Dell and Google try to invade the iPhone's territory

Posted Oct 8th 2009 11:20AM by Mark Fightmaster
Filed under: Google (GOOG), Apple Inc (AAPL), Dell (DELL)

It usually isn't the biggest news in the tech realm when someone introduces a new phone, but the situation is a bit different when the phone uses Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) software and is made for smartphones on the AT&T (NYSE: T) network. The phone will be made by Dell (NASDAQ: DELL), features the Google Android system for its technology, and will be launched in the United States early next year, as reported in the Wall Street Journal (subscription required). This is a notable phone, as it is Dell's first foray into the U.S. cell phone arena.

Dell's offering will feature a touch screen rather than a keypad and will feature a camera -- much like Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone. The Dell offering will be similar to another Dell device that it showed in China back in August, but with a few different features. Google figures in, as its Android technology will run programs like a Web browser, music player, and games for the Dell phone. While many are going to focus on why the phone is good for Google, I'd rather focus on why this phone will be a spectacular failure.

Perhaps spectacular is a bit harsh, but this phone will disappoint -- because it isn't the iPhone. So many of the new phones introduced today are challenges to the iPhone, but I was always told that it is better to be an innovator rather than an imitator. So many people are trying to live up to the technological monument created by Apple, and only an iPhone can compete with an iPhone (it should be noted that I do not own an iPhone). While there are plenty of people out there who do not use an iPhone, there are many more that do. I am no techie, but if you are going to try and compete with the iPhone, how about making something totally different than the iPhone? Trying to battle tech behemoth Apple in its own arena is a foolish endeavor. Especially with all the love Apple gets from the media.

I don't have a problem with Dell offering a new phone, but they are literally David trying to slay Goliath, and I think that David will come up a little short this time. Dell feels that smartphones are an important arena, and they are, but offer something that the iPhone doesn't -- a reasonable price to start.

Tags: AAPL, Android, Apple, cell phone, CellPhone, Dell, GOOG, Google, inthenews, iPhone, new phone, smartphone