobile device? Something geeky and useless that looks good and has all the new features?

[co.ag.2005]

Dell MID = fail? probably, but I welcome any and all forms of competition to help keep the iPhone being its very best.

[Consultant]

FAIL, they can't even produce a decent music player.

I hope they release this as maybe it will get Apple off their collective rear-ends and make something like a tablet and netbook

NPD: Netbook buyers confused, unhappy
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/06/23/netbook.buyers.unhappy/



This site really has just become an iPhone glory hole... Page 2, if at all.

Pics or it never happened. =p

[steviem]

That was down to the Firmware.

Android is a hell of a lot better than those DJ thingies were.

[corinhorn]

Like a lot of others have been saying, this is a good thing. The more competition, the better. It keeps Apple at the top of their game.Not really. It usually only re-enforces the evidence that Apple innovates, and everything else is a cheap knock-off. In order to force Apple to competitively change their products, a competing product has to come close to matching Apple's current product. Dell's history has proved it incapable of producing products that actually compete with Apple.

Who knows though.

[Sky Blue]

Dell Ditty Touch!

[Stately]

Seems like so many companies nowadays, follow the bandwagon. What happened to innovation? Many people call people who purchase Apple products fanboys as though it is a negative thing. The reason we remain firm and loyal is because Apple innovates. Even if Apple puts out a product similar to another one, there are always changes that enhance the arena the device plays in. Apple is a smart company, they observe and learn what is needed and why and then make the product come to life and on top of that take time to make it aesthetically pleasing. I think of Dell and then think of an MID, my automatic reaction is honestly oh boy.. Maybe they can do it but are they trying to change the game or just stay in it? I guess it's similar to life, will you contribute to the well-being of others or just live and get by. ;) God bless people!

[mobi]

Slightly larger than an iPod Touch? Sounds clunky!

[macJC50640]

Dell DJ? Its pretty bad when you don't even know a product existed...I remember seeing like 2 of those things.

Android platform, in my opinion, is still developing and the interface is incredibly inconsistent. iPhone OS is way ahead of Android in terms of everything, obviously. But, of course, Dell can't use the iPhone OS so maybe Android will evolve and turn out as a good choice for Dell and force Apple to make a similar product.

[mags631]

Like a lot of others have been saying, this is a good thing. The more competition, the better. It keeps Apple at the top of their game.

(Additional generic competition comment here.)

[krye]

When will these companies learn that they are a day late and a dollar short of completing with any iPhone/iPod product. Give it up.

[macJC50640]

Slightly larger than an iPod Touch? Sounds clunky!

Yes I do agree, how many people want a device that big (and its Dell so its going to be thick too) that can hardly even fit in their pockets? The iPhone/iPod Touch device size is a nice size...however I don't think you can get much bigger without getting "clunky".

[jb1280]

When will these companies learn that they are a day late and a dollar short of completing with any iPhone/iPod product. Give it up.

what a sad state the world would be if this was applied to everything.

This product may not stand up well against Apple's platform, but it might very well find it's own niche in the larger spectrum - say in a similar way Apple has done with mobile games. We'll see.

[*LTD*]

LOL.

That's right. Add another one to the pile, Mikey.

[Goona]

Not really. It usually only re-enforces the evidence that Apple innovates, and everything else is a cheap knock-off. In order to force Apple to competitively change their products, a competing product has to come close to matching Apple's current product. Dell's history has proved it incapable of producing products that actually compete with Apple.

Who knows though.
They did build the Adamo to compete with the Macbook Air, did that force Apple to compete?

[*LTD*]

Seems like so many companies nowadays, follow the bandwagon. What happened to innovation? Many people call people who purchase Apple products fanboys as though it is a negative thing. The reason we remain firm and loyal is because Apple innovates. Even if Apple puts out a product similar to another one, there are always changes that enhance the arena the device plays in. Apple is a smart company, they observe and learn what is needed and why and then make the product come to life and on top of that take time to make it aesthetically pleasing. I think of Dell and then think of an MID, my automatic reaction is honestly oh boy.. Maybe they can do it but are they trying to change the game or just stay in it? I guess it's similar to life, will you contribute to the well-being of others or just live and get by. ;) God bless people!

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.

[Eidorian]

They did build the Adamo to compete with the Macbook Air, did that force Apple to compete?Given the price slashing it doesn't seem the Air was all that popular to begin with.

Last chance like the Cube?

[FSMBP]

Yeah - I'm all for competition but nothing will be on Apple's level. I used to HATE Apple's products but nothing ever came close to compare.

No Dell touchscreen will ever have half the great software or hardware design. I wish someone would come along and push Apple off the top, but realistically - Apple's formula (great software/hardware integration) will not be beaten soon.

[Goona]

Given the price slashing it doesn't seem the Air was all that popular to begin with.

Last chance like the Cube?

They also slashed the price of all their laptops, I guess those weren't that popular either.

