Exclusive: Dell Aero hands-on and UI walkthrough (video)
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted March 29th 2010 3:33PM
posted March 29th 2010 3:33PM
Update: We've just been contacted by an AT&T spokesperson and told on no uncertain terms that the final version of the Aero will definitely have the Android Market, so that's a relief -- and it also means we should be able to get our hands on Maps, even if the firmware doesn't include it.
Update 2: We've also had Dell reach out to us, who adds that "since the Dell Aero is not generally available, this is not representative of the final product." Seems like the software deficiencies here have riled up carrier and manufacturer alike, which is probably a good thing.
So here are our main takeaways about this device:
- The form factor is very, very sleek, though it feels surprisingly light compared to a Nexus One or Droid.
- The UI has been completely reskinned, and there are multiple skins available -- but also missing is Google Maps, Gmail, and a handful of other Google-centric features...
like the Android Market. - It looks like AT&T and Dell want to turn this device into a glorified featurephone, which is a huge downer -- it's definitely loaded with AT&T bloatware.
- Dell has merged the home button and back button into a single target on the left side of the phone -- long press for home, short press for back, and it doesn't always feel very natural.
- Screen responsiveness wasn't super tight, though this is still an unreleased version, so we suppose that could change.
All in all, the Aero was somewhat of a disappointment for us. It seems that AT&T is doing just about everything it can right now to rob Android of its nerdy core and replace it with stripped down (and frankly boring) featurephone skins. We really hope that the carrier wises up and lets some "pure" Android fodder hit its airwaves -- because this is no way to treat a 'droid. Hey, at least we can still hold out hope for the Mini 5.
I guess the Streak will be more of a skidmark on the Android landscape.
Shame, shame....
If you like this hardware design and get a decent deal subsidized with a ATT plan can't you root and upload a XDA dev ROM?
PC users should feel right at home with all the crapware bundled with this phone.
What has AT&T done other than sign on as the exclusive iPhone provider. They are the worst.
Words can not describe how glad I am that I did not wait for AT&T's line up of craptacular Android phones and went for the unlocked Nexus One.
LEGEND....
I keep hoping AT&T will release an un-molested Android phone but so far they are 2 for 2. I wonder if it is something with Apple that forces them to do this?
It's a shame really, but it looks more like the Nexus One will be the ONLY way to get the correct Android experience on AT&T's network.
@Zuato thats what I'm guessing, it's the only reason that would make sense.
As a featurephone it looks awesome.
As an Android phone it looks like it has been raped and left in a ditch.
it doesn't have the market place?! I don't even know.. WTF?! I'm speechless. AT&T has truly outdone themselves.
I've tested out the Backflip after my neighbor got one. Not bad, but it's not built for heavy web surfing and multitasking. I believe the Dell Aero is going to be the same path. My opinion: both are OK for teens and adults who just want to call and text. I'm one of those adults and I'll be buying one of the two. For the rest of you, pick something else that makes you happy and stop your bitching. Keep in mind: Google sells the Nexus One for AT&T now.
@SonicGA Yes they do. Did you also notice that the Nexus One for AT&T is unsubsidized? Not because Google said no but because AT&T said no. I am willing to bet dollars to donuts (yeah I am showing my age with that one) the Verizon and Sprint Nexus will be subsidized by the carriers if you get a new contract.
@Darkseider Bugger submitted too soon. Anyway. If that doesn't scream of iPhone favoritism/sucking Steve's golden penis. i don't know what does.
@Darkseider It's been know for years that Apple and AT&T are in bed together. I don't care about how they wish to sell the Nexus One. I just want a touchscreen phone that's NOT the iPhone, but better than the quick messengers. That leaves me with the Backflip, Tilt2, Pure, and Arena (I'm due for an upgrade in two weeks). I've already nixed Garmin's device off b/c of the call quality and GPS rates.
AT&T screws with all the makers firmware, putting there services removing apps/features that are available on unlocked versions, even on there feature phones. Thanks AT&T, you making an unlocked Milestone look like a better deal. I wonder if i can get the $15 internet with an unlocked Milestone?
I paid full price for an AT&T compatible Nexus One. My fiancée has an iPhone and wants an Android phone now that she sees what my Nexus One can do. I was looking to get her a Dell Aero when it came out ... but it appears that would be doing her a disservice. I love her, and I want her to marry me, so I think she'd actually be better off with an iPhone 3GS. The Backflip looks lame, and the Aero looks mentally challenged, and I'm not paying another $530 for her to have an Android phone (I love her dearly, but she's not geeky enough to justify it) ... AT&T is really making loving Android and wanting to give AT&T money at the same time hard. Just give us stock Android and we'll give you money!!! Don't even bother wasting your time, money, and resources to differentiate yourself ... we don't want it anyway. I'll give you more money to not do anything to it!!! Seriously, I'd pay more for stock Android than any branded or expanded version of Android. Cell companies & manufacturers: your "add ons" devalue the phone!!!
