Dell Streak free on contract in UK, assuming £25 monthly plan
By Sean Hollister 
posted June 1st 2010 1:11AM
posted June 1st 2010 1:11AM
The Dell Streak Tablet arrives at The Carphone Warehouse
The Carphone Warehouse is today announcing that it will be the exclusive independent retailer of the Dell Streak Tablet at launch in the UK from June 4 2010. Available on O2, the Android-based tablet offers power and portability to enable people to watch, surf, connect, listen and play on the move.
The Dell Streak leverages Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon mobile processor to combine the functionality, performance, and benefits of a laptop in a pocket-friendly size. The spacious 5-inch screen is ideal when browsing the internet, enabling users to view web pages as they were intended. Plus, the Streak will be able to support future internet plug-ins, such as Flash 10.1 and video chat applications through over-the-air updates.
There's built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G connectivity, enabling easy access to download music, update social networking status' in real-time, and stay connected to friends and family through e-mail, text, IM, and voice calls. The integrated Google Maps provides turn-by-turn navigation and street and satellite views, while additional widgets, games and applications can also be downloaded from the 30,000 plus offered in the Google Android Market.
Andrew Harrison, UK CEO of The Carphone Warehouse said, "The Dell Streak represents the start of a very exciting technological advancement. The move into tablets means we can offer our customers the functionality of laptops combined with the portability of mobile phones, creating an entirely new range of products that will allow our customers to stay connected on the go. As development progresses, we look forward to increasing this range, so customers can be sure they are getting the very latest models on the market."
Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions Group said "The Dell Streak hits the sweet spot between traditional smartphones and larger-screen tablets. Its unique size provides people new ways to enjoy, connect, and navigate their lives."
Notes to Editors
The Dell Streak will be available from 4 June in selected stores of The Carphone Warehouse. The tablet will be available for free on a £25 a month contract with mobile broadband, for free on a £35 a month contract with voice and unlimited data or for a standalone price of £429.
Tell me again why a 5 inch phone costs upwards of $600 USD when you can get a netbook for much less?
An intel processor plus Windows license is adding much more to the cost then any of the components combined on these phones.
These companies know they can charge that much and get away with excess profits; its a bit ridiculous honestly.
@beachballofdeath but does a netbook give you this portability?
@beachballofdeath
Innovation is expensive. The manufacturing plants for these things costs a load of money. not to mention that most netbooks are made on the same or nearly identical boards/cases. Try making a costum processor and see how much that runs you.
@beachballofdeath
I would hazard the touchscreen and 3G technology added to it. Remember, not everyone wants a netbook.
@beachballofdeath Shit man, where are the contract Free devices? This is why I like Apple. They have something that's close to the big boy (iPhone). WTF HTC? Other Android device makers? Come on. You make an AWESOME phone. That EASILY translates into GODLY PMP.
HTC. GIVE ME AN EVO PMP.
@Teslanaut
You can go to numerous websites and buy contract free phones, you are just going to be paying extortionate prices.
For those saying the custom processor costs alot, theres several ARM based fab companies that produce these chips at pretty low costs.
Yes the manufacturing for this device will cost a pretty penny but its no where near the amount justified to create a device like this. No ones spending more on manufacturing then the parts inside it or even close.
Regarding portability, this doesnt have that. No ones carrying a 5 inch phone in their pants; its too big. It's the same reason the ipad is a failure; you are limited to where you can carry these dumb devices and they dont offer the protection laptops/netbooks have - A LID which protects the screen.
@beachballofdeath
cough, SONY, cough. PS3.
They lost money on that device for over 2 years.
I don't think that's the case with Dell, but since they are totally new to the phone market... their cost of production is probably way higher then players like HTC... I do think that the price currently is very reasonable.
@beachballofdeath
ever hear of gorilla glass?
That's what this device uses.
@Teslanaut
The reason is Google isn't planning to move to PMPs with Android. Currently the licensing for Google branded apps (Market, Maps, gmail, youtube) requires minimal specs like a camera, GPS, 3G, accelerometer/compass, etc. These are specs most PMPs do not have. This makes it so if you want a cheap Android PMP, you will have to make do without those core apps and most likely go with smaller less legit manufacturers. I don't see any indication Google wants Android to move to the PMP market, they might make a move to tablets though (although they seem to want ChromeOS to play that role).
@beachballofdeath
The Streak still fits into jacket pockets and purses (and larger pants pockets, for example cargo pants), can't say the same of a netbook or an iPad.
Also with a phone you have to go through certification for all the radios, which costs more money.
@beachballofdeath
Just a correction, this device fits in yout pockets as long as you don't wear skinny jeans. And unlike the iPad, it's small enough to throw into your jacket pocket, suit pocket, side pouch of your bag, waist pouch, cargo pants pouch; or if you're like me, you just hold it, which this size is certainly easy enough to hold comfortably like a phone.
It certainly is a lot more portable/mobile than a bigger tablet.
@beachballofdeath
429 for a 5", Apple is giving me a 10" for that price…this is going to flop if pricing isn't changed soooooooon
@GadgetFunkie well u are totally right if u compare it to the iPad. but if u are like me, a person who doesn't have a smartphone (or looking to upgrade) nor a tablet. then for the same amount of an iPad u r getting a tablet AND a smartphone. It's not for everybody but some people fit the profile. PLUS THE UNBREAKABLE screen is really cool (the number one reason i'm afraid to buy iDevices- glass i luxury but i'll break it in the matter of days)
@GadgetFunkie
Even at the same price as an ipad the dell streak is cheap. You may not forget that this is more a phone than rather just a tablet...