If the Air is not popular, I wonder how well the Adamo is selling, have you seen the prices on the.

[Eidorian]

They also slashed the price of all their computers, I guess those weren't that popular either.

If the Air is not popular, I wonder how well the Adamo is selling, have you seen the prices on the.$100 here or there is standard fare for Apple. Make previous BTO features standard and slide some processors down as they become cheaper to provide such an illusion.

[neuromajor]

The development effort is one of the first experiments by a big-name PC maker in a nascent category of products known as mobile Internet devices, or MIDs,which are designed to fill a perceived gap between mobile phones and laptop computers.


Uh... How about the Dell axim? Does it qualify as a MID with VGA screen, dedicated graphics chip, WiFi, and bluetooth?... Oh wait, that's right, you had to use a stylus and not your finger, and it ran Windows Mobile, which is definitely not MID material... :D

[TK2K]

dell is a strange company, they seem to be fantastic at nothing but above average at most things, their computers are fine, their PDAs were fine, and i assume if they make a phone it'll be nothing special but better than average

[QCassidy352]

I hope they release this as maybe it will get Apple off their collective rear-ends and make something like a tablet and netbook - but this Apple we are talking about, right?

Why do people keep thinking apple's strategy is dictated by what everyone else does? Apple does what they think is best, and others adapt to them - not the other way around.

Just look at the much clamored for "headless imac" - half of MR thinks apple is stupid for leaving this "hole in their product line up" and letting other computer makers take all that potential business. Maybe that's right and maybe it's not (IMO, $29b in the bank says apple execs knows more about engineering/marketing/sales than the average MR poster, but what do I know), but the fact that dell offers headless towers hasn't, and won't, force apple to do the same. Likewise, this product will not push apple in to doing anything they weren't going to do anyway.

That aside, this will flop. Dell should stick to what they're good at - selling fairly high-quality generic computers at good prices. That's a profitable strategy, and they execute it fairly well. But let's not pretend they know how to innovate.

[-wiseguy-]

yea i agree, more competition = better finished products for consumers!

[TK2K]

yea i agree, more competition = better finished products for consumers!

sometimes, not always. There's tons of ipod competitors that have features BETTER than the ipod, but apple feels no presure to include them. I feel like this is going to happen as well, the Pre is already showing some problems..

[Goona]

Why do people keep thinking apple's strategy is dictated by what everyone else does? Apple does what they think is best, and others adapt to them - not the other way around.

Just look at the much clamored for "headless imac" - half of MR thinks apple is stupid for leaving this "hole in their product line up" and letting other computer makers take all that potential business. Maybe that's right and maybe it's not (IMO, $29b in the bank says apple execs knows more about engineering/marketing/sales than the average MR poster, but what do I know), but the fact that dell offers headless towers hasn't, and won't, force apple to do the same. Likewise, this product will not push apple in to doing anything they weren't going to do anyway.

That aside, this will flop. Dell should stick to what they're good at - selling fairly high-quality generic computers at good prices. That's a profitable strategy, and they execute it fairly well. But let's not pretend they know how to innovate.

Exactly, people make it seem like Apple sit around their offices and do nothing all day but wait for the competition to bring new products to market before they get to working.

[neiltc13]

The way most of you are talking you'd think that Apple invented touch screen media players. :rolleyes:

[mags631]

The way most of you are talking you'd think that Apple invented touch screen media players. :rolleyes:

They invented a very good one. I don't know if "first" is the issue here.

[*LTD*]

The way most of you are talking you'd think that Apple invented touch screen media players. :rolleyes:

Hell, with what they've rolled out over the last few years, they might as well have.

I hope they release this as maybe it will get Apple off their collective rear-ends and make something like a tablet and netbook - but this Apple we are talking about, right?



Sure, why not call them and complain - tell them they have it all wrong . . . and they'll make one JUST FOR YOU.

[sam10685]

Lol! Nice work... :rolleyes:

[xIGmanIx]

I don't think another device using a different mobile operating system is a bad thing. I would be interested to know if they had also considered WebOS. I had a Dell DJ a while ago and I really liked it. You could create playlists directly on the player similar to creative lab's players and it was solid quality. It also introduced me to a great piece of software (Not included) that allowed me to bypass iTunes all together, which i preferred. I am not a big fan of it for music management and only recently came back by being forced to with my iPhone.

On a side note, i think its quite hilarious that Apple is marketing copy and paste in their new adds for the 3GS, a feature that should have been in the original OS two years ago. Not trying to turn this into another iPhone FTW thread, but I don't see whats wrong with another player out there trying to appeal to what the consumers want.

[speakerwizard]

well i hope that they try to make a device to compete with the ipod touch. hopefully it'll force apple to make a bigger one

do you have bigger pockets than the average person? this would be stoopid

[DougB541]

dell is a strange company, they seem to be fantastic at nothing but above average at most things, their computers are fine, their PDAs were fine, and i assume if they make a phone it'll be nothing special but better than average

That is the best explanation of Dell haha.

