STORAGE MEMORY: (2GB internal
memory and microSD card expandable to 32GB)
WIRELESS 3G (Yes/No): Yes
CARRIER: AT&T
3G
RATING:
PRICE:
Dell Streak 5 Full
Review
The Dell Streak 5-inch is a device that immediately begs the
question: is it a smartphone, or a tablet PC? It’s smaller form-factor gives the Streak an outward
appearance which has more commonalities with todays crop of smartphones than other table PC’s. It’s this
confused identity that makes it hard to commit to the Streak as either a tablet, or a
smartphone.
The Streak is built around a five inchcapacative
touchscreen. This is only an inch larger than the displays of most smartphones. There’s also a front facing
earpiece and microphone, which enables the Streak to be used as a phone. Unlike a smartphone, which uses an
interface of a vertical nature, the Streak is designed to be operated horizontally in a landscape mode.
Dell’s included user interface is designed in such a way that it enables quick and efficient navigation via
two-handed thumbclicking.
The Streak features a powerful 1GHz Qualcomm processor, which
does lend it the power to handle the more demanding tasks typically asked of a tablet. However, it’s hard to
get over what is missing when it’s compared to a tablet of the seven or ten inch variety. The smaller size
takes away from the viewing experiences enjoyed in the more common tablet sizes. When compared to
smartphones, the nominal gains of an extra inch of screen size don’t make up for the decreased
pocketability.
The interface and included Android 2.2 do work flawlessly.
Unlike many other Android tablets, all the favorite Google apps are present, most notably the Android
Marketplace. The smaller scaling of the screen also means that the Streak doesn’t encounter the same issues
that larger Android tablets have when trying to present apps that were designed for phone use. However odd
the size may be, there may be quite a few people that find the balancing act the Streak performs, a
desirable option.
No matter if the form-factor fits the user, there are some issues that anyone
will find annoying with the Streak. First, it’s included 16GB micro SD card is not “hot
swappable”. It’s located next to the batter, behind the battery cover. As a safety feature, the Streak shuts
down any time that door is opened. The Streak uses a proprietary 30-pin connector to sync and recharge.
Most smartphones and Android tablets use micro-USB, which means
they’ll be able to source a replacement easier if something happens to their cable. The keyboard layout
isn’t well designed, and places the numerals in a block on the right side. Lastly, There is a tendency for
users to inadvertently tap a number key as they have to reach over with their thumb to type
words.
It
also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by
Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful
applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added
every day.
Enabled for use
on AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network, you'll be able to easily access the Internet as well as
quickly download video, music and more. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can make a call while
simultaneously receiving picture/text messages and e-mail or viewing Web pages. This GPS-enabled phone can
access the AT&T Navigator service (via a downloadable app) for turn-by-turn directions.
On-the-go
students, mobile professionals, and active families will find Streak's web-browsing capabilities as natural
as a laptop. The 5-inch multi-touch screen is large enough to present Web pages in their natural format,
create a comfortable viewing experience, and make turn-by-turn navigation simple and safe.
With
built-in Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, the Streak brings easy access for downloading and listening to music,
updating social networking status in real-time, and staying connected to friends and family through e-mail,
text, IM, and voice calls.
Turn a New
Page
Read to your heart’s content with a beautiful, easy-to-use interface
that enables you to browse over 700,000 books in the Kindle Store, including new titles and
best sellers. Switch between your books, videos, music and games seamlessly with the powerful yet
efficient 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that speeds up things along using Google’s Android OS with
multitouch Dell user experience.
Stay in Touch No need to carry a phone when you have the Dell Streak as this tablet is also a full-functioning
mobile phone. You can also synch your contacts with Facebook and import their profile images so at a glance you
can see who’s calling.
Key Specifications
5-inch multi-touch display made of damage-resistant Gorilla
Glass (800 x 480 pixels) with ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer
Widescreen virtual keyboard with haptic feedback
5-megapixel camera/camcorder with auto-focus lens and dual
LED flash
User-facing VGA camera for video chatting
Multi-format media player compatible with MP3, WMA, and
AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ audio files and H.263/H.264, .3GP, MPEG4, and WMV video files. Dedicated Amazon MP3 Store
app for over-the-air downloads.
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for
communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly
stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for
optional cards up to 32 GB.
Memory: 512 MB ROM + 512 MB SDRAM + 2 GB non-user accessible
microSD for system and applications files only
HTML Web browser (Webkit)
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the
cellular connectivity is turned off
What's in the Box
Dell Streak
Rechargeable battery
Charger
Stereo headphones with microphone
USB cable
Carrying pouch
Quick start guide
AT&T Services
High-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband
data network:
The dual-band 850/1900 MHz 3G network provides up to 3.6/7.2 Mbps of
download speed, making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia
services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data
services.
Additionally, this phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks
found in international territories. (For use outside the United States, an AT&T
international data plan is recommended.) When traveling outside the U.S., you can enjoy
wireless voice coverage in more than 215 countries and wireless data coverage in more than 185
countries--as well as access ultra-fast 3G mobile broadband services in more than 100
countries.
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to
receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US
cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between
75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including full
picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.
The full-featured, premium AT&T
Navigator
GPS navigation application includes audible turn-by-turn directions,
real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges
applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more
enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T
Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech
recognition for address entry and points of interest search.
Dell Streak
5 PROS AND CONS
PROS:
Solid build, attractive look and very thin
The 5-inch screen is very bright (it is readable even in sunlight)
Screen size is just "right" for most people (it's not as small as an iPhone, but not as big
as an iPad)
Front and rear cameras
Fast navigation
Picture quality is good
Google Maps navigations works great on the 5-inch screen
Works as an eReader too (enables you to browse over 700,000 books in the Kindle
Store)
Ability to customize and personalize this tablet/phone
Yout get both, a tablet and a phone by getting the Dell Streak 5
3G
GPS
Replaceable battery
Micro SD card
CONS:
No standard USB connector (Dell has developed its own unique USB connector)
Battery life is decent, but not great (still better than the iPhone's at 2+ days of phone
use)
No led indicator for missed call/msg
Lack of super Amoled screen (which are much better than the regular LCD screens)
Poor speaker quality (the sound is very loud, but the bass is missing)
Home screen is locked in a landscape orientation
HDMI is optional (you need to purchase a converter fo be able to use the HDMI out
functionality)
Video is poor (pictures are OK, but video is lacking in quality)
Inconsistent performance (it is sluggish at times)
Dell Streak 5 Video
Reviews
Where can you find the best deals on Dell Streak 5
Tablet?
Amazon usually has the best prices and free
shipping.
This video features the new tablet from Motorola - Motorola XOOM. It is one of the first
tablets to run Google's Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Click here to see a full review of Motorola XOOM.