According to The Wall Street Journal, Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) is developing a pocket-sized electronic device to be used for connecting to the internet. The "gadget" would use Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android software. Reportedly, the device will be slightly larger than Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPod touch, and Dell may start selling the device later this year. That said, the story's source noted that the plan could be delayed or scrapped entirely.
The importance of this potential device should not be lost, as it is one of the first experiments by a major PC maker in the world of mobile internet devices (MID). These devices are seen as bridges over the gap between smartphones and laptops.
Supposedly, Dell started tinkering with this device a year ago when it stepped out of the music-player arena. The company is also developing smartphones based on the Android platform.
So, is this a good move? It depends on your point of view. If these MIDs (as they are called) are indeed the future of computing, then it is a good idea for Dell to get in on the ground floor. The problem is, what if this new technology is nothing more than the next in a long line of poorly planned tech devices? Honestly, Dell cannot afford a flop if it wants to hang with the big boys of the tech sector.
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