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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Your comments (10) Click to add a new comment
shadowolf19
August 10th 2010
10. Has this intellectual Property, been stolen?
http://dellstreakhacks.com/dell-streak-10-things-you-buyersowners-must-know.html
I don't want to be getting Anyone's Backs up, but if this Article has been Published, without Your Consent, then I think that it's unfair, and You should know about it.
Cheers.
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harneys75
July 21st 2010
9. Just a minor correction, with the "35 a month data tarrif from O2 you DO get text allowance. 300 to be precise. This is how I have my streak as I don't often make calls and will upgrade the tarrif at a later date to use it as a phone. I love the device and can't wait for the 2.2 update with flash to really get the most from the browser experience.
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dwb790
July 6th 2010
8. When they say "later in the year we'll see the Streak get an Android 2.2 update" does that mean a device purchased now can be upgraded or that only devices purchased later in year will be 2.2?
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milly
July 5th 2010
7. ive ad mine a wk n love it! but im havin trouble wiv bluetooth its pairin but not connectin is any1 else havin any problems?
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martinsandhu
June 5th 2010
6. I got mine yesterday and i think its brillant. Fast and responsive and I just use mine around the house to check mail and surf the net. The best thing about the Dell is the amazing web browsing experince. For the price of an iPad you get alot more for your money. As a standalone phone its far too big but that for me is a bonus. Anyway theres always a bluetooth headset.
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aerosmillie
June 5th 2010
5. its £399 straight from the O2 site. Remember you'll also get turn-by-turn sat nav with google. I want one, I want one :)
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mazda
June 4th 2010
4. i would love one to take on my travels
but they are way overpriced. twice as much as i would pay for one.
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kingmustard
June 4th 2010
3. "That's quite a hefty amount when you consider what the iPad can do, its memory and the size of its screen."
True, but the Streak has 3G, GPS etc., something you have to pay a lot more for in an iPad.
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lordzargon
June 4th 2010
2. Also, to clairfy:
The UK versions will be sold with a 16gb SD micro card as standard with 32GB option available. In a later update, you will be able to use these cards like on-board storage, saving apps to the cards themselves. 18GB to start with is not a bad deal.
And to bare in mind:
Currently it will only ship in Matte Black. Colours to follow soon. I was a little dissapointed with this, I really would've liked red or blue :(.
Finally:
"considering what the iPad can do"... Really? Last time I checked the iPad had a 4:3 screen, no flash support, no 3G, no ability to become a WiFi hotspot as its tethered, cannot multi-task, cannot make phone calls, cannot fit in your pocket, doesn't have gorilla glass, doesn't output HDMI, doesn't support SD cards without an adapter and it doesn't have any built in camera, for photos OR video conferencing.
I'm getting mine tomorrow :).
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conchchowder
June 4th 2010
1. "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."
So you think a 6'2", 238#/17 stone man talking into a candybar looks intelligent?
You can get the Android update now.
The UK version is locked to O2 (per O2 rep Kelly in London) so you need to have someone unlock it. The Dell US version will be unlocked at the Dell website.
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