Reading this reassures me that I did the right thing in selling my iphone and getting a Nexus one for ATT, and not waiting for an android phone straight from ATT.
if they do this to the Mini 5 then you can count me out of ever getting one. Thank goodness for the Evo...
Isn't this is what Open Source Android is all about?
/just reflash it
Oh Boy Thats UGLY in So many ways ....
But I bet a LOT of people will buy one - But ONY if its very cheap - And they hear that it can be rooted at some point
Salesmen could convince a mobile phone user to step up to the Latest thing - While the Vaguely Windows 3 looking interface could be reassuring - (Yellow Folders!! - The sole reason why a generation never got computers).
"Hey kids- Grandma got a Camera phone and this thing called twitteroo or some such - And hey it must be good its Made By DELL" - " I saw Dell at Wallmart - So it Must be good." .....
Yep Grandma will be suckered ...
I can only assume that This MONSTER is a joke before the Main Event - Please Dell don't shatter my Mini 6 /slate Android dreams.
Now where is this ALIENWARE ANDROID - you know THATS coming cant see it on their site yet .... http://www.Dell.com/Alienware ........
Absolute GARBAGE!!!!
Bad meaning bad, not bad meaning good! I have seen earlier posts abou
this phone and it had a 1000 mAH battery, maybe it is very efficient who
knows, but it is not starting off good. They even took away the
Marketplace, come on AT&T? Why would they do that when they should get a percentage of the apps sales you would think. The only thing that
makes since is AT&T has decided to market all Android OS phones as lower tier devices or better yet they decided to not even acknowledge the
phones that do run Android OS to the point where only techies, and
people who read these blogs would know this is an Android phone. As a
consumer on AT&T you are either going Nexus 1 for high end Android or
wait and see if the Desire or Samsung Galaxy S comes out.
I want to know what happened to the statement "...all the Android phones
must get their apps through the Android Marketplace"? They stripped the
phone so far that they don't even want to categorize it as Android
anymore. They didn't just strip the phone they, stripped, locked away
the phone and threw the key in the AT&T trash bin.
@dontbotherme
I guess it will have the Android Marketplace, still not good thought.
@dontbotherme
*though
NO NO NO NO NO!!!!! AT&T needs a decent Android phone, that's NOT an unlocked Nexus One. This is getting ridiculous. AT&T, what'd you do with my Android!?
Dell ?
You Suck.
@Flix C Agreed. I don't understand why people are only bashing AT&T for this, while Dell is the one that made the phone.
It's funny how Dell races to the scene when they want to clear up some information about an upcoming product of theirs, but they're typically AWOL when an existing customer has a problem with one of their products.
zzzzz....evo....huh? what? dell? ....zzzzzz
Dell, cut the crap. Mini 5 is what the world is waiting for.
poop on a stick...
like 5 months ago this was sweet but they have taken so long to bring it to market its now a big yawn.
The big question is, will people trust Dell on this? I was an unfortunate Dell fan, owning an Axim and the Dell DJ, and Dell just dumped them and moved on. Really, with the fact that this thing is limited in term of full Android experience, I doubt this will sell. And knowing Dell, if this doesn't sell, they would probably ditch it later too, so don't get your hopes up for any OS upgrades. I rather put my money on HTC or Motorola, since I know they are real handset manufactures. Dell is not.
I feel sorry for Dell. AT&T definitely ruined their sales on this one....
Looks VERY un-smartphone-like... Scary!
This is an Epic FAIL!!
Man AT&T your really starting to piss me off man. IF YOU DON'T GET A GOOD ANDROID PHONE NEXT i'm CUTTING MY SERVICE OFF FROM YOU FOR GOOD. You keep fucking up the software. And TO YOU DELL YOUR PHONE SUCK ASS. I mean look at the size of the keyboard how the hell are you going to text with that dumb crap? IF YOU DON'T GET A GOOD ANDROID PHONE I'M LEAVING AND GOING TO SPRINT.
Why does everyone keep calling this AT&T's 2nd Android phone? The 2nd and only real Android phone on AT&T is the AT&T/Rogers Nexus One. That is how you get a good Android phone on AT&T, not an Android feature phone like the Backflip and Aero. On a related note, Verizon has the tied-for-best Google Experience phone and the second-best HTC Sense phone. Droid Eris 2.1 here and loving it.