The Dell Streak is available in the UK today, so we thought it was time to give you a full guide to the new Android-toting tablet cum smartphone.
So here's 10 things you simply must know about Dell's new mobile computing device. The Dell Streak specs are that it's a 3G, EDGE and 7.2Mbps HSDPA handset with Bluetooth 2.1, GPS and Wi-Fi. There will also be a dock available for it enabling you to connect it to an HDTV via HDMI.
1. The Dell Streak is a tablet
Dell and its partners are clearly positioning the Streak as a tablet device - not least because every single piece of advertising is using the 'T' word. But if there wasn't an iPad we're not sure it would be making this claim. The 16:9 WVGA 800 x 480 screen is 5-inches across, so while it's significantly bigger than the iPhone or HTC Desire, it certainly isn't a tablet in the traditional sense. It's still more of a 'larger smartphone' than a tablet in our book, since tablets are usually larger - the iPad clocks in with a 9.7-inch display, for example.
2. But the Dell Streak can make calls
So the Streak is a tablet, but it has a novel feature. You can also make telephone calls to people! You know, like we used to. The only problem with this function is that you'll look stupid. Holding up a Streak isn't that far off the concept of holding up an iPad to your ear. Thankfully, though, the Streak also packs stereo Bluetooth 2.1, so you can easily use a headset instead.
3. The Dell Streak runs Android
Dell first showed off the Streak in January at CES in Las Vegas. We were impressed with the look of it even then. Though we suspected it would run Android, we didn't know for sure. But Dell has certainly taken a big step with Android given its Windows-centric past. The Streak will ship with Android 1.6 with a couple of tweaks and widgets, but essentially giving you the standard Android experience - with full access to all the Android Market has to offer. That includes full turn-by-turn Google Maps Navigation, aided by the in-built GPS (which the basic Wi-Fi only Apple iPad doesn't have, of course). Dell says that later in the year we'll see the Streak get an Android 2.2 update with Adobe Flash Player 10.1.
4. The Dell Streak packs Snapdragon not Atom
Qualcomm's now well-known ARM-based 1GHz Snapdragon chip powers the Streak, something we're sure long-term Dell partner Intel is watching with interest. Intel has just announced the smartphone-orientated version of its Atom chip (though there are no handsets announced as yet) - it also supports Android.
5. The Dell Streak is a video-conferencing device
There's a front-facing VGA camera, while Dell has also promised "video chat applications and other software innovations" for later in the year. For normal photography there's a 5 MP camera on the back with autofocus and a dual LED flash, plus one-touch upload to the web.
6. The Dell Streak has Gorilla Glass
The display is tough. Really tough - check it out.
7. The Dell Streak doesn't have a lot of on-board storage
2GB. That's a disappointing amount of storage for such an expensive device and, while it's enough for plenty of Android apps, you're hardly going to be able to store a huge amount of music or photos. However, there is support for microSD – up to 32GB – and a 16GB card is included.
8. The Dell Streak is packaged in Bamboo
We haven't seen this yet – as we've only seen a device in a little pouch rather than the box – but according to Dell, the Streak is "packaged with cushions made from 100 per cent sustainable, compostable bamboo". Errrrr.
9. The Dell Streak is available through O2 and the Carphone Warehouse
O2 has the initial exclusive on the handset, with its own stores and Carphone Warehouse selling it first. Dell's own site will start shifting Streaks later in the month. You can get it for £25 a month with no voice calls or text allowance, or £35 a month with a voice tariff.
10. Or you can pay £429
As for SIM-free, the Dell Streak price is £429 – the same price as a certain other tablet we've seen recently. That's quite a hefty amount when you consider what the iPad can do, its memory and the size of its screen.
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Liked this? Then check out Hands on: Android 2.2 review
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