Dell Sparta and Athens netbooks, Looking Glass Pro and Streak variants teased on Android roadmap
By Richard Lai 
posted April 25th 2010 10:47AM
posted April 25th 2010 10:47AM
Good morning to you too, Dell! Android Central's just gotten hold of yet another leak from the Texan computer giant, only this time we have two new Android or Linux (as suggested by the Tux icon) Moblin devices. First, we have the Sparta "netbook tablet" featuring an 11-inch 1024 x 768 TFT display, ARM processor, optional connectivity modules (3G, WiFi, Bluetooth) and a unique swivel mechanism -- the screen appears to be rotatable within its frame. The second device is the Athens sub-0.9kg (1.98 pounds) netbook sporting the same screen size, ARM processor and optional connectivity modules. If all goes well, the Sparta and Athens should be launched in early and late Autumn respectively, but there's a lot more so keep reading after the break.
Update: thanks for pointing out the Moblin logo, thoughtmonster!
Update: thanks for pointing out the Moblin logo, thoughtmonster!
Another semi-new device is the 7-inch Looking Glass Pro Android tablet, which appears to be just the Looking Glass with an "HD screen" and digital TV tuner by default. The dotted line around this variant's roadmap window suggests its Q1 2011 release date isn't set in stone (if it ever comes out, that is). Regardless, we're rather puzzled by a couple of spots here: the 800 x 600 resolution contradicts with the 800 x 480 in the slides we received, and likewise with the August-October launch window here rather than the November launch date that we were told.
Last but not least, it looks like the Streak will be released in at least three flavors -- the US (T-Mobile) and European (Vodafone) variants coming in the summer, and a Chinese version shipping in Q4. All three major carriers in China -- China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile -- are abbreviated here, so maybe we'll see three sub-variants to cater the three 3G radios.
Now, we're not saying these dates are solid -- the previously-mentioned contradictions plus other bits and pieces here ("Bender" is the old name for ASTRO the file management app; "Windows Mobile" instead of "Windows Phone 7"; Moblin instead of MeeGo) are tell-tale signs that this is an old roadmap, but hey, at least we get to have a glimpse at the two new netbooks.
That tux icon is the Moblin logo.
it's fiscal year.following engadget's article a few days ago you'll notice that streak will be out in september this year and in the the photo is says 2011..so for example thunder is due to q4 2010...
They need to standardize their android product line. Its confusing as hell of all the gadgets Dell is turning out so quickly. Plus thinking leaking info so early is nothing short of dumb.
I thought the Streak was gonna be for AT&T. Is there a version coming for them and Tmo?
@Waltah
I really hope so, so AT&T doesn't take a shit on the streak's software like every other android...
I kinda wish they'd consolidate all of these great looking products a bit, but overall, I'm happy to see the market getting filled with CHOICE. Android is an amazing OS btw... Just wow in terms of what it's doing right now.
I wonder how Chrome OS is going to trump it though.. like.. can you still use the Android Market? Cause that'd be AWESOME.
Wow, is "Bender" the UI that Dell is using for Android? Because Bender rules.
@Jimbo: Nevermind....that'll teach me to read the WHOLE post before commenting.
@Jimbo No. The UI's called Stage; Bender is an app (as explained in the article).
What a boring roadmap. Not a single device is really outstanding or special even if they where to be released today.
Sometimes I wonder if these company's are even trying to compete with apple. The technology to beat the iPad exists yet no company makes use of it.
@All
Downrank me all you want but i'm really not impressed with this.
Atm notion ink's adam is the only tablet that impresses me and it's my standard (on paper) for a tablet.
Dear Dell, either start releasing the products (streak first?) or tighten your leak hole. Pl be informed, the longer you delay, the more your research $$$ goes down the drain... Just sayin!
the athens is HOT...2 pounds!
Ahahahaha!
Dell Streak - AT&T got the BOOT !!!
Probably because they're too busy drinking all the apple kool-aid? Hahaha
@Johnny Rockets
there's probably gonna be two versions released
@Johnny Rockets Dell will release the streak on AT&T also if they know what's good for them. I've been itching for this since it's announcement, don't let me down Dell, and AT&T!
@XChrisX I share your enthusiasm, but recent device releases have shown that "what's good for them" with AT&T is carrier-mandated gimping of software.
By the by, has anyone else noticed in the new commercials for the Backflip (ok, ok, Backflop) never even mention it has Android?
I hate it when phones like the streak leak super early because by the time they do finally come out I eventually lose interest.
So we'll probably be seeing MeeGo versions of some of this stuff. Awesome!
Richard, you're my favorite Engadget writer.
@xbit
I'm sure he's happy to hear that. Your new Dell Streak is on it's way.
I really like where Dell is headed with some of this stuff, but honestly, if Apple lowers the ipad price to $399 like they've hinted at, this will all die a fiery death. Unless ChromeOS comes and delivers.
With all of these Android tablet (rumored) to be released, I hope Google intends to officially support the tablet form factor, and higher screen resolutions in the future.
Boy... Dell NDAs must have more leaks in them than a 1912 Irish-built oceanliner.
2011 q2, thats too long, we'll have ipad 2Gen by then.
@kvikramg Not 2011 -- that's the fiscal year. Just look at the months and ignore the fiscal year line.
GPU will be ... ?
the thunder comes in white?
The Streak isn't coming to AT&T as originally expected?!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
K, So im confused, Is the Dell Streak coming out next month.. or next year?
Is there an error with the labelling for the months?
Q4 FY10 is shown ending in Jan'10 while Q4 FY11 is shown ending in "Jan" with the month right before it labelled as Dec'11
So which is it?
@adamnair8 The "Dec '11" should be an error -- it's definitely Dec '10.
Damn... I'm stuck getting an iPhone 4 if the Streak heads to T-Mo, I have a family plan and won't switch carriers...
I want out of iPhone Hell, and the Streak looked like it would be my escape vessel.
:(
@todrick
Yeah I'm very Disappointed, I really wanted that Streak on AT&T too what a total let down. I'm not sure if I wanna switch carriers.
Whoa! I'm loving the look of that Sparta!
If that has a nice chipset and battery life I'm going to be all over that this Christmas! But a device needs google to let it have access to the application market right? I don't see why they wouldn't do that for a company like Dell..
The Sparta looks like a refresh of the old Vadem Clio/Sharp Tripad design. See: http://www.pocketpccity.com/articles/1998/10/1998-10-10-Vadem-Clio-Frist.html
The Sparta may be innovative, but it is hardly a new concept.