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Dell Developing Android-Based Mobile Internet Device?

Tuesday June 30, 2009 8:10 am PDT by Eric Slivka
The Wall Street Journal reports 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 its "Dell DJ" music players to compete with the iPod, but the line was discontinued by the end of 2006.
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twoodcc
34 months ago
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
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Goona
34 months ago
Probably going to be discontinued in about a year or two, they should stick to making commodity computers.
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ddTaylor
34 months ago
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
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liven2
34 months ago
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.:)
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Goona
34 months ago

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.
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martint84
34 months ago
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.
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BongoBanger
34 months ago

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.
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nick004
34 months ago
This site really has just become an iPhone glory hole... Page 2, if at all.
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ajbrehm
34 months ago

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?
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co.ag.2005
34 months ago
Dell MID = fail? probably, but I welcome any and all forms of competition to help keep the iPhone being its very best.
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