Dell smartphone just days away?
updated 09:10 am EDT, Mon August 10, 2009
Dell Phone Imminent
Dell's first smartphone could be unveiled within the next 48 hours if a purported source is accurate. The tip, likely coming from Asia, mentions to TechCrunch that the device should be made public for Chinese customers within the next day or two. Information is admitted as "thin," but it's also claimed that sources for Asian product launches have normally been accurate.
Hardware details are unknown, but past leaks have it running Open Mobile System, a government-backed variant of Google Android with custom apps. It would also have a capacitive (finger-oriented) touchscreen and an ARM processor.
Dell has been in talks with multiple carriers outside of China to possibly introduce a phone on their networks, but it's been rumored early this year that the China-only launch was planned only after carriers elsewhere rejected prototypes for being too imitative of phones already on the market. An Internet-only Android handheld is rumored as a stopgap for Western audiences.
Wow! It must be...
08/10, 10:09am reply
the new Dell DJ DittyPhone. How the heck did they get that Dell handset into China so easily? Apple has been pushing and pushing and it still hasn't made an announcement about the ChiPhone. Apple's Joswiak went to China almost a week ago and there's still no news. He'd better stay there until he makes some deal. Just joking.
iphonerulez
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
me too me too
08/10, 10:12am reply
Apple makes a big hit with iPod, and now everyone from MS to Dell thinks they can do it too.
Apple makes a big hit with Apple Stores, and now MS thinks they can do it too.
Apple makes a big hit with iPhone...
climacs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Climacs too Climacs too
08/10, 10:30am (1 reply) reply
People on this forum criticize everyone other than Apple, and now Climacs thinks he can do it too.
luckyday
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008
Taking Tiger Mountain
08/10, 10:30am reply
How did Dell do it so easily? Presumably by doing exactly what's required to meet Chinese market requirements.
Q. If this thing is made in China, and sold in China, and based on a Chinese variant of an open source operating system, what exactly are Dell bringing to the party that native manufacturers don't have? (The ability to understand Android documentation?)
JulesLt
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Joined: Jul 2005
OMFG... an iPhone Killer!
08/10, 10:52am reply
@iphonerulez...
Dell has been biting the pillow with Microsoft for years, so they're plenty stretched and greased up for this one, too.
I worked on a big design project in China last year and I can tell you, the Chinese have ZERO idea about what Western quality is. Which is the perfect scenario for Dell!
If you show them and explain everything (over and over and over), they can copy ANYTHING just fine. But there's LOTS of head-banging involved to force them to get it right. Once taught properly, they can do some excellent work.
JeffHarris
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Joined: Oct 1999
JeffHarris
08/10, 11:37am reply
Wow, that's pretty offensive. I've actually never heard that generalization about the Chinese. Thank god for people like you who can work on one design project, and form such useful conclusions.
luckyday
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008
Re: Omfg
08/10, 01:20pm reply
Maybe you should learn something. Most Macs are made in China. I seriously doubt Apple has to instruct them long before each model comes out exactly how to make a new mac before they 'get it right'. Maybe you just worked with a bad company (they exist in every country, you know).
Oh, and most Dells are made in the US. I guess that means their products are of high quality, or they're the proof that your whole statement is garbage.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001