dell mini 5 (or dell streak)

[vertigo78]

i've decided im going to wait for the dell mini 5. i've wanted an apple tablet for a while but the ipad isn't exactly what i expected and it doesn't seem like apple will implement the things i want until revision B. plus i want to tinker around a new operating system. the iphone os seems somewhat dated to me after using for the past 2 years. i want widgets. i want to make phone calls, a front facing camera, and multitasking. i still think the ipad has a lot of potential. i just don't want to wait until that happens.

anyone else interested in the dell mini 5?

 

[Aegelward]

I'd like too see what they will do with a larger version, they implied a 10"-ish tablet was in the works a little while ago.

But it is looking pretty slick for a dell product.

 

[JonnyIreland]

The Dell doesn't look too bad, it interests me also.
There are some nice pics of it over at engadget today.

 

[robfromabove]

Meh. You can't really call that an iPad replacement, considering it's screen is only 5". If anything, it's an alternative to the iPhone.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Maybe if it had a no-contract price in line w/ the Touch I'd be interested, but as is, no. A 5" screen really doesn't get me excited -- thats not much bigger than an iPhone --, nor does the prospect of potentially another contract. I'm sick of contracts, and wouldn't even be buying an iPad if that is how they were sold.

Second big problem for me is that the Android Store isn't as beefy as the App Store...at least yet. None of these devices are compelling w/o good apps. Content is king.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

Why would you want to make a phone call with your computer (or in this case a tablet)? It's not a phone... :S

And the iPad has a 9.7-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. Not 5-inch.

 

[maflynn]

The 5 inch screen doesn't really buy you much, when compared to an iPod touch. Yeah is a bit bigger but not enough to make a material difference in the users experience. The iPad on the other hand provides a rich experience. Movies are much better then viewing them on such a tiny screen and overall interaction is better.

 

[melman101]

Yeah, the Dell Mini 5 does intrigue me. However, I love iPhone OS way more than Android. If they made a 5" iPhone I'd be in probably.

That' being said, I'll be perfectly happy with my iPhone and iPad combination. I'm super pumped for the iPad.

 

[racer1441]

5 inches is way way way to small. The iPad is as small as you can really go, and they should have made the iPad 12 inches really.

Plus Android is a big deal breaker for me. It's a big mess.

 

[WLS]

The fact that the Dell mini is 5 inches and a phone makes it a nonstarter.
It's too big for a phone and almost useless as a tablet.

If they came out with a larger tablet that is not a phone it would be worth at least a look. Engadqet has a piece that says there will be around 50 ARM tablets brought to market this year, mostly in China.
HP is supposed to have a tablet out soon but they all have a fatal flaw and that is the software. Without a good OS and supporting developers and a good user experience a tablet is useless. The hardware is the least of the issues.
That is why only Apple can pull it off. They can fine tune the OS to be fast and stable without bloat and they have seeded and developed the App end to great success. You can talk endlessly about whatever features these new tablets will have but in the end the question is do they work satisfactorily and I would bet the answer is no.

 

[iceterminal]

To me a 5" screen isn't that bad. Its not for me, but for some it'd be ok. I'd say the main item would be cost.
Like maybe something for my son to use if its inexpensive. Like say $199...sure.
More than that, nah...I'll pass.

 

[hitekalex]

I think Mini 5 looks fantastic. It's exactly what I have been looking for. Sure it's not for everyone, but neither is iPad.

Here's what I find attractive in Mini 5, as compared to iPad:

• Combination of phone and mini-tablet - no need to carry both
• Small enough to be pocket-able, while offering ~2.5 times screen real estate of iPhone
• Front and Back cameras - video chat
• Full Web experience - Flash supported with Android
• Multitasking!
• Widgets support
• Open and highly customizable mobile OS
• Freedom from Apple's closed App Store model

I am buying this thing the moment it's out.

 

[SteveSparks]

I'd like too see what they will do with a larger version, they implied a 10"-ish tablet was in the works a little while ago.

But it is looking pretty slick for a dell product.

I think Dell needs to rethink how they will market this device. Its not much any more than a touch with less features... at least from what I have seen so far.

Ok: Its also a phone, then it is bigger screen Android Phone. Seems like an odd size.

 

[citi]

I think Mini 5 looks fantastic. It's exactly what I have been looking for. Sure it's not for everyone, but neither is iPad.

Here's what I find attractive in Mini 5, as compared to iPad:

• Combination of phone and mini-tablet - no need to carry both
• Small enough to be pocket-able, while offering ~2.5 times screen real estate of iPhone
• Front and Back cameras - video chat
• Full Web experience - Flash supported with Android
• Multitasking!
• Widgets support
• Open and highly customizable mobile OS
• Freedom from Apple's closed App Store model

I am buying this thing the moment it's out.

You should have bought a nexus one or moto droid. Which would be more of a comparison to the mini 5. The size difference is too great on the Ipad to make a rational argument for or against it.

