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Dell mini 5 tablet?
- Thread starter ajohnson253
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The only problem is that it's android powered . Android looked promising, now it's becoming as fragmented as linux. Developers are not enthusiastic for developing for an OS that has to be tweaked for each different device it goes on.
Why would I make a dozen or so versions of my app for all these devices, when I could make just 1 or 2 at most for the iphone and ipad.
Google has a set of standards it recommends for android devices. Yes, some makers don't meet them and some exceed them. For the most part, however, android apps that run on an android phone will run on any android PMP. The growing list of android apps suggests the differences haven't been a deterent to developers.
I think the dell tablet series (of which the Mini 5) are probably the most viable competitors to the iPad. From Dell, they seem to be working on a variety of different sized devices, of which this is the first one.
Dell at least seems to understand that the Tablet features of Windows 7 are simply do not deliver a good user experience in the tablet format.
Android, IMHO was the perfect selection for a tablet OS and I'm glad at least one manufacturer seems to understand why a full blown OS is not a good idea on a tablet.
As mentioned above, Android's biggest hurdle is that Google is allowing the platform to fragment far too much and it is extremely difficult to develop applications for the platform in comparison to the iPhone OS.
In any case, I'm glad to see some competitive devices out there. Not only will it be good for consumers by keeping prices in check, but should also keep the pressure on both the competitors and Apple to innovate and deliver features.
Dell at least seems to understand that the Tablet features of Windows 7 are simply do not deliver a good user experience in the tablet format.
Android, IMHO was the perfect selection for a tablet OS and I'm glad at least one manufacturer seems to understand why a full blown OS is not a good idea on a tablet.
As mentioned above, Android's biggest hurdle is that Google is allowing the platform to fragment far too much and it is extremely difficult to develop applications for the platform in comparison to the iPhone OS.
In any case, I'm glad to see some competitive devices out there. Not only will it be good for consumers by keeping prices in check, but should also keep the pressure on both the competitors and Apple to innovate and deliver features.
This does look to be a lot more useful and slick than the Archos 9, but that's not saying much. Too big to throw in your pocket for as a phone, and the screen is smaller than I would like for books and browsing, so personally I would have no use for it. But If the price is right, I bet they sell. Technology is definitely advancing, and the iPad should have some competition.
Well my thinking is, if I'm going to restrict myself to 5" display; I'd just as soon as use my iPhone or a Touch.
I think it will be nice comp for the ipad. It's just the 5" screen that doesn't give itself the ability to be in any real 'spot' in the market. I couldn't understand if it were in the 9.7"-10" screen catergory they would make it great.
Really, a 7" screen would be a sweet spot that would fall right between the iPod Touch and the iPad. Excellent, for example, for people like travelers keeping up with their blogs. Hopefully Apple with have a 7" iPad out by the end of the year, I would consider that the perfect size for casual use.
I've got a Touch (3.5" screen), the Archos 5 (4.8" screen) with Android, the Archos 9 (8.9" screen) with Win7, and A few other 4.3" screen devices.
The Archos 5 in a 32gb model is still small enough to fit in a man's shirt pocket. It's a little too big to clip to a belt. With an 800 x 480 screen it is a nicer PMP than the Touch is, and has access to more than enough android apps to keep me happy.
The Archos nine, despite it's flaws, is better than the 5 for sofa browsing. It is not pocketable or beltable and only briefcaseable if you already carry a briefcase. It will run any of a few million Windows apps, and play any form/codec/etc., of media I throw at it. It's a better tablet that the ipad for hardware features, but needs a better OS for Touch use. Android on it would be great. The 1024 x 600 screen is above the standard for Android devices though. Time may change that. The size of the 9 is a little big.
A tablet with a 7" or 7.5" screen would be perfect IMHO. Keep it thin (3/8" at max). Use an OLED screen with 800 x 480 or more and keep the weight under 1lb. Price it at $499 for the 128gb model and I'll buy two.
The Archos 5 in a 32gb model is still small enough to fit in a man's shirt pocket. It's a little too big to clip to a belt. With an 800 x 480 screen it is a nicer PMP than the Touch is, and has access to more than enough android apps to keep me happy.
