Rumblings about two computer-makers — Dell and Acer — are escalating as to whether they will enter the mobile-phone market. The WSJ reports that Dell is preparing a move into cellphones as early as next month, but hasn’t finalized its plans. Meanwhile, Acer’s plans sound more solid with a launch likely occurring as soon as Mobile World Congress in February, Pocket-Lint reports.
The WSJ reports that Dell has already apparently built two prototypes based on Google’s Android operating system and Microsoft’s Windows Mobile, and is aiming to focus on smartphones. One model includes a touchscreen, but no keyboard and another has a keypad that slides out from the bottom. A Dell spokesman told the WSJ that the company hasn’t disclosed plans to offer phones, adding: “We haven’t committed to anything.” Acer’s entrance is a bit more obvious, having been pegged to an invitation that requests the press to attend a press conference in Spain for its “smartphones launch.” Nothing is known, however, including which operating system they will use, or what the hardware will look like. If either of the companies end up making the plunge, they’ll have to bring something new to the table. Right now the competition is steep for even long-time incumbents like Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Palm (NSDQ: PALM), who are scrambling to do as well as new-comers like Apple.
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