The Wall Street Journal and numerous technology blogs are reporting that computer manufacturer Dell is currently in the process of developing their own smartphone. According to the Wall Street Journal report, Dell has had a group of engineers working on prototypes for a Dell smartphone for over a year, and has built prototypes for both the Google Android and Windows Mobile operating systems. Reports on when Dell can be expected to enter the cell phone market are conflicting, with one source saying it may be as early as Feburary 2009, and another saying Dell may still decide to abandon the idea all together.Wall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)Dallas Morning News: Why so much speculation... (January 30, 2009)
Computer Competition
Dell isn't the first computer manufacturing company to branch out into the cell phone market. Computer manufacturer Acer will begin offering cell phones in mid February 2009. Lenovo Group Limited and Asustek Computer currently offer cell phones.Wall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Reports indicate that Dell has been working to develop a smartphoneWall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
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Dell may enter the cell phone market as early as February 2009Wall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
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Dell has not confirmed plans to release a smartphoneWall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
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Some sources say they may abandon the idea all togetherWall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
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Dell's main competition in the smartphone market is Apple and Research and MotionWall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
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Apple is the manufacturer of the popular iPhone smartphoneWall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
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Research in Motion is the manufacturer of the popular BlackBerry smartphonesWall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
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Together, iPhone and BlackBerry dominate 70% of the U.S. cell phone marketWall Street Journal: Dell Prepares to Dial... (January 30, 2009)