 

[Bytor65]

I think Mini 5 looks fantastic. It's exactly what I have been looking for. Sure it's not for everyone, but neither is iPad.

• Combination of phone and mini-tablet - no need to carry both
• Small enough to be pocket-able, while offering ~2.5 times screen real estate of iPhone
  
  I am buying this thing the moment it's out.

• 
  
  Price unseen? Details unknown? You will buy it regardless?
  
  They could be doing a lot of customization so the standard Google appstore may not work.
  
  Price is a big unknown. Before iPad was announced, the price floated for this was ~$1000.
  
  Now I like the idea of 5" screen for a portable. I think it is the max size you can still maintain some pocket carry with, but it isn't really a competitor for a 10" screen couch browser, it is an iPhone competitor.
  
  If this was $200-300, still open for standard apps, I would likely buy one, but it looks more likely this will be on the high end of the smart phone scale. Like $600+ unlocked, or some lesser amount with a 2 year contract.
  
  I think a lot of the big players were shocked by the iPad low entry pricing and are trying to figure out how to reposition their devices, that is why we are getting no details from Dell/HP.

 

[hitekalex]

You should have bought a nexus one or moto droid. Which would be more of a comparison to the mini 5. The size difference is too great on the Ipad to make a rational argument for or against it.

Yes, Nexus One would be the next best thing, but I like the idea of a much larger 5" screen.. and front-facing camera that N1 lacks.

Yes the screen size difference between Mini 5 and iPad is significant.. but both devices fall in the category of mobile tablets, with many similar use cases. So they can absolutely be compared.

Price unseen? Details unknown? You will buy it regardless?

There has been plenty of details and videos about Mini 5. Engadget guys actually have a working prototype. The price has to be reasonable, but I am willing to pay up to $900 bucks for it - that's the price of high-end iPad-3G.

They could be doing a lot of customization so the standard Google appstore may not work.

You mean Dell will remove access to Android Market from it? Not a chance. It will run Android apps at 480x800 resolution, just like many other Android devices.

 

[samcraig]

I think Dell needs to rethink how they will market this device. Its not much any more than a touch with less features... at least from what I have seen so far.

Ok: Its also a phone, then it is bigger screen Android Phone. Seems like an odd size.

LOL - why is it NOT ok to say the iPad is just a bigger iPod Touch but perfectly ok to call Dell's device just a bigger Android phone

Hypocrisy at its finest.

 

[Bytor65]

There has been plenty of details and videos about Mini 5. Engadget guys actually have a working prototype. The price has to be reasonable, but I am willing to pay up to $900 bucks for it - that's the price of high-end iPad-3G.

Ok your definition of "reasonably priced" and mine are quite different. For a 5" device, I would pay $300 tops.

You mean Dell will remove access to Android Market from it? Not a chance. It will run Android apps at 480x800 resolution, just like many other Android devices.

There is a significant chance. Android is rough around the edges and to stand out will need significant customizations. See what happened with the Archos 5.
http://phandroid.com/2009/11/11/archos-5-android-internet-tablet-first-impressions/

It runs an Archos version of Android. This is significant for several reasons. There is no Google integration. None, nada, zip, zero, nunca. The only integration you get is going into your Google account in the very nice webkit browser. I didn’t have any issues because the browser is nice with nearly 5″ of screen, but if you are a fan of the Google Android OS apps like Gmail, Gtalk, or Calendar, be warned. This also represents one of my largest issues with the Archos 5. They have their own app market, AppsLib. Now I understand that this is needed because the regular versions of apps from the Google Android market are not formatted to run properly on a tablet. However, this translates to issues for the user. For instance, Archos 5 comes preinstalled with Twidroid. Great! I love Twidroid. In fact, I love it so much, I bought the Pro version in the Android Market. The lack of Google integration means that that app is not available to me in the Archos 5 AndAppStore and even if it was, AndAppStore does not recognize previously purchased apps. Meaning that the user must repurchase any pay apps he or she wants on the Archos 5.

 

[samcraig]

Bytor - interesting. So you're basic criteria for pricing is simply screen size? What about functionality. Would you rather use a 5" device that does everything you want vs a 10" device that only does half? Im just giving an example.

It's personal preference. How much someone is willing to pay for what they want (exactly). To the other poster, functionality might overtake screen real estate for his needs.

 

[Bytor65]

Bytor - interesting. So you're basic criteria for pricing is simply screen size? What about functionality. Would you rather use a 5" device that does everything you want vs a 10" device that only does half? Im just giving an example.

It's personal preference. How much someone is willing to pay for what they want (exactly). To the other poster, functionality might overtake screen real estate for his needs.

I place significant value on the larger screen (much better for PDFs/Comics/net). I will definitely pay more for a bigger screen. Functionality (internet/ereader/comic reader/pdf reader) that I need is assumed to be part of the package otherwise I won't purchase it.

