It seems like we’ve been talking about ‘smart’ devices and ‘smart’ books forever but what exactly have we got to choose from now? There’s hardly a single ‘smart’ device in the market apart from the Apple iPad; which is probably the reason for all the delays. I’ve written about this before.
Two delays to report today come from very high profile devices. The first is a delay to the Skylight, the ‘first ARM-based smartbook’ from Lenovo. Announced in Jan and said to be available through AT&T in the U.S. in April it is now delayed until July. To be honest, I don’t think many will be too worried about it. I don’t see anyone putting trust in an unknown OS on a product rumored to cost $500.
The second delay is one I’m more annoyed about because it’s a device I’m looking to buy myself. The Dell Mini 5 will launch between 3 and 6 months from now. That’s ‘launch’ which means it’s not going to be available on all carriers at the same time. I don’t know if I can wait that long although, what’s my option for a 5 inch Google Android-based device?
Meanwhile we’re still to hear about the Mobinnova Beam, the Compaq AirLife 100 and a sack full of devices we saw at CES, CeBIT and MWC. Are they all waiting for carriers to sign before they fire up the production lines?
I don’t think the Dell Mini 5 will ever come out now. Dell is having flashbacks to the days of Axim.
As for the Lenovo delay, this is actually very interesting! There’s been a rumor floating about saying Lenovo might want to acquire Palm. webOS on that thing would be very intriguing and probably far more practical than what they would have offered.
Interesting. WebOS would certainly create some buzz for both sides and in theory, porting it to the bigger screen should not present major issues. I’d like to see it happen. Foleo 2!
I think Dell may be missing a window of opportunity if the Mini 5 is still possibly 6 months away. I bought an iPad and am really liking it, but I would love a 5-7″ version, and I think Apple will come out with one in the next 6-9 months (and there are rumors to that effect). If they do, that could take the wind out of the sails of the Mini 5. It’s too bad, because after using the Archos 5 for nearly 5 months now, I think there’s a lot to like in that form factor.
i said months ago that the biggest problem with the Mini 5 is that they keep delaying it & by the time it comes out it will have been “leaked” a full YEAR prior, also the SnapDragon will be old news by then.
Dell is a company with major problems right now, slipping PC market rank, failed cellphone, which is also making them scared to even release the Mini 5.
HTC will be buying Palm, they are tired of being the “workman” without any of the recognition. they want to be a worldwide player with Apple, MS, Google, & Palms fantastic webOS is what can get them there. not Lenovo, not RIM, not Google.
why dell mini 5? because of the 5inch screen? otherwise go for an HTC Desire…just got mine yesterday…i don’t see the dell having any advantages (apart from said screen size).