Dell kinda sorta nixes the SideShow-enabled Bluetooth MP3 player?

Remember Dell's SideShow-enabled MP3 player with Bluetooth we saw up close and personal at CES? Yeah, that one. Well, we just received a purported internal Dell document stating that, "No, Dell isn't re-entering the MP3 market." According to the memo we received, the device was presented by an overzealous vendor who was "shopping the idea to Dell and took things a little too far." The memo states that the vendor was "totally out of line to release any information to a 3rd party source such as Engadget." However, it seems that Dell's Latitude team is in fact considering the device, but "still hasn't decided whether they want to proceed or not." Hell, even if they don't pick it up there's always the chance that someone else will -- someone like MSI whose logo was also seen getting friendly with the player. Full text for your perusal after the break.

"Here's some info from our product brand manager:


There was a lot of confusion regarding this product last week. In a nutshell:

No, Dell isn't re-entering the MP3 market. The situation is that one of our vendors put together a prototype of a handheld that interacted with Latitude laptops.

The prototype included Dell's logo - however, the Latitude team still hasn't decided whether they want to proceed or not. (In other words, the vendor was totally out of line to release any information to a 3rd party source such as engadget. They were "shopping" the idea to Dell and took things a little too far.)

The actual device is not really an MP3 player - its more of a portable device that would allow people to download their calendar and contact info to a handheld out of their Latitude computer.

So, if you get questions about this, reassure people that at this time the device shown is not something on our roadmaps but as usual, Dell will continue to evaluate new technologies."

[Tom @ Jan 19th 2007 10:01AM]

Nice improvement on their last pos.

[Ian Jardine @ Jan 19th 2007 10:19AM]

By Apple's preannouncem,ent of their new mp3 phone who knows what comptitors might be hot to release. It isn't the tech of the new Apple phone which is startly, but the good reception the concept received. Thus more "names" might well consider rebadging some of the many devices which are currentl;y being shown around.

[Scabies @ Jan 19th 2007 11:00AM]

Dang, I was pretty much excited about this. Though, without MP3 functionality (and being snuffed in general) kinda turns me off.

[batfastad @ Jan 19th 2007 11:36AM]

Almost looks like a Meizu Mini player, but not as good.

[macona @ Jan 19th 2007 1:06PM]

Sounds like a easy way to test the market on a mp3 player without committing to manufacture it. If people see it and like it they will sell it, if not, they will disavow all knowledge and self-destruct after 5 seconds.

[Danny @ Jan 21st 2007 7:06PM]

I would stay away from any Dell MP3 player. Thier last attempt at a MP3 player line was very short lived and left owners with little support. My Dell DJ Gen 2 20 GB player's battery died just after the year warranty ran out. I called Dell to get a replacement battery and was told they no longer sell or service the units and I could only exchange it for a refurbished unit at $179. Well I paid $200 for it new... I can buy a mew player for a bit get a new play Stay away!