[DELLsFan]

Probably going to be discontinued in about a year or two, they should stick to making commodity computers.

I grudgingly agree with you here.

To little to late! -- This will be a yawner of a device. By the time this thing comes out Apple will be finishing up the next round of software and hardware updates for the iPhone. I am not sure how they will compete but I guess time will tell.:)

The AXIM experience was telling enough. That was another time, sure, but what a yawner!

This site really has just become an iPhone glory hole... Page 2, if at all.

LOL! :D

----

I think DELL is poised to offer competition with Apple and others, but still can't seem to find a marketing / promotional model that pleases customers and makes money. The netbook market is one example of a skewed strategy designed to make money off of low margin devices. To whit, instead of offering a Mini 10 that is fully user-customizable, they offer three versions of the 10 - skewed in price ranges with each version offering only so many options for customization for each. Add to this the restrictions Micro$oft places on DELL - and the result is no possibility of an upgrade of RAM for two of the 10s (RAM soldered right to the board); the other requiring a near complete disassembly of the netbook to access the RAM. :eek:

Whoever inked the deal with Redmond and is making the product customization policies at DELL is really stymying DELL's potential in the market, IMO. Distracting consumers with MID gadgets with which they can't even begin to compete (with Apple) is about as folly as it gets - in this economy. I wish DELL would do what they do best ... sell computers the way their consumers want them. It wouldn't hurt to bring back home some technical support work in the U.S. as well. They've lost so much in trust and reputation since they began outsourcing it in earnest. :(

Oh, and hey, DELL ...? If I want digital copies of movies, I can make them myself, mmkay? :rolleyes: You want to compete, then how about starting by letting us opt OUT of all of your bloatware and trial software on ALL of your products? Just a thought.

[macFanDave]

Following on the success of the Dell "iPod killer", the Dell DJ, they ought to keep that theme going for their handheld computer and call it the Dell HJ for Hand Job.

[*LTD*]

Following on the success of the Dell "iPod killer", the Dell DJ, they ought to keep that theme going for their handheld computer and call it the Dell HJ for Hand Job.

Thread now delivers.

:D

[Tenebrous]

Just what the world needs: another cheap junky phone made by the leaders in cheap and junky. Dell is like so many other companies. They wait for the innovator to take the risks and then they try to fight over scraps discarded by that innovator. I can't imagine what Dell could bring to the table except a low initial price tag.

[corinhorn]

I can't imagine what Dell could bring to the table except a low initial price tag.For some people, that is all that matters. Not to me though.

[andiwm2003]

Just what the world needs: another cheap junky phone made by the leaders in cheap and junky. Dell is like so many other companies. They wait for the innovator to take the risks and then they try to fight over scraps discarded by that innovator. I can't imagine what Dell could bring to the table except a low initial price tag.

hm, let me think....i bought my 8 year old nephew a $150 ipod nano. i guess when he's 10-12 he wants an internet browsing device. so if the ipod touch is 299 and the dell is larger and costs 150 bucks he'll get the dell. kids lose or break that stuff anyway. so price is for many people a factor and can lead to a huge market. digital cameras come to mind.

[Mitch1984]

Ha, can someone mock up an ugly black and grey hunk of a phone for our amusment?

[NinjaHERO]

Cool. I would love to have a slightly bigger iphone. I guess that would be the void filled by the rumored touchpad in January.

[str1f3]

It's funny that Dell is consistently trying to follow  when they are about to get passed by Asus to be the second largest computer manufacturer. Dell has been on a considerable slide since 2001.

[i.mac]

Given the price slashing it doesn't seem the Air was all that popular to begin with.

Last chance like the Cube?

The air is a transitional device for apple engineers to learn what can be done

[Eastny80]

are u serious

[firewood]

Does anyone think that Dell is doing much actual "developing"? Or, more likely, just slapping their logo on one of the many Android MID's being designed in Taiwan, et.al.?

[*LTD*]

Ha, can someone mock up an ugly black and grey hunk of a phone for our amusment?

Best one I could find.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7382/cellphoneoriginal.jpg


Does anyone think that Dell is doing much actual "developing"? Or, more likely, just slapping their logo on one of the many Android MID's being designed in Taiwan, et.al.?


Dell . . . develops??

[VoR]

I've still got an ancient dell x51v from like 5+ years ago, cost a little over £100 - no telephone, so you're not stuck with a 'subsidized' insane ripoff contract.

It's a nice little device with a 624mhz cpu and discrete powervr gpu that handles dvds/x264 fine on its 640x480 vga screen (or vga out on a big screen).
You can browse the internet (with flash) fine, play games, use tomtom/igo/navigon/etcetc, use word/excel and have access to tonnes of apps - google>>>>some limited app store imo.

