Dell's Android Rumors

So is Dell going to market a new Google smartphone or not? It sounds like a good idea; Dell's sales have been plummeting, as customers switch from its products to cheaper netbooks, and the company needs to expand into the growing mobile market. But the Googlesphere has been decidedly unmoved by last week's Wall Street Journal report that Dell will introduce a smartphone prototype at Barcelona's Mobile World Conference this month. PC World reporter Daniel Ionescu points out that Dell has scrapped big plans before, as it did with its iPod competitor in November; he also claims that the market is already overcrowded with "not-so-good looking and overrated phones." In addition, there's a lot of details left to chase down, such as which, if any, wireless carriers Dell has lined up as partner. Wired's Charlie Sorrel snorts outright at the report: "This is hardly a proper rumor—you or I could come up with it." On the other hand, Dell had better do something, as losses have forced it to lay off employees and reorganize its management structure. So take it for what it's worth.