Dell Streak Tablet: Between Smartphones And Tablets

The world’s number three computer manufacturer, Dell unveiled grand plans to go head-to-head with the Apple iPad with its “Dell Streak”. Also known as Mini 5, Streak is a 5-inch touch-screen tablet which Dell will unleash upon the U.K. next month.

Mini 5, the first of a number of planned products, is smaller than most tablets with a 5in (12.5cm) screen and runs Google’s Android operating system. Analysts said it was a “significant” launch that marked Dell’s return to the handheld computer market. No word on pricing and data plans has been revealed yet. The Streak will hustle its way to the U.S. shortly after being available on the O2 network in U.K.

The Streak will have a 5-inch WVGA touchscreen, Qualcomm’s 1-GHz Snapdragon Processor, 2 GB internal storage, maximum 32GB of external SD storage, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, and a front-facing camera for video chat. The Streak will also have 3G, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity. The device will receive an over-the-air upgrade to the new Flash-capable Android 2.2 (Froyo) later this year, according to a Dell spokesperson. The mini tablet will also come pre-loaded with Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube apps, and Google Maps featuring free turn-by-turn navigation.

“The Dell Streak hits the sweet spot between traditional smartphones and larger-screen tablets,” said Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions Group, in a statement. “Its unique size provides people new ways to enjoy, connect, and navigate their lives.” Dell also promises video chat applications and other software innovations to be available down the road, for example, taking advantage of the Dell Streak’s front facing VGA Web camera.

Prepared for a June launch, The Streak is Dell’s attempt to get into the now-explosive compact touch-screen tablet market, currently dominated by the million-plus-selling Apple iPad. Dell is one of many manufacturers looking to capture the touch-screen tablet hype followed by Microsoft, Google and others.

Tags: google maps, handheld computer market, internal storage, software innovations, sweet spot, system analysts, vga web, web camera, wi fi, youtube