There's a big rom cooking community that keep these older devices upto date and working brilliantly. The casing (or the 4.2" screen) isn't as nice as HP's old hx4700 with its magnesium, but it's still solid. SD card, CF card, usb host, bluetooth ad2p etcetcetc - not really sure why pdas never caught on - If you've owned and used a decent one, the recent smart/touch/iphone craze and hype all seems a little silly.

[ipoppy]

Incoming big failure again. Well done Dell :)

[HiRez]

I can't wait to see this pig. Should provide some good entertainment.

[HiRez]

I really don't understand all these people who hate iTunes so much. I can't imagine trying to manage music without it again. I mean really, how could they make it any easier? I haven't had to touch an actual music file in the Finder in years. The key is to make sure your metadata is complete and accurate. You can search & filter just about any way you want.

I mean, if you don't like iTunes, that's fine, you are perfectly within your rights to not use it and use something else, I just can't see what's so horrible about it. I do think they started adding too much to it with the App Store, device synching, video, etc., so it has become a little bloated but most of that stuff stays out of the way when it's not needed and it still works pretty well. One of the best pieces of software ever IMO.

[martint84]

Why do people keep thinking apple's strategy is dictated by what everyone else does? Apple does what they think is best, and others adapt to them - not the other way around.

Nobody's saying Apple isn't a forward thinking company. They are clearly the market leader for the "consumer pocket device." We're just saying that more competition will lead to lower prices, more aggressive marketing, and better features. I'm not interested in Apple's strategy or how much money they make. I just want a great product and competition helps that.

Apple responds to what customers ask for, even if it takes them a year (cut/copy/past, exchange, etc.). While I have no doubt that the PSPhone, zune HD, or Dell device will be minor competitors, there is certainly a possibility that one of these devices will have some new feature that we haven't even realized we're missing. If we want it, Apple will eventually give it to us. Competition is good, period.

[*LTD*]

I really don't understand all these people who hate iTunes so much. I can't imagine trying to manage music without it again. I mean really, how could they make it any easier? I haven't had to touch an actual music file in the Finder in years. The key is to make sure your metadata is complete and accurate. You can search & filter just about any way you want.

I mean, if you don't like iTunes, that's fine, you are perfectly within your rights to not use it and use something else, I just can't see what's so horrible about it. I do think they started adding too much to it with the App Store, device synching, video, etc., so it has become a little bloated but most of that stuff stays out of the way when it's not needed and it still works pretty well. One of the best pieces of software ever IMO.

Those complaints usually come from the same people who also own a Windows machine and parrot the "each has its advantages and disadvantages" line in an attempt to appear somehow "unbiased" or "balanced", despite the overwhelmingly unbalanced situation when comparing Apple products to also-rans. Fake fence-sitting.

iTunes is best-in-class software. It works. It's got great content, and if Windows users don't like it you won't see me shed a tear. Let em switch.

[BongoBanger]

Those complaints usually come from the same people who also own a Windows machine and parrot the "each has its advantages and disadvantages" line in an attempt to appear somehow "unbiased" or "balanced", despite the overwhelmingly unbalanced situation when comparing Apple products to also-rans. Fake fence-sitting.

iTunes is best-in-class software. It works. It's got great content, and if Windows users don't like it you won't see me shed a tear. Let em switch.

Actually whilst iTunes is great on a Mac it's clunky on a PC. You can make all the excuses you want but that's the way it is.

[Eidorian]

I don't expect much more than a mobile internet device. It would be nice to have a simple tablet over say a Kindle to have in the TV room over wireless.

I don't need to install applications or anything major. Just keep the browser updated and support Flash/Java. 10" sounds like the right size and keep it cheap.

I'm not talking about a netbook either.

[*LTD*]

Actually whilst iTunes is great on a Mac it's clunky on a PC. You can make all the excuses you want but that's the way it is.

Oh I agree. it's not that great on Windows. Then again, I don't expect MS software to be great on OS X.

[Sehnsucht]

Actually whilst iTunes is great on a Mac it's clunky on a PC. You can make all the excuses you want but that's the way it is.

64-bit on Windows 7 is good. But yeah. On XP, forget about it. :rolleyes:

Oh I agree. it's not that great on Windows. Then again, I don't expect MS software to be great on OS X.

Like Messenger for Mac, for example. Ridiculously crippled. It's gotten to where I've been booting into Windows 7 to use the "real" version. Adium is amazing but no video support yet. The video-compatible Mac clients are based in Java, are extremely clunky, and don't work with half of my buddies.

MS Office for Mac is good, but that's the only good software that they haven't crippled.

[xIGmanIx]

Oh I agree. it's not that great on Windows. Then again, I don't expect MS software to be great on OS X.

Yeah, i should have said i was on a PC, and its so so on my wife's mac. The program i used was from a company called Redchairsoftware. The program was a heft 800K, thats right, 800K install and integrated into windows explorer. You should seriously check it out if you have anything apple music wise besides an iPhone. I am not sure if the Touch is supported as well. Coming from that, which was streamlined and small, for me, was a step back. To each his own.