What can you do more with 7 inch that you can't with a 5 inch device? NOTHING!!! The 5 inch device is even much more easy to carry around everywhere you go.
So please it s not because some of you are addicted to apple that everything other than an i-p.. is shit!!
THANKS DELL!!!
AND HURRY UP WITH 2.2 PLZ
@thede Amen! I cant wait to get my hands on it!
@beachballofdeath
Hey, isn't the Evo 450 off contract?
@GadgetFunkie
But it can do more than the current iPad can, does that matter or are you just worried about size?
@beachballofdeath - you might want to Google or BING the difference between a network and a smart-phone. Jackass.
@tu eres estupido Well, the gorilla LCD screen previewed before was really cool. Although I think O2 is not the way to go for here. http://j.mp/tabletstreak-from-dell
"What can you do more with 7 inch that you can't with a 5 inch device? NOTHING!!!"
That's NOT what she said !! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
@GadgetFunkie
keep in mind this is a phone too. Has 3g+wifi=500$. Ipad with those features minus the phone will go for over 1k. Now do still think they should re-price a unlocked device? This can easily be 100$ or free on contract.
@Oldarney
These devices barley cost 50% of the sales cost to make. It shows you the demand in the market and competition. The ps3 cost so much because it was using a server IBM cpu, an nvidia gpu and more rare high speed ram. Theres only 3 major console players vs. loads of cellphone manufacturers. Much different from embedded devices like this. I'm sure they break even with software and production costs.
Hmm shit just got real
@SteveyAyo
Certainly did, the waiting is nearly over.
£429? Cheap!! Im going to be there early to grab one. Good to see data only plans too.
*changes his pants* This is too good to be true... definitely won't be free on AT&T
Atleast they'll throw in dropped calls and shitty 3G, it's a deal if you ask me.
@ROFL don't forget the deadzone at your house... that's what the $17 activation fee goes towards
@tu eres estupido why are you changing your pants? it's streak-free!
@tu eres estupido
Considering how the price of the pre plus on verizon is 1/3 of what it is on ATT, I wouldn't be surprised to see this thing pop up for 400 after subsidies and rebates.
@tu eres estupido
hah... guarantee that will be 200 on at&t after rebates... i wish we had that O2 style plan here.
@tu eres estupido It's about time AT&T gave us customers something like this for free! It would be their first high-end android phablet or phone or tablet or whatever...
Its a cool little gadget...but lets see how cool you look holding a device bigger than you're face next to your ear.
Would NEVER consider using this as a cellphone.
@beatboiii
Bluetooth.
@beatboiii
Buy a damn bluetooth you noob.
@beatboiii speakerphone?
@CJisohsocool Oh cool so lets have a device with a 5 inch screen and have bluetooth on the all the time!
How much battery life would that give you?
@beatboiii less than using the screen next to your ear... the bluetooth is efficient tech
@beatboiii
Some of us are proud to be geeks. If it still fits in one hand, I Want One. I don't mind looking white and nerdy.
@beatboiii
Ever heard of speakerphone? and it has a removable battery too.
@tu eres estupido Android doesnt have the best battery life to begin with. Couple that with the fact that the screen is massive (for a phone) and bluetooth enabled all day long your battery WILL drain quickly.
Speakerphone is not a viable option unless you guys all want everyone else around you to hear your business
@beatboiii
Android is great for battery life. And seriously. Theres bluetooth, speakerphone, headphones with mics, etc. And really, holding it up to your head isnt going to kill you. And im pretty sure the people who want this wont really care about it
@beatboiii you are definitely mixing up webos and android buddy
@beatboiii
I would be fine holding it up to my face, who cares what other people think. Especially since this device kicks ass!
@tu eres estupido Never used WebOs. I use a Droid and the battery life is ok at best...assuming I browse the net a little bit, text here and there and barely use the phone. The Evo only puts out 6 hrs of battery life with a 4.3 inch screen! I cant see how Dell can manage to do better but its possible. At the end of the day its all up to preference...but id def never consider this as a phone.
@beatboiii How much bigger is the battery on this compared to the Evo? I wanna know.
@ASRRGR
"Who cares about what others think, this device is awesome"
I agree to the highest degree. Oh, and the battery life has as much to do with the os as it does with the hardware. My touch pro 2 with android hacked on it has a browsing battery life comparable to that of my BB 8900. On the other hand, the TP2 is a business bulky phone.
@beatboiii
It has a relatively tiny battery... very similar to a standard phone... search engadget, they stripped it.
@beatboiii
How can the EVO be that bad?
My HD2 lasts between 12 and 15 hours with moderate use. Light use I can stretch that to nearly 40.
@jon
I don't think we are getting anywhere... the type of use that you give the phone makes the battery life vary like the weather. The procesor acountly for over half of the power consumption. My TP2 dies in less then 2:30 with NFS. my nearly new macbook, which supposedly lasts 6+ hours dies in no more then 1:40 with S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
@beatboiii You need to be broken of the habit of holding it up to your face anyways. Dell is doing you a favor. I love that its got some of the extra screen real-estate of an iPad while still being able to fit in a pocket. Seems like the best possible compromise.
@beatboiii I use my current android phone for texting, email and web access all the time. I use it to make phone calls maybe half a dozen times a month. I think the occasional nuisance of holding a slightly-larger-than-average phone to my head is more than balanced out by the awesome display which I will use many times per day.