Dell Streak Media Round-Up

In anticipation of it's US launch, Dell Streak has received much press coverage in the past 48 hours. Bellow is some of what's being said.

Business Week (article here) writes that the Streak holds up quite well as a handheld entertainment device, but doesn't quite cut it as a phone. The author concludes that, 'in the end, in spite of its unique design and appealing viability as a handheld media device, the Streak feels too much like last year's Android device.' The author says the price point will be essential to knowing whether or not to recommend the device.

CNET (article here) has a generally undecided opinion on the Streak. If it comes down to a battle of the Streak vs the iPad, the author writes 'the iPad makes a better map, better photo frame, better video player, better Web browser, and better repository for all things "app" with a seemingly limitless number of home screen pages.' Nonetheless, the author concedes that 'you can't fit an iPad in your pocket, or pop in your own SIM card, or shoot 640x480 video, or even take a crummy portrait on a front-facing camera. There's a lot going for the Streak, and it's safe to say Dell has created the best Android-based tablet we've seen so far.' The author concludes that he's waiting for more information on pricing and availability before making an overall decision, but warns that it's not a 'screaming deal' if the device retails at the rumoured price of $500.

USA Today (article here)--America's most largely circulated publication--gives the Streak 2½ stars out of 4. The author praises the device for being attractive and sturdy, having a five-inch touch-screen for videos, its maps, its navigation and browsing, and its front and rear cameras. However, the author dislikes the Streaks mediocre performance as a phone, its older version of Android OS, and its overall sluggish feel.

Dell Advertorial in Grazia

A new Dell advertorial appears on page 59 of Grazia's July issue. The feature promotes Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 as the magazine's 'favourite fashion accessory.' Grazia also totes that the netbook, which is customized in the shade of OPI's Rosy Future nail colour, is 'perfect for blogging from Fashion Week.' The Inspiron Mini 10 is listed with a £320 price point.

HP Patents Tablet Name

CNET reports that HP has been granted a Patent for the name 'PalmPad' early last week by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The move suggests that HP is developing a tablet device.

While HP hasn't released specific details on the PalmPad, the patent application confirms that the device encompasses 'computers, computer hardware, computer software, computer peripherals, portable computers, handheld and mobile computers, PDAs, electronic notepads, and mobile digital electronic devices.'

Earlier this year, HP halted development of the Windows 7 Slate (pictured above), and subsequently cancelled development of a planned Android-based tablet.

Read the whole article here.

Metro: 'iPhone 4 is Apple's Vista'

An article on page 16 of today's Metro compares the iPhone 4's 'death grip problem' to the disastrous 2007 launch of Window's glitch-ridden Vista operating system. The article quotes a senior Microsoft executive who ridicules the iPhone, and assures that Windows' upcoming iPhone rival--creatively named 'Windows Phone 7'--will work no matter how one chooses to hold it.

Apple's shares have dropped about £6.5billion in lieu of rumours that the iPhone 4 may be recalled. A recall would cost Apple £1.5billion.

Click the photo (above) to read the whole article.

Dell Streak in Wired

The Streak was featured in Wired's Gadet Lab section of their website. The review offers many colourful photographs and lays out all of the gadget's specifications with generally positive conclusions.

Overall, the Streak is an exciting, well-engineered device that should appeal to consumers who want to supersize their phone. But that also means its unlikely to have Apple or iPad fans quaking. The Streak seems like a tablet for a very different audience than the iPad.

Read the whole review here.

Dell Inspiron 15R Laptop Commercial

Dell's new Inspiron 15R laptop commercial is now available to watch. 'Pack less with a laptop that packs more' is the ads message, as it prompts parents to lighten their children's rucksacks by replacing unnecessary books and supplies with a laptop.

The ad cites the Inspiron 15R's Intel Core i3 Processor and $499.99 price point.

Apple Store opens in Shanghai

CNN reports that a new Apple Store opened in Shanghai, China over the weekend. And while this 295th store is now the largest in Asia, the location was barely big enough to hold the masses that flocked to see this Shanghai first.

A second Shanghai Apple Store is under construction in Hong Kong Plaza and is rumored to be opening later this summer. A possible third Shanghai store is also tentatively set to follow.

Read the full article here.

Best Buy to Sponsor O2 Arena

Best Buy have just signed a 5 year sponsorship deal with the O2 Arena where they will see benefits across the arena and indigO2 - their 2,300 capacity venue. As part of the deal Best Buy customers will get opportunities to upgrade tickets and receive VIP passes to gigs and events. To mark the deal a series of gigs will take place at the indigO2 under the heading.. 'Best Buy Presents...' To read the full article click here.

HP in iGIZMO

A colourful video advertisement for HP's TouchSmart computer features on page 18 of the online tech magazine iGIZMO.

The copy reads: 'Feel the power of entertainment/Enjoy finger-tapping touchscreen computing in the home with the HP TouchSmart/Connect to your PC like never before with the HP TouchSmart, a sleek all-in-one touchscreen computer that opens up the world of entertainment to your fingertips. Get to the point with applications and widgets built to take advantage of your index finger. Flick, pinch and slide your way around on the multi-touch screen and enjoy games, browsing, photos, or sit back and enjoy movies in high-definition anywhere in the home.'

The ad also allows for an interactive 360 degree view of the TouchSmart.

Click here to view the ad.

Tech in Style: Asus' Bound-In Insert

Asus has placed bound-in, high quality inserts in T3 and PC Pro. Flip through the insert's 16 pages bellow, or click here for a larger version.

T3 Reports on Unlocked Streak

T3 writes that the Dell Streak can now be bought SIM-free from Dell's website for £449, giving users the freedom to choose their own network. The phone is described as carbon-black with a 16GB MicroSD storage card. The article also praises Dell's free shipping.

The Streak was previously offered by O2 for £399.

Read the whole article here.