[BongoBanger]

Oh I agree. it's not that great on Windows. Then again, I don't expect MS software to be great on OS X.

*Looks at Office 2008*

Ah. I see your point.

[xIGmanIx]

It's got great content, and if Windows users don't like it you won't see me shed a tear. Let em switch.

As soon as Apple supports business users and can provide real business solutions, IE docking stations, built in 3G etc, than i can switch, otherwise i am stuck with what work pays for.

[chr1s60]

I personally can't stand Dell products. I have used a Dell computer at just about every job I have had and they all suck! Obviously these are not the best Dell computers available, but I still have never liked them. I see no reason to think a mobile device by them would be any different.

[cantueso]

I've still got an ancient dell x51v from like 5+ years ago, cost a little over £100 - no telephone, so you're not stuck with a 'subsidized' insane ripoff contract.

It's a nice little device with a 624mhz cpu and discrete powervr gpu that handles dvds/x264 fine on its 640x480 vga screen (or vga out on a big screen).
You can browse the internet (with flash) fine, play games, use tomtom/igo/navigon/etcetc, use word/excel and have access to tonnes of apps - google>>>>some limited app store imo.

There's a big rom cooking community that keep these older devices upto date and working brilliantly. The casing (or the 4.2" screen) isn't as nice as HP's old hx4700 with its magnesium, but it's still solid. SD card, CF card, usb host, bluetooth ad2p etcetcetc - not really sure why pdas never caught on - If you've owned and used a decent one, the recent smart/touch/iphone craze and hype all seems a little silly.

Same for me, I still use my Palm TX and I´m not sure if I should move to the Touch yet. Of course the "experience" is better, but the most times I "stole" it to my wife is for gaming, and I dont need another device in my pocket.

Before somebody says it ... NO, I don´t want a Iphone, I don´t NEED a iPhone, I am one of these fews that uses two or three phones and the iPhone has no "native" suport for two sims. BTW too much overpriced here in the "peninsula ibérica", like a contract with the devil.

[polaris20]

To little to late! -- This will be a yawner of a device. By the time this thing comes out Apple will be finishing up the next round of software and hardware updates for the iPhone. I am not sure how they will compete but I guess time will tell.:)

So you've already used it? Where's your review?

Oh wait, you couldn't have already used it. So how about not judging it until after it's actually out?

[polaris20]

Same for me, I still use my Palm TX and I´m not sure if I should move to the Touch yet. Of course the "experience" is better, but the most times I "stole" it to my wife is for gaming, and I dont need another device in my pocket.

Before somebody says it ... NO, I don´t want a Iphone, I don´t NEED a iPhone, I am one of these fews that uses two or three phones and the iPhone has no "native" suport for two sims. BTW too much overpriced here in the "peninsula ibérica", like a contract with the devil.

YMMV, but the iPod Touch is one helluva PDA, IMO. I've been using it as such for a year now, and it more than replaces my good ol Visor Pro.

[newyorkguy]

Yeah, there`s alot of dell androids around everywhere. To the front.:rolleyes:

[kdarling]

and it ran Windows Mobile, which is definitely not MID material... :D

Definitely not :)

Samsung WiMAX MID (http://www.pocketables.net/2009/02/samsung-swdm100-wimax-mid-runs-windows-mobile.html)

Westron MID (http://www.pocketables.net/2009/02/wistron-mid-loaded-with-windows-mobile-65.html)

Mio MID prototype (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/01/10/mios-windows-mobile-mid-brings-a-new-face-to-the-crowd/)

And especially the incredible year old Windows Mobile Tegra development platform (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p69T3cWHBs) MID. Wonder if any of that UI will be used on the Tegra-based Zune HD ?

[Sehnsucht]

I personally can't stand Dell products. I have used a Dell computer at just about every job I have had and they all suck! Obviously these are not the best Dell computers available, but I still have never liked them. I see no reason to think a mobile device by them would be any different.

Dell is good at mass-producing black and gray boxes that are purchased in bulk by large corporations, for use in cubicle farms. Then when they try to produce "designer" products for individuals (a la Adamo and Inspiron notebooks with personalized shells) they just end up looking like a large corporation in suits trying to dangle "cool stuff" in front of the kids. I guess in their attempts to be hip, they miss the point of the Mac: for all its beauty, the UNIX OS is really our biggest advantage. I'm not "cool" because I have a Mac, I'm just happier. :) You can slap a pretty flowery design on a notebook, and offer a free backpack or other back-to-school deal along with it, but the squarish, spartan Dell logo still screams "CUBICLE FARM!" ;)

Mr. Dell has had to eat a considerable amount of crow since that comment he made about shutting Apple down and giving the money back to the shareholders. :D

[jb510]

"Another person who was briefed on the company's plans said Dell may begin selling the device later this year, though this person said the plan could be delayed or scrapped entirely."

