Dell launches Streak 5

Partners with Mobilink instead of using its own distribution channel.

KARACHI:

Dell – not satisfied with being one of the largest notebook sellers in the country – officially launched its first tablet phone in the country on Saturday to grab market share in the mobile computing market that is growing at a rapid pace.

Dell launched the android powered Dell Streak 5 through a local cellular operator Mobilink, even though they have a separate distribution channel.

Dell’s regional manager Ali Jaleel at the launching ceremony said that Dell had grown to a certain point where diversification seemed like a good option to grow business in the country. “Mobility seemed like an interesting scenario