Report: Dell May Enter Crowded Smartphone Market

Computer-maker Dell is considering entering the tight smartphone market, possibly offering a touchscreen alternative to the iPhone as soon as February, according to a Friday report.

Dell is mulling whether to use Windows Mobile or Google’s Android platform to power the handset, according to the Wall Street Journal. The device, which could compete with Apple’s iPhone or RIM’s BlackBerry would also featured a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

The report follows analyst talk earlier this month that a smartphone from the No. 2 computer-maker was “closer to reality.” In late 2008, accidentally released photos appeared to show two smartphones on Dell’s website. In October, the website briefly featured the Traveler 117 and Traveler 127 from Inventec.

Dell’s possible entry into the smartphone market comes as the computer sector struggles with poor sales and a tight economy. CNBC said Friday Dell was positioned to enter the cell phone market when the computer-maker hired Ron Garriques, previously with handset maker Motorola.

However, CNBC‘s Jim Goldman wondered if Dell’s timing was off.

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“Dell becomes a Johnny-come-lately to an already very crowded party, at a time when wireless providers Verizon, AT&T and Sprint all seem to be suffering.”

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