Who collected that moronic quote. There is no way a product slated to "begin selling ... later this year" could still be "delayed or scrapped entirely". If it really could come out this year it'd be production contracts would have already been signed. it's just way to late in the development cycle for it to be delayed or scrapped in the last 3-6 months before going on sale.

[Goona]

I don't think another device using a different mobile operating system is a bad thing. I would be interested to know if they had also considered WebOS. I had a Dell DJ a while ago and I really liked it. You could create playlists directly on the player similar to creative lab's players and it was solid quality. It also introduced me to a great piece of software (Not included) that allowed me to bypass iTunes all together, which i preferred. I am not a big fan of it for music management and only recently came back by being forced to with my iPhone.

On a side note, i think its quite hilarious that Apple is marketing copy and paste in their new adds for the 3GS, a feature that should have been in the original OS two years ago. Not trying to turn this into another iPhone FTW thread, but I don't see whats wrong with another player out there trying to appeal to what the consumers want.What is wrong with them advertising it, how does it bother you?

[FightTheFuture]

this is good for Dell. good for google. not good for microsoft.

[xIGmanIx]

What is wrong with them advertising it, how does it bother you?

It doesn't bother me, i just think that its funny that they chose to bring something like that to light. Personally copy and paste along with MMS in my eyes was an oversight on apples part and i wouldn't call too much attention to it. I also fail to see why it took over two years to implement it and that it required a major point update since features like that were promised in Sept. 08. I would have focused on push service and updated email features.

[Goona]

It doesn't bother me, i just think that its funny that they chose to bring something like that to light. Personally copy and paste along with MMS in my eyes was an oversight on apples part and i wouldn't call too much attention to it. I also fail to see why it took over two years to implement it and that it required a major point update since features like that were promised in Sept. 08. I would have focused on push service and updated email features.

Again what difference does it make, they choose to add it now and want to advertise it. They have a right to. Every phone doesn't have every requested feature. So if they company chooses to add a feature and highlight and advertise it, what is wrong with that? If Microsoft chooses to advertise their upcoming application store which they should have had in the beginning, I mean how long have they been making Windows Mobile? I guess they shouldn't highlight it? What about the Palm Pre and video recording, if they choose to add it in the future, they shouldn't talk about it.

[FightTheFuture]

i just think that its funny that they chose to bring something like that to light.

i wasn't aware that apple advertised the 3.0 firmware. the only new advertisement i've seen for the iPhone is the 3GS.

they demoed a handful of new features in the 3.0 update at WWDC, not just copy/paste. you could say that it should've been in the software to begin with. but you could also say the same thing for the Android G1 not having a headphone jack or the Blackberry Storm not having wi-fi.

[Sehnsucht]

....but you could also say the same thing for the Android G1 not having a headphone jack or the Blackberry Storm not having wi-fi.

The BB Storm doesn't have WiFi????? :eek:

Nice. :rolleyes:

[kdarling]

i wasn't aware that apple advertised the 3.0 firmware. the only new advertisement i've seen for the iPhone is the 3GS.

Don't worry, the copy&paste ad isn't very memorable. There's nothing to really catch your attention, unless you're already interested, like we are :)

Just a finger tapping on things and hitting "Copy" etc. Pretty low key. They should've spiced it up with a story line of some sort.

[sharkinfested]

I like my iPod Touch and my MacBook just fine too – but let’s be honest, Apple steals ideas just like every other company. They didn’t invent the mp3 player, the laptop, the cell phone, or the mouse - they only improved on these ideas – er, EXCEPT for the mouse… they just flat-out ripped that one off.

I hope Dell does well with this new product. It won’t kill the iPhone and the iPod Touch but it doesn’t have to. Apple doesn’t seem interested in making a larger iPod Touch. Glad someone else is taking a crack at it.

[Goona]

I like my iPod Touch and my MacBook just fine too – but let’s be honest, Apple steals ideas just like every other company. They didn’t invent the mp3 player, the laptop, the cell phone, or the mouse - they only improved on these ideas – er, EXCEPT for the mouse… they just flat-out ripped that one off.

I hope Dell does well with this new product. It won’t kill the iPhone and the iPod Touch but it doesn’t have to. Apple doesn’t seem interested in making a larger iPod Touch. Glad someone else is taking a crack at it.

Right but Apple never claimed to invent anything.

[xIGmanIx]

Every phone doesn't have every requested feature. So if they company chooses to add a feature and highlight and advertise it, what is wrong with that?

This just in, Apple perfects the number 7, story at 10! This is why i hesitated to post on this site because so many people run to defend Apple when features on $30 pay as you go phones were absent and there was no reason to not implement it since it is purely software based. Maybe my expectations of Apple are different but i would assume a feature like that shouldn't take 2 years to implement. Anyways this thread is about Dell working with Android and how i think that its exciting to see other mobile OS's on different platforms.

