Dell today announced that U.S.-based AT&T will become the next mobile operator to offer a smart phone from the Mini 3 Android-based lineup. Over the past two months, Dell has established smart phone arrangements with leading mobile operators including the world’s largest, China Mobile, Claro in Brazil, and now AT&T with the nation’s fastest 3G network.
Mini 3 smart phones create an easy-to-use mobile Internet experience. The Android-based platform gives the Mini 3 optimal power, flexibility and customization opportunities for both users and operators. Collaboration between Dell and AT&T combines the very best in performance and style. And, with AT&T’s largest Wi-Fi hotspot network, and fastest 3G network, Dell and AT&T will provide today’s social media mavens with the ability to simultaneously Tweet friends, post Facebook updates, share pictures and browse the Web.
Today’s announcement builds upon Dell’s mobile strategy of delivering communications solutions for wireless operators and their dedicated customers. Dell works with select operators around the world to make the most of their customers’ mobile experiences – on any network and using any application.
The arrangement with AT&T is part of Dell’s continued focus on developing smart mobile products and services through value-added relationships with leading operators. Dell has existing arrangements with other leading global telecom providers, including Vodafone in Europe, Australia and New Zealand; AT&T in the United States; M1 and Starhub in Singapore; Maxis in Malaysia; China Mobile in China; and Claro in Brazil – each creating more opportunities to meet the needs of the connected lifestyle.
Dell has contact with and listens to the requirements of millions of customers. In addition, a recent Dell-sponsored study of more than 1,500 people provides keen insight into what makes the best smart phone and mobile experience. Study highlights include:
• Eighty-two percent of those who own smart phones said they would not leave home without them
• Eighty-six percent of survey respondents under age 35 say that personalized software and features on smart phones are important
• More than half say they wish there were more smart phone options available in the marketplace
• Seventy-six percent say they would consider new smart phone devices from a well-known technology brand
• Nearly 90 percent say they would consider purchasing a smart phone from a highly regarded technology company as an alternative to leading smart phone manufacturers
MacDailyNews Take: Well, that disqualifies Dell.
“Smart phones are an extension of Dell’s strategy to develop intelligent and more mobile products that meet the needs of operators and customers,” said Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions. “The Mini 3 is a result of listening to customers and creating products that allow people to do the things they want, whenever and wherever they want to do them.”
“As the leader in smart phones, AT&T makes a great match with Dell to introduce the next Mini 3,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “We offer our customers what no one else can, the nation’s fastest 3G network, the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network and now, Dell’s first smart phone in the U.S.”
Details about Dell’s Mini 3 will be announced by AT&T closer to device availability expected during the first half of 2010.
Source: Dell
LOL, did they pay Rob Enderle for that survey?
“…Collaboration between Dell and AT&T;combines the very best in performance and style…”
Dell, yeah right. That’s funny.
Won’t be long till there is outrage over this not being offered by Verizon….only this time it will be ATT complaining….
“…Dell’s strategy to develop intelligent and more mobile products…”
That’s even funnier. Dell builds crap. Their strategy has always been build crap and sluff it off on the uninformed.
It is apparent that the iPhone exclusive is coming to an end for at&t;. Though they will continue to offer it, they will have to have many other options to make up for the loss (if they can) to other carriers.
“As the leader in smart phones…” that means they have the iPhone.
@Tezza
Apparently you are new to the technology news space where for many years Apple had the “beleaguered” label tagged to its name by all tech pundits.
This and the fact that Dell was less than courteous about Apple’s fate, its shareholders and how poorly Dell is currently performing is more than enough of a reason to apply the “beleaguered” label to its name. Trust me, they asked for it.
It is also very satisfying for us inbreds!
Dell= truth is we need the money and Apple is hauling money away! We want a slice since our computer business sucks because we make pennies on a dollar!
We want to be Apple! Just we have no one worth a damn!
What will happen to the ATT network with the increased load Dell will bring?!?!?
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The only thing I don’t get is why they went with the Google’s Android and not Windows Mobile? Dell has a great partnership going with Microsoft.
Your potential. Our passion.™
I guess Tezza’s post got censured. Not sure why.
The most stupid responses where….
“More than half say they wish there were more smart phone options available in the marketplace”
Does that means that even if the phone is very crappy they are going to buy it only to have an “option”, If all the phones in the world where iPhones you will prefer a crappy LG just because you want a different option?
I believe those are very stupid responses because it reflects that people are not looking for a good product,they are looking for a ‘condition”, they don’t want service, support, easy of use, functions, they just want many different phones. Definitively that is a Dell market.
“MacDailyNews Take: Well, that disqualifies Dell.”
Hahahahaha. Perfect!
Today’s announcement builds upon Dell’s mobile strategy of delivering communications solutions for wireless operators and their dedicated customers.
What the Hell is he talking about? Dell didn’t HAVE a mobile strategy before this announcement.
@TowerTone
Loved the post!!! Not just loved it, but LOL Loved the post!!
> they would consider purchasing a smart phone from a highly regarded technology company as an alternative to leading smart phone manufacturers
So is Apple a “highly regarded technology company” or a “leading smart phone manufacturer”?
If the customers goes with an iPhone, they are choosing a “highly regarded technology company” that is a “leading smart phone manufacturer.”
Dell went with what will make them the most money. Microsoft is failing poorly and other companies are eating their lunch.
Besides, remember Plays fo Sure? Sure didn’t play for sure did it? Well you can bet a lot of companies remember that and do not want to deal with Microsoft pulling another dumb ass stunt with them involved.
A good bottle of those blue pills for old men may help Micro”soft” get a little rigid so it can stand upright in the market.
@Zune Tang….cause not even Dell is stupid enough to do that?
Shows just how horrible the windows mobile experience is….
Tech companies just don’t get it… Why the hell name something Mini 3? Has there been a one? It’s like nexus one and chrome, the names just suck…
WTH is a “value-added relationship”? As opposed to what??
What an enlightening study Dell bases their phone on! And just as useful as the answer to “Have you stopped beating yourself?” question…
A crappy hardware company combined with a crappy wireless provider. Worldclass indeed.
@Tezza, if you really have been following the tech scene, then you would KNOW that the beleaguered appendage is an inside joke as it used to be attached to Apple.
@ ZuneTang: “The only thing I don’t get is why they went with the Google’s Android and not Windows Mobile? Dell has a great partnership going with Microsoft.”
Maybe they’re tired of Microsoft cutting into their bottom line and decided to go with a free OS that is pretty much equal all on fronts?
Android doesn’t really offer much more than Windows Mobile, other than it’s free, modernized and available now. I suppose Dell could wait for Windows Mobile 7 later this year, which could potentially bring its features on par with Android 2.0, but why wait. And who really knows when WinMo 7 will actually be released?
The likes of Apple and RIM have pushed Microsoft into irrelevance, Google will help push them completely out of the smart phone market.
MDN take is pure genius