At one time, Dell’s Mini 5 was thought to be just another tablet netbook, but last week, it was confirmed to be the world’s largest smartphone. With a 5 inch LCD, the Mini 5 is rumored to be a T-Mobile and an AT&T Android 2.0 (or 2.1 or above) phone that - all options included - could sell for upwards of $1,000.


I have difficulty accepting the $1,000 rumor, as Dell has always tried to undercut Apple. Although the Mini 5 is more than just another iPad alternative, seeing as the Dell is a phone, it will undoubtedly be measured against Apple’s device.

Dell has a wild-card here. The Mini 5 is massive for a smartphone, but because there is nothing else quite like it (the Archos 5 is not a phone), it could dominate a niche market for awhile…or, very possibly, it could be a sales bomb because few people want to tout around a 5″ phone, especially if it costs near $1,000. Just looking at the Engadget photos provides a clear indication of just how large the handheld is. Most ladies might be able to cram one into their purses, and for men who carry laptop bags and briefcases, the Mini 5 might work. Having a mammoth screen should allow for easier and more precise multi-touch usage though. The Motorola Droid still has a higher resolution screen at a much smaller size.

I love the look of the unit, and if it captures quality 720p video, then it could be something I would consider. Almost everything now depends on the Mini 5’s price and its multi-touch execution.

- 5″ LCD (800×480)
- 1GHz Snapdragon
- 1530mAh battery
- 5Mp Camera Dual LED Flash
- Wirless, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS,
- Included Dock with HDMI output, USB sync, and Stereo RCA Output
- Possible release around March - April