[sharkinfested]

This just in, Apple perfects the number 7, story at 10! This is why i hesitated to post on this site because so many people run to defend Apple when features on $30 pay as you go phones were absent and there was no reason to not implement it since it is purely software based. Maybe my expectations of Apple are different but i would assume a feature like that shouldn't take 2 years to implement. Anyways this thread is about Dell working with Android and how i think that its exciting to see other mobile OS's on different platforms.

X2

[sharkinfested]

Right but Apple never claimed to invent anything.

I’m not saying they did. It’s just that so many fanboys go on and on about how innovative Apple is when the truth is there are LOTS of innovative companies. For the most part I like Apple products, but they aren’t the only kid on the block pushing technology and making cool stuff. I buy what works for me – don’t care who’s logo is on it.

[Sehnsucht]

...This is why i hesitated to post on this site because so many people run to defend Apple when features on $30 pay as you go phones were absent and there was no reason to not implement it since it is purely software based...

Sorry, but I beg to differ. All the "thirty-dollar pay-as-you-go phones" I have ever used have no functions other than phone calls, an address book and maybe just maybe, a couple of rudimentary games. No copy & paste, no video recording (or even a camera at all) and no Bluetooth. These cheapo phones have very low-resolution 1.5" screens and late-90's-esque, non-upgradeable firmware.

http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A2687/268787/300_268787.jpg

Yes, copy & paste has been present on most high-end smartphones for awhile, but there are no thirty-dollar GoPhones with these features that I'm aware of, and there are plenty of more expensive contract phones that still lack these features as well.

[Goona]

This just in, Apple perfects the number 7, story at 10! This is why i hesitated to post on this site because so many people run to defend Apple when features on $30 pay as you go phones were absent and there was no reason to not implement it since it is purely software based. Maybe my expectations of Apple are different but i would assume a feature like that shouldn't take 2 years to implement. Anyways this thread is about Dell working with Android and how i think that its exciting to see other mobile OS's on different platforms.

Your point is irrelevant, every phone is missing feature. Whether it cost 50 dollars or 800 dollars. I also wonder why Microsoft who has been developing Windows Mobile for years couldn't implement an app store. I guess they should have had this from the beginning, companies leave out things and only they know why they do it. Acting like only Apple does it is just plain silly.

[Goona]

I’m not saying they did. It’s just that so many fanboys go on and on about how innovative Apple is when the truth is there are LOTS of innovative companies. For the most part I like Apple products, but they aren’t the only kid on the block pushing technology and making cool stuff. I buy what works for me – don’t care who’s logo is on it.

Well the "fanboys" don't speak for Apple.

[coolwater]

As a consumer, I would never try to discourage another company from entering the competition.

The more challenged Apple is, the better Apple products will be.

[Goona]

Sorry, but I beg to differ. All the "thirty-dollar pay-as-you-go phones" I have ever used have no functions other than phone calls, an address book and maybe just maybe, a couple of rudimentary games. No copy & paste, no video recording (or even a camera at all) and no Bluetooth. These cheapo phones have very low-resolution 1.5" screens and late-90's-esque, non-upgradeable firmware.

http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A2687/268787/300_268787.jpg

Yes, copy & paste has been present on most high-end smartphones for awhile, but there are no thirty-dollar GoPhones with these features that I'm aware of, and there are plenty of more expensive contract phones that still lack these features as well.Exactly I want to see all these cheap 30 dollar phones with all the features the iphone lacks.

[xIGmanIx]

Sorry, but I beg to differ. All the "thirty-dollar pay-as-you-go phones" I have ever used have no functions other than phone calls, an address book and maybe just maybe, a couple of rudimentary games. No copy & paste, no video recording (or even a camera at all) and no Bluetooth. These cheapo phones have very low-resolution 1.5" screens and late-90's-esque, non-upgradeable firmware.

http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A2687/268787/300_268787.jpg



*** Notes to self, always use model number, nomenclature, MRN nubmer, serial number and manufacturer because apparently sarcasm is not tolerated on an Apple website. :eek: ****

Seriously?? Alright man you "win". I know the few phones i had before the iPhone had it. MotoQ, BB8700, BB8800, BB8820, BB8830, Palm Treo 650, 750, any Windows Mobile OS phone etc. and no i don't think they are in the same class as the Mac OS mobile. However, lets not make excuses for the lack of a simple software update that should have been present at launch for something supposedly cutting edge. I refuse to celebrate that as greatness when i expected it to begin with. Again, this thread is about another mobile/hand held product using the Android platform.

[kdarling]

The BB Storm doesn't have WiFi????? :eek:
Nice. :rolleyes:

Blackberries didn't have WiFi for a long time, since that didn't go with the whole enterprise intranet access concept. As more and more regular consumers bought them though, they started adding it to new phones like the Pearl, Curve and Bold.

CDMA models traditionally weren't deemed to need WiFi in the USA as much as GSM phones need it, due to a more widespread 3G network.

However, due to popular demand, the Storm II coming this Fall will have WiFi (and reportedly lose the click screen as well).