But they are completely different devices, it is quite a stretch to consider them competitors. One is a (big) pocket phone, the other is a couch surf devices. The Dell most readily compares against the iPhone and perhaps favorably for some. I don't get why someone would be choosing between Dell Mini vs iPad, instead of Dell Mini vs iPhone. The latter comparison makes a heck of a lot more sense than the former. Has anyone considered starting Dell Mini threads in the iPhone forum where it actually makes more sense?

Since I am not looking for a phone(why I am in this forum and not the iPhone one), at best the dell for me is a touch competitor not a iPad competitor. If it is priced like a touch I might buy one. If priced near $900, I won't buy one no matter what it does. Also the only iPad I consider is the $499 one, that is my price ceiling for any net tablet/reader.

 

[hitekalex]

Ok your definition of "reasonably priced" and mine are quite different. For a 5" device, I would pay $300 tops.

Well, that's just you. People are willing to pay $900 for high-end iPad 3G, so I don't see why it's crazy to pay similar price for Dell's tablet that offers more features. Screen size is not the only consideration, it's one of many. I am willing to pay the price, because this device gives me all the features and functions I need.

But they are completely different devices, it is quite a stretch to consider them competitors. One is a (big pocket) phone, the other is a couch surf devices. The Dell most readily compares against the iPhone and perhaps favorably for some. I don't get why someone would be choosing between Dell Mini vs iPad, instead of Dell Mini vs iPhone. The latter comparison makes a heck of a lot more sense than the former.

Why does it even matter so much what device the Mini is compared against? It is clearly a hybrid device, which falls somewhere right in the middle between iPhone and iPad. So it can be compared to both devices - it can be viewed as a large "jumbo screen" phone or a pocketable mini-tablet.

And that is exactly the attraction of Mini 5 to me. I don't like dealing with multiple devices.. So rather than carrying a phone and an iPad - I am happy with something like Mini that offers a much better web experience than a traditional phone.. but at the same time more carryable and mobile than a 10" screen tablet.

 

[Bytor65]

Why does it even matter so much what device the Mini is compared against? It is clearly a hybrid device, which falls somewhere right in the middle between iPhone and iPad. So it can be compared to both devices - it can be viewed as a large "jumbo screen" phone or a pocketable mini-tablet.

And that is exactly the attraction of Mini 5 to me. I don't like dealing with multiple devices.. So rather than carrying a phone and an iPad - I am happy with something like Mini that offers a much better web experience than a traditional phone.. but at the same time more carryable and mobile than a 10" screen tablet.

Fair enough. My phone cost $40 without a contract and it works perfectly as a phone. I travel light without gadgets (not even phone) most of the time. I wouldn't carry an iPad around, it is couch reader. Thus the bigger screen is only an advantage and the small screen a detriment.

Different strokes for different folks, but I really don't see this as a major iPad competitor at all.

Are you actually considering an iPad? Clearly not.

Given your sig, and your rants about Apple the great evil Stalinist empire, you are only interested in Android devices, so an iPad is nothing you would consider at all. You have a clearly stated intent to push your anti Apple pro Android agenda.

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/9408364/

So we are in the process of switching to Android phones. I will also encourage all my friends and people we know to dump iPhones and switch to Android or other open mobile platforms.

 

[GadgetGeek71]

...it is couch reader.

My thoughts exactly. As far as the Android comments, I've had 2 (I got the G1 the week it was released and the "MyTouch" (more like my God what a piece of crap). I had a chance to babysit my brother's N1 (Nexus One) for a weekend...WOW! Also, a co-worker of mine owns a Droid and, it falls between the G1 and N1 as far as performance.

I'm new to the iPhone arena (as of 03-05-10)so, I've got a lot to learn before comparing. So far (IMHO), the N1 is the most desireable device out there. I'm not happy (so far) with the perfomance of AT&T's 3G (I live in a million+ city) service here in N.E. Florida.

This weekend, my brother and I are going to do our own comparison (like the ones on YouTube) and see what we come up with. Results after the break...

 

[GeekLawyer]

...I'm new to the iPhone arena (as of 03-05-10)so, I've got a lot to learn before comparing. So far (IMHO), the N1 is the most desireable device out there. I'm not happy (so far) with the perfomance of AT&T's 3G (I live in a million+ city) service here in N.E. Florida...

I'll be interested in your results. I live in the same city and have had iPhones since 6/07. I tend to have full 3G access all over town.

On topic: Dell is preparing to announce some extensive agreements with Amazon to provide multimedia content for the Streak. They're trying to cobble together an experience that approaches Apple's iTunes ecosystem.

 

[GadgetGeek71]

I'll be interested in your results. I live in the same city and have had iPhones since 6/07. I tend to have full 3G access all over town.

I do have full 3G (at least that's what the phone indicates), it's just that the speed is aweful.

Sorry OP, didn't mean to hijack the thread...

If the Dell Mini 5 is anything like it's bigger brothers, it will be a fun gadget to own. I've got both Android 2.0 and Windows 7 on my Mini 10V (2GB upgrade).