Dell streak series a serious competitor

[rtay]

Has anyone else seen that dell got a deal with amazon to have kindle book store, amazon on demand movies/tv and the amazon mp3 store fully integrated? That is pretty huge. I might hold out for the bigger real tablet version of this. Everything from amazon you actually own, and can play it on any device you want pretty much. This is a huge advantage especially on movies. I dont know much about their books, but they wont have fairplay DM. So 10 years down the road all your stuff isnt locked into apples ecosystem, but you can put it on there if you want. And 3G access to the book store is free on the streak. Also, the front facing webcam and rear camera everyone has been jonesin for is on it. This thing is stacked. Imagine what the bigger version is gonna come up with.

What do you guys think, a worthwhile competitor or just a failure? And remember, they are coming out with more than just the 5 inch size, they are planning on making them bigger. Even with all that, i am probably gonna buy a 16 or 32 wifi ipad and then sell it if the streak is worthwhile. The bigger form factor now is a huge factor for me.

 

[t0mat0]

You have a link and a video of a working prototype? Or is this at conceptual stage?

 

[Chupa Chupa]

...I dont know much about their books, but they wont have fairplay DM. So 10 years down the road all your stuff isnt locked into apples ecosystem...

Sure, you aren't locked into Apple's ecosystem, but, instead Amazon's. What issue have you exactly solved switching platforms? Amazon's books and videos are bolted down to DRM every bit as much as Apple's.

The real question is can an Amazon/Dell partnership create desirable hardware with an intuitive GUI. Based on these two companies history in this area - and pics of the Streak -- I'd say doesn't look good.

 

[rtay]

There arent any videos of the amazon integration because it hasnt been officially announced yet. It was just some company slides or something leaked talking about it.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/dell-mini-5-we-have-it/
That link is just a hands on from engadget, has a video and pictures. I dont know if the UI has changed since, but it looks like it will be solid. The mini 5 has been renamed to the streak.

As far as the amazon partnership, it isnt nearly as locked down as apple's products are. I have no problem with them keeping out anything that would mess up the OS, but they take it to a whole new level. Nothing that can compete with apple is a ridiculous way to do things. I cant believe google voice was turned down, thats such an awesome system. But, you see the kindle app on many devices. I bet the iBooks is only gonna be on apple devices. Just an example of being able to use stuff of many devices, instead of just one companies.

 

[bbydon]

How is Amazon not as locked down as Apple? Because i see them both being pretty DRM Filled.
Are you saying just ibooks, or movies as well?

 

[rtay]

im talking about movies as well. but that is just because amazon makes their movies available to more products than apple. i dont know if amazon works with ipods and ipads however. i guess it all comes down to if your only gonna own apple things, then the apple ecosystem is great. however, what about all the other people who own one apple thing and other pc things. amazon seems like it will fit that market better, especially books.

 

[bossxii]

The Dell Streak (aka Mini 5) will be a competitor in the "slate" category, although I think a 10" or 12" version of it will be more direct to the iPad. The Streak has a phone, and should fill peoples needs to have a tablet like device with a nice screen and a cell phone all wrapped up. It looks like a pretty damn nice setup to me, expect for it's small size + i don't need another phone. I've not had a great Android experience as of yet via a few devices I've purchased but would be willing to look at a Dell 10" or 12" tablet to mess with.

I plan on purchasing an iPad as it will be great for my needs both personal and work. I am always looking for something new and different, a larger version of the Dell might be a good device to become more familiar with Andoid.