[Sehnsucht]

Blackberries didn't have WiFi for a long time, since that didn't go with the whole enterprise intranet access concept. As more and more regular consumers bought them though, they started adding it to new phones like the Pearl, Curve and Bold.

CDMA models traditionally weren't deemed to need WiFi in the USA as much as GSM phones need it, due to a more widespread 3G network.

However, due to popular demand, the Storm II coming this Fall will have WiFi (and reportedly lose the click screen as well).

I was aware of previous BB models' lack of WiFi, and I understand the whole bit about the BB enterprise features. I just would have thought that, given the BB Storm's hyped status as an "iPhone killer" it would have had this feature. :confused:


*** Notes to self, always use model number, nomenclature, MRN nubmer, serial number and manufacturer because apparently sarcasm is not tolerated on an Apple website. :eek: ****

:rolleyes:

Seriously?? Alright man you "win". I know the few phones i had before the iPhone had it. MotoQ, BB8700, BB8800, BB8820, BB8830, Palm Treo 650, 750, any Windows Mobile OS phone etc.

Those are not thirty-dollar phones (i.e. "cheap") and they are not pay-as-you-go. I used to have a Motorola Q myself several years ago, I think I paid around $150 for it.

It's quite alright to be sarcastic, just don't say outlandish things and expect not to be corrected. In my case, it was done politely. ;)

[xIGmanIx]

as i said before, more hardware operating in the hand held/mobile phone space is always a good thing. In this case another hardware company adopting Android.

[mags631]

as i said before, more hardware operating in the hand held/mobile phone space is always a good thing. In this case another hardware company adopting Android.

Stating some variation of "competition is a good thing" is simply stating a truism.

[xIGmanIx]

Stating some variation of "competition is a good thing" is simply stating a truism.

So.....what exactly is your comment about Dell using Android?

[mags631]

So.....what exactly is your comment about Dell using Android?

I'll judge it once I have something more substantial to consider. Dell has a good business, but it seems to be struggling for direction.

[Goona]

This article says it all:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/01/dell-android-tablet-technology-enterprise-gadget.htmlh

[ddTaylor]

Yeah they sure forced Apple to really compete with their past offerings like the Dell DJ.

That wasn't my point, was it? Please read, then re-read - then comment. I did not mention the DJ or other products - but I can say this...other companies are capable of making a great and revolutionary product that Apple - believe it or not - that is true!

D

[ddTaylor]

Why do people keep thinking apple's strategy is dictated by what everyone else does? Apple does what they think is best, and others adapt to them - not the other way around.

Just look at the much clamored for "headless imac" - half of MR thinks apple is stupid for leaving this "hole in their product line up" and letting other computer makers take all that potential business. Maybe that's right and maybe it's not (IMO, $29b in the bank says apple execs knows more about engineering/marketing/sales than the average MR poster, but what do I know), but the fact that dell offers headless towers hasn't, and won't, force apple to do the same. Likewise, this product will not push apple in to doing anything they weren't going to do anyway.

That aside, this will flop. Dell should stick to what they're good at - selling fairly high-quality generic computers at good prices. That's a profitable strategy, and they execute it fairly well. But let's not pretend they know how to innovate.

You DO realize that Apple DOES take others ideas and improves upon them, right? I have at least 7 Apple products that were first developed by others and modified by Apple or made better...

They also developed some kick-ass products of their own. You do know Apple was not the first company to make an MP3 player, right? They did what others did only better..

Why not do the same with a tablet/MID? Why do people feel that only Apple can create and invent revolutionary products?

D

[ddTaylor]

Hell, with what they've rolled out over the last few years, they might as well have.



Sure, why not call them and complain - tell them they have it all wrong . . . and they'll make one JUST FOR YOU.

Why make a stupid comment like that? Is my idea for a product (which is similar to many other people I know) any less worthwhile than yours? I would like a media tablet or larger iTouch type MID - as would a good portion MR forum users. Does that make my idea any less valuable than yours? Why be so snippy with your comments? Does it make you feel better or make-up for other inadequacies?

Get real and realize others have valid points and there is no need to belittle them because it does not mesh with your myopic viewpoint...

D

[funkdoctor]

Again what difference does it make, they choose to add it now and want to advertise it. They have a right to. Every phone doesn't have every requested feature. So if they company chooses to add a feature and highlight and advertise it, what is wrong with that? If Microsoft chooses to advertise their upcoming application store which they should have had in the beginning, I mean how long have they been making Windows Mobile? I guess they shouldn't highlight it? What about the Palm Pre and video recording, if they choose to add it in the future, they shouldn't talk about it.

The point is - the Iphone should have had copy and paste from inception, not 3 years down the line. Who would not realize this on a phone that can send e-mails??? I find it a little silly that they would make a commercial about the fact that we JUST got copy and paste! It would be like Ford making a commercial:

"The new Ford Explorer: Now with CD Player!"

every other person who has a cd player in their car would say "These guys just got a CD Player?"

The Iphone should have had copy and paste.