The much-talked-about Dell Streak is finally scheduled for release, albeit exclusively to the UK's O2 network for the time being. The 5-inch touchscreen device is billed as slotting in "between traditional smartphones and larger-screen tablets" and features a 1GHz processor, 2GB of internal memory and runs on Google's Android operating system.
Dell reckons that the Streak's "5-inch screen is large enough to present Web pages in their natural form, create a comfortable viewing experience, and make turn-by-turn navigation simple and safe." Given the size of the mini-tablet's capacitive multi-touch WVGA 800 x 480 display, it's probably not going to chip away at iPad's current dominance of the tablet market. It's perhaps more of a threat to the niche chiseled out by the Archos 5, which may have a slower processor but offers but much larger storage options and USB connectivity too.
The Streak is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon architecture with an integrated 1GHz ARM processor and currently runs on the Android 1.6 operating system with Dell user interface enhancements, with useful support for wireless updates and system upgrades (including a scheduled OS upgrade later in the year). The 2GB of internal memory is expandable to 32GB via microSD, considered more than enough to provide users with "plenty of space to access and download Google Android Market's many options." WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G options will be available at launch.
The device also offers turn-by-turn navigation courtesy of Google Maps, a removable battery and a built-in 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash and social networking integration, which will no doubt help keep users in the frame.
The Streak will be available exclusively from early June at high street branches of O2 and online at both O2 and the Carphone Warehouse. Information on pricing and tariff is yet to be announced. Dell has also hinted at a U.S. release towards the end of summer.