Dell Streak Tablet Android Phone (AT&T) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received my Dell Streak last Thursday but waited for a few days before posting comments.First off, I tend to agree with most of the comments posted so far although i might add that like every electronic device out there, no one device is created equal and the Dell at over $400 w/o plan is no exception. There's so much to say about this device and I'll try my best to lay it out straight. If Amazon allows half a stars, i would rate this device 3.5 stars.
Looks and Appearance: Very slick and sharp build and amazingly thin. As far as size is concern, it is what it is and either you like the size or you don't. If you are a light phone user and will use the Streak more for the web, I would recommend this device.
Handling and Buttons: I took points off here since Dell could have done a better job. Power button could have been better positioned at the top of the phone instead of lining up side by side to the camera and up/down volume controls. One could easily turn the device off accidentally if device is held to the ears.
Pin Connector: Using a standard USB cable with mini-usb would have made everyone's life a lot easier. Instead Dell has to develop its own unique USB-Pin connector. Connecting the pins to the device can be tricky business since it does not attached easily and one could easily damage the pinheads in a matter of time.
Sound Quality: Have to say that the speaker phone is far superior than the Iphone. Only problem is speaker sound tends to be thinny without bass as some reviews have already indicated here.
Battery Life: Not very impressive but then again this device carries a 5" screen which sucks power. I followed Streak's recommendation to economize on battery life by setting screen timeouts to 1 sec, disable bluetooth and wifi when not required and shut down apps with killapps software. Still battery tends to drain. Compared to the Iphone (or any other Apple products for that matter), I'd give the Iphone battery 4 stars anytime.
Functionality: If you are a heavy phone user, i recommend you pass on this device. Navigating phone features needs some getting used to plus don't forget battery life is an issue. This device is best used if you are sitting down on a couch or have the device on a table. In short you need two hands to work this device efficiently. Definitely not for navigating buttons when you are walking or driving (which you shouldn't be doing anyway). And if you are to use the phone frequently, use a bluetooth headset instead. Somehow it makes more sense and you look more sensible too.
Speed: I find navigating screen pages and launching apps incredibly fast on this device and yet it is only loaded with the Android 1.6. Pages load almost in a flash. I find the speed on the Streak very impressive as it is.
Android vs Itunes: I am a first time Android user and may be a little bias in my comments here, so bear with me. I personally find Iphone apps alot more user-friendly and developed. It seems to be that some Android app developers just dump apps on Android market without really testing it out. Then there is the issue that each Android device has its own operating characteristics and hence not all Android apps are meant for all Android device. That said, there are significant trial and errors when it comes to downloading your favorite apps.
Upgrades: All ATT-issued Dell Streak are still loaded with 1.6 and the 2.2 version will only be made available in January 2011 after all the guinea pigs have been exhausted.As informed by Dell, Android is rolling out the 2.2 for unlocked Streaks followed by ATT version. For advance users however, the Streak can be loaded with 2.1 which is not for the faint hearted. Sadly, the 1.6 version does not allow pinching to zoom.
Video and Picture Quality: Picture quality is excellent but video dismal. With a 5" screen, one would expect better resolution. The 5mp camera with front and back lens is impressive though but a real good steady hand is needed to snap good pictures.
Conclusion: This is a device you will need to fall in love with. Give it some time, get to know it BUT if you find yourself making excuses everyday for keeping it, then it maybe better to let it go. Its acquired love. Your main motivation for parting out with $400+ for the unlocked version (or sign your life to ATT for 2 years) is because you want a mini portable tablet that fits in your pocket. Truth of the matter is you don't need a phone that has a 5" screen do you?! At this moment i am deciding whether to go for a Samsung Galaxy tablet or the Ipad. I've decided to go for the Ipad for its simplicity, stability, great battery life and picture resolution.


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A compact and powerful companion that helps expand your ability to access your digital life on the go, the Android-powered Dell Streak for AT&T is both a tablet PC and a smartphone. Offering a 5-inch touchscreen display, the Wi-Fi-enabled Streak is ideal for on-the-go Web browsing, e-book reading, gaming, and watching downloaded movies and TV shows. Additionally, with its 3G connectivity via AT&T's fast HSDPA network, the Streak allows you to make phone calls as well as send texts and tweets just as you would with a smartphone.

Powered by a screaming fast 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and running the Android 1.6 operating system, the Streak brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. It also offers integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views, and access to the Google Maps with Navigation beta app via the Android Market with text-to-voice functionality.

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.

The Streak features a high-resolution 5-megapixel camera/camcorder with auto-focus and dual-LED flash, plus a VGA front-facing camera for use with compatible video chat apps. And it offers easy uploads to your favorite photo and video sharing sites, like YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, and more. Other features include Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, 2 GB of internal memory, microSD memory expansion (up to 32 GB), HDMI output for connecting to compatible HDTVs, and a 1530 mAh rechargeable battery for long life on the go.

Key Features
Powered by the Android operating system (version 1.6) with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
1 GHz Snapdragon processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work.
Fast 3G connectivity via AT&T's HSDPA/UMTS network (850/1900 MHz bands; 3.6/7.2 Mbps speeds with network availability).
Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
Multi-tasking capabilities allows you to switch freely between applications, browse multiple windows. Operate multimedia, navigation, and telephony simultaneously.
Synchronized address books via Google Contacts, Facebook, and Exchange Client. Start conversations with contacts via phone, SMS, IM, or Facebook.
Integrated GPS with a choice of navigation apps:
Google Maps Navigation (Beta) provides free turn-by-turn voice guidance. Powered by Google and requiring an Internet connection, it enables you to simply say "Navigate to [your destination]" to get on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.
AT&T Navigator service is downloadable via Android Market and includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and re-routing options.


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

Vital Statistics The Dell Streak weighs 7.7 ounces and measures 6 x 3.1 x 0.4 inches. It comes with a removable 1530 mAh lithium-ion battery. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 3G network (850/1900 MHz; HSDPA/UMTS) and 2100 MHz international 3G networks.

What's in the Box Dell Streak, rechargeable battery, charger, stereo headphones with microphone, USB cable, carrying pouch, quick start guide



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