The Archos nine, despite it's flaws, is better than the 5 for sofa browsing. It is not pocketable or beltable and only briefcaseable if you already carry a briefcase. It will run any of a few million Windows apps, and play any form/codec/etc., of media I throw at it. It's a better tablet that the ipad for hardware features, but needs a better OS for Touch use. Android on it would be great. The 1024 x 600 screen is above the standard for Android devices though. Time may change that. The size of the 9 is a little big.
A tablet with a 7" or 7.5" screen would be perfect IMHO. Keep it thin (3/8" at max). Use an OLED screen with 800 x 480 or more and keep the weight under 1lb. Price it at $499 for the 128gb model and I'll buy two.
I am sure Apple tried both larger and smaller screen sizes before settling on the one used in iPad. Additional sizes are exactly as likely as additional screen sizes for iPhone. IE Not at all likely.
Phones have to remain pocketable and hand-holdable. No point in getting any larger than the iPhone. Tablets, as already pointed out, are useful to some degree at 5", 7", 9", and probably larger. Apple has stated they remain flexible on ipad pricing. I'm sure they are smart enough to change some aspect of it if the current model doesn't sell well (enough). They could lower the price, up the capabilities, or change the form factor. Archos will soon have a 7" android tablet on the market. If it happens to sell well, or outsell the iPad, you can bet Apple would change the iPad to better compete with it. Apple and Google are at war right now. Apple won't let anything Google does outshine it. Expect an AMAZING iPhone update soon, as the latest Android phones (Nexus) are winning showdowns against the iPhone.
I wouldn't mind at 5" iPod Touch. In fact if there was a 5" model. I would probably have one.
4" or less is good for phones where you want to carry it every day.
5" I think is quite decent for a MID that you want to carry around part time. You can fit it in a big pocket when you know you might be stuck waiting somewhere.
7" is the true no mans land. To large to be pocket-able so what's the point? I'd rather have 10" on my couch.
As far as the dell 5". Before iPad they were floating a $999 price, now they are going to be "competetive". Which probably means $600. Which is still ridiculous for a 5" MID. I'd pay about $350 tops for a 5" MID. But I am also not looking for a 5" phone.
Wake me if they have a $350 contract free version. But I can't see that happening.
4" or less is good for phones where you want to carry it every day.
5" I think is quite decent for a MID that you want to carry around part time. You can fit it in a big pocket when you know you might be stuck waiting somewhere.
7" is the true no mans land. To large to be pocket-able so what's the point? I'd rather have 10" on my couch.
As far as the dell 5". Before iPad they were floating a $999 price, now they are going to be "competetive". Which probably means $600. Which is still ridiculous for a 5" MID. I'd pay about $350 tops for a 5" MID. But I am also not looking for a 5" phone.
Wake me if they have a $350 contract free version. But I can't see that happening.
For those that feel the iPad won't do the things they want it to, do you think they'll make the switch to this Mini 5?
Different segments. It is really closer to going up against an iPhone or Touch.
If you want a big screen couch surf/reader, you aren't going to swap in a 5" tiny screen dell. There will be bigger screen Android tablets as well.
So it would make more sense for iPad bailers to go for something like this:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/msi-shows-off-10-inch-android-tablet-running-new-tegra-chipset/
And the MSI is supposed to be coming for $500:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news...raandroid-tablet-coming-this-year-for-500.ars
Don't Android tablets run into the same objection often raised against the iPad, namely that they wouldn't run existing desktop applications?
Most (not all) of the people who raise those objections fall somewhat outside the target market demographic.
Some will, and some haters will to.
Dell mini 5 better float around the $350-550 mark. Anything more than $500, is ridiculous for a 5"
"Too big for a phone, too small for a tablet" is true.
I have a android phone. But would like something larger. 9.7" is about right.
5" although I can see it's "large pocket" appeal, is too small for an enjoyable touchscreen tablet experience.
3.5" iphone/android phone/smartphone +
9.7" iPad = your touchscreen smartphone/tablet combo is set.
3.5" iphone/android phone/smartphone +
5" Dell mini 5 = k, 2" bigger.
What can the dell mini 5 do that a current top of the line android phone can't?
-2" bigger, hdmi output?
What can iPad do that the current iphone 3gs can't?
-Other than receiving phone calls, the 9.7" screen estate is a major jump, and opens up another world of possibilities. Web browsing, reading, better portable on the go pictures, youtube sharing amongst family friends, apps, games etc.
5" is too small, and don't like the hardware design at all.