Dell Streak Tablet To Be Released THIS SUMMER (VIDEO)

The Dell Streak--a mini, 5-inch tablet running Google's Android OS--will be released in the UK this coming June, and in the US "later this summer."

Dell offered an in-depth look at the device's features in its official blog, describing the Dell Streak as "a hybrid device that lives in the space between a smartphone and other larger tablets or netbooks that you might be using right now."

Dell's Lionel Menchaca said of the Dell Streak, "I've been at Dell for 16 years, and I don't think there's ever been more buzz around a single Dell product than this."

Engadget offered an early review of the Dell tablet, noting that "aside from the snazzier paintjob, there's nothing new to report." Engadget adds, "the battery is the same 1,530mAh cell as before, and we even managed to get the browser to crash in the exact same fashion that our own Streak exhibits on occasion."

The Dell Streak comes equipped with a 5 MP, flash camera; a front facing camera (to allow for video chat "down the road"); a removable/replaceable battery; 800x480 screen display; as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

PC World detailed some of the Dell Streak's specs:
At launch, the Streak will be running Android 1.6 (Donut), but the device will receive an over-the-air upgrade to the new Flash-capable Android 2.2 (Froyo) later this year, a Dell spokesperson confirmed. The mini tablet will also come pre-loaded with Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube apps, and Google Maps featuring free turn-by-turn navigation.

While Dell has labeled the Streak a "tablet," the device seems to awkwardly straddle the line between a tablet and smartphone. Dell even admits the "5-inch diagonal display may seem only slightly larger than many of the smartphones " and concedes that the Dell Streak is "just a bit heavier than other smartphones." It defends the Streak by arguing that the additional inch and "higher pixel density" of the screen makes a noticeable difference, adding, "it feels solid and balanced-which makes using it pretty natural across a number of activities."

See the Dell Streak in action in the video below, then check out more tablet alternatives to the iPad.

WATCH:

Comments

[chrishamze]

06:34 PM on 07/22/2010

REGISTER TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST ONES TO PURCHASE A NEW DELL STREAK!!!! THE HOTTEST GADGET THIS YEAR. CLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER http://dellu.com/SD/ChristopherH_Streak

[JasonMcl]

05:18 PM on 05/30/2010

Although dell is doing a pretty poor job of demonstrating this, the device actually has a pretty solid purpose and if they advertise it as what it really is, an base ready to receive it.

Basically, this is an iPod touch with:

A 5 mp camera.
A second front facing camera
A fast processor and more memory
Double the screen resolution (480x320 on iPod)
3g Capability
Dual micro SD slots (what a concept expandable memory!)
A replaceable battery (that this is a feature over the iPod is so sad)
Simcard capability for regular GSM phone use (AT&T)
HDMI out
Android (which is a plus or a minus for some people, but a big plus for me)
Flash

So yeah, if your in the market for an iPod touch or just a really powerful PDA but don't want to pay 80 a month for smartphone service, this thing trumps the iPod in every way with the exception of having less apps.

The only problem will be that Dell will try to market it as an iPad which it clearly isn't. Or dell will screw it up with its "user interface enhancements" like it does with its PC's.

But if Dell makes the smart move and shows this thing to be a iPod touch, without restrictions or locks, that can be either wireless for free or 3g for $30, then it will most likely do very well.

[JasonMcl]

06:42 PM on 05/30/2010

Oh, and in the list of features it should be noted that the glass is pretty much indestructible.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/29/dell-streaks-gorilla-glass-screen-torture-tested-for-your-amus/ I wonder if this will have an effect on the sensitivity? I guess well see later.

Also worth noting is that google / acer and a few others are building their own android iPods / iPads but the streak will be the first released.

And I read elsewhere that the streak will be accompanied by 7 inch and 10 inch versions later. Which would be more aptly named iPad competitors.

[JavaManiac]

12:36 PM on 05/27/2010

What a waste of development dollars. The only way this will win is if it costs $250 or less.

[waterprise2]

11:55 AM on 05/27/2010

Not. I am embarrassed for Dell. Is today April 1st? This is a joke.

[misterwolfy]

11:30 AM on 05/27/2010

People who buy this will be mocked mercilessly by colleges, and possibly even fired for displaying poor judgment.

[JasonMcl]

05:23 PM on 05/30/2010

Did you mean to say colleagues?

[misterwolfy]

01:36 AM on 05/31/2010

yes, I should be fired for bad spelling.

[lockDown]

09:52 AM on 05/27/2010

Oooh, I can't wait for another Apple copycat to kill the Apple device. Dell, Texas Instruments called. They want their device back.

[kurtvb]

08:48 AM on 05/27/2010

Looks like every other iphone rival, especially since it run android. Why pay extra for this when I can get an HTC for less?

[john max]

07:38 AM on 05/27/2010

Can it play Divx/xvid?

[FelipeLeones]

07:30 AM on 05/27/2010

LOFL

[Melissa Markes]

03:32 AM on 05/27/2010

The guy seems to just be knocking smart phones, for example not needing to squint to see the screen, easier web interface, and it makes calls.

It should really be advertised as a smart phone killer- even though its not- because it's definitely not an iPad killer.

[imworking4me]

02:16 AM on 05/27/2010

Dell has lost its way.

[rcpmac]

02:02 AM on 05/27/2010

It's nothing

[dythaka]

01:41 AM on 05/27/2010

Looks like a big version of the Chinese knockoff iphones

[jsgaetano]

02:08 AM on 05/27/2010

It was probably engineered by the same people. Dell doesn't actually do much in-house R&D.

[Dana Bashor]

01:19 AM on 05/27/2010

Cool design but count me out.

[Cheesedog]

12:30 AM on 05/27/2010

That's an iPad rival? Good luck with that.

[Dana Bashor]

01:18 AM on 05/27/2010

I agree. I think it looks cool and great idea but that's more of a itouch rival to me.