Dell 'Streak' Android-Powered 5-Inch MID Leaks

It looks like Dell’s rumored slightly-larger-than-an-iPod-touch Android MID that we heard about back in late June has finally seen the light of day.

Apparently called the Dell Streak (I hope that’s not the final product name), it’s a 5-inch mobile internet device similar to the recently-released Archos 5 Internet Tablet with the added functionality of 3G wireless data connectivity.

The actual hardware is labeled as an “engineering sample” with a US-based model number, so it could still be a while until we actually see the finished product here. That being said, early specs include a 5-inch touchscreen with 800×480 resolution, Android 2.0 (Donut), Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/3G (it has a SIM card slot), 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, microSD expansion slot, and a 1300mAh-capacity battery.

Meet the Dell 'Streak', a 5-inch Android-powered MID that packs a 800x480 capacitive touchscreen (with multitouch!), 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, and runs Android 2.0 'Eclair'. There are also 3 touch sensitive buttons on the right side and what appears to be a front-facing camera for video conferencing. This isn't a complete surprise since we've heard of Dell's interest in creating an Android-powered, iPod Touch competitor before, but it's certainly an exciting proposition.

After the US was initially ignored by the China-only Dell mini 3i smartphone, it looks like Dell is re-focusing on their home market. Reports have shown that the Dell mini 3i will makes its way to the US market and the 'Streak' should follow suit.

What do you guys think?

Hit the jump for a video look of the Dell 'Streak' Android MID!After Dell CEO Michael Dell confirmed that the company’s Android smartphone would, in fact, make it to the US – albeit with some changes from the original Chinese model – details of a second Android-based device have leaked. According to Tinhte.com and another image supplied to SlashGear, you’re looking at the Dell Streak, a 5-inch WVGA 800 x 480 touchscreen Android 2.0 Donut MID, with WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G WWAN connectivity. Front photos of the Dell Streak – together with size comparison shots – in the gallery, together with a hands-on video after the cut.

The Dell Streak – as the prototype is labelled – also has a 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, a microSD card slot and a 1,300mAh battery. Hands-on feedback is scant, aside from that the WiFi was very sensitive. From the video, below, we can see that hardware controls are minimal, with three touch-sensitive buttons along the right-hand side of the display and volume controls – together with a camera shortcut and an unknown key – on the top edge. A multifunction dock connector is on the bottom edge, and there appears to be a front-facing camera – presumably for video calls – on the left-hand side of the display. On the “engineering sample” label, meanwhile, the model variant is listed as “US”, suggesting that at least prototypes using US-spec 3G are being tested.

The existence of the device fits in with rumors from back in June, when the Wall Street Journal reported that Dell had been developing Android MID prototypes. Described as “larger than Apple’s iPod touch”, the speculation was fuelled by later comments from Dell’s consumer devision president, Ronald Garriques, who suggested that the company was considering screen sizes ranging from 4- to 12-inches.