Dell recently unveiled the Streak, a tablet computer set up as a competitor to the iPad. The Streak will first be made available in the U.K. in early June, with a U.S. launch planned for later this Summer.
The Streak features a 5-inch screen and is powered by Google’s Android OS. Powered by the ARM-based processor Snapdragon from Qualcomm, the device has a five megapixel camera and a VGA front-facing camera, along with built in Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth connectivity options.
“It’s curious that they’re doing a 5-inch form factor, which is half the size of the iPad,” said Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu, who thinks that a smaller price might be Dell’s target. “It’s an interesting move.”
Roger Kay of Endpoint Technologies Associates thinks the Streak is targeted for a different audience than the iPad. “The Streak is closer to a phone in size and can go anywhere with the user,” said Kay. “It has some of the same touch commands as the iPad, but can be used for more specific functions, like navigation.”
Ron Garriques, president of Dell’s communication solutions group, said in a statement that the Streak “hits the sweet spot between traditional smart phones and larger-screen tablets.” Kay further added, “This is the first small tablet into the market by a major vendor. H-P has shown one but not brought it out. I suspect the Palm acquisition has something to do with that.”
Source: MarketWatch
