Dell announced that it will take pre-orders for its Dell Streak Android tablet on Thursday, with sales beginning the next day. Selling for $300 with a new two-year AT&T contract, and $550 without, the Dell Streak is as much a large phone as it is a tablet, offering voice telephony as well as a five-inch, WVGA display.

Dell does not appear to have added any new details to what has been learned from the previous Streak announcements, except for announcing AT&T's (already expected) participation. After about six months of leaks and rumors, in late May Dell formally unveiled the hybrid device, which combines elements of a tablet, MID, and smartphone. In early June, the company announced that the phone was going on sale in the U.K. on O2's network, and also tipped a U.S. launch.
 

Dell Streak in official AT&T portrait
(Click to enlarge)

At the time, the computer maker said that it would sell the unlocked version of the Streak for $500. Regrettably, the price has gone up another $50, but with the $300 subsidized price available from AT&T, the Streak at least seems more affordable.

Although the Streak has received several positive reviews, the fact is that 4.3-inch Android phones with similar high-end features such as the Droid X are available for only $200 plus contract. In short, the Streak seems overpriced, especially since it still runs Android 1.6. An Android 2.2 update is promised for later in the year, so the smart move may be to wait and hope for an interim price cut.

The Dell Streak is equipped with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and 2GB of internal storage, and a microSD slot that can hold cards up to 32GB, says Dell. The device also offers a five-inch capacitive, multi-touch display with WVGA resolution, says the company.

The Streak is also said to supply Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G connectivity. The latter is via a UMTS/GPRS/EDGE class 12 GSM radio with speeds of up to 7.2Mbps (HSDPA), according to Dell.

Dell Streak at an angle

The Streak offers a five-megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash, as well as a front-facing VGA camera, according to Dell. Other features are said to include a 3.5mm audio jack. The software bundle includes Android 1.6, Android Market and Google Maps Navigation, among other apps.

Stated Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solution, "The Dell Streak has found a way to fit your whole world in a five-inch screen. Its unique size will help people discover new ways to enjoy the web, connect with friends, and navigate their lives."

Availability

The Dell Streak is available for $300 with a new two-year AT&T contract, and $550 without a contract, says Dell. U.S. pre-sales for priority registrants begin Thursday, Aug. 12. General availability follows a day later at the same website, here.

Customers who purchase the Streak, and who signed up during the pre-sale program, will receive a free second-day shipping upgrade, says Dell. Customers who redeem their pre-sale coupon can purchase a Plantronics Bluetooth earpiece for 99 cents while supplies last, says the company.

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