On Feb. 15th, Dell is set to publicly announce the Mini 5 tablet computer. The Mini 5 will offer voice functions as well as data connectivity via its 3G radio. The Mini 5 sits at the intersection of smart phone and tablet computer.
As the name suggests, the Mini 5 has a 4.8 inch (diagonal) screen, which is a capacitive touch-enabled model. The screen display is 480x800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of almost 200 pixels per inch (translation: Screen images are sharp.) For comparison, the iPhone screen is 3.5 inches diagonally, and has a resolution of 480x320 (160 ppi).
The 5 inch size can be held in one hand, at least in a typical man's hand
Compared to a smartphone, the Mini 5's increased screen size makes the on-screen keyboard easy to use.
These photos from Engadget.com. See more at
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/dell-mini-5-we-have-it/
A very brief video of Michael Dell showing off the Mini 5 is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjBcv9iZinY
The Mini 5 uses some form of ARM processor (reportedly a Qualcomm Snapdragon) and runs the Android OS that Google developed for smart phones. Dell has modified Android to meet its needs, so it's unlikely that the Mini 5 will be able to take advantage of third party applications from the Android Market.
The Mini 5 is well equipped. It has GPS and an accelerometer for navigation. WiFi and Bluetooth communication are included. The camera is a 5 megapixel model, mounted on the back so you can see the LCD as you snap the photo. A second camera is built into the front of the Mini 5, making video conferencing possible.
Dell is promoting the Mini 5 as a multimedia player as well as phone and computer. High definition TV uses a screen size ratio of 16 by 9. which would work out well on this screen (800 pixels wide, 450 high would fill the screen, leaving a little space at the bottom). The Mini 5 has an HDMI output, allowing connection to many LCD TVs and AV receivers. Some new computer monitors have an HDMI input as well.
Guesses as to the price of the Dell Mini 5 range from $300 to $500. We'll learn more shortly.
Dell is also expected to announce the Mini 3, a smartphone about the same size as the iPhone. It won't have all the features of the Mini 5.
As the name suggests, the Mini 5 has a 4.8 inch (diagonal) screen, which is a capacitive touch-enabled model. The screen display is 480x800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of almost 200 pixels per inch (translation: Screen images are sharp.) For comparison, the iPhone screen is 3.5 inches diagonally, and has a resolution of 480x320 (160 ppi).
The 5 inch size can be held in one hand, at least in a typical man's hand
Compared to a smartphone, the Mini 5's increased screen size makes the on-screen keyboard easy to use.
These photos from Engadget.com. See more at
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/dell-mini-5-we-have-it/
A very brief video of Michael Dell showing off the Mini 5 is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjBcv9iZinY
The Mini 5 uses some form of ARM processor (reportedly a Qualcomm Snapdragon) and runs the Android OS that Google developed for smart phones. Dell has modified Android to meet its needs, so it's unlikely that the Mini 5 will be able to take advantage of third party applications from the Android Market.
The Mini 5 is well equipped. It has GPS and an accelerometer for navigation. WiFi and Bluetooth communication are included. The camera is a 5 megapixel model, mounted on the back so you can see the LCD as you snap the photo. A second camera is built into the front of the Mini 5, making video conferencing possible.
Dell is promoting the Mini 5 as a multimedia player as well as phone and computer. High definition TV uses a screen size ratio of 16 by 9. which would work out well on this screen (800 pixels wide, 450 high would fill the screen, leaving a little space at the bottom). The Mini 5 has an HDMI output, allowing connection to many LCD TVs and AV receivers. Some new computer monitors have an HDMI input as well.
Guesses as to the price of the Dell Mini 5 range from $300 to $500. We'll learn more shortly.
Dell is also expected to announce the Mini 3, a smartphone about the same size as the iPhone. It won't have all the features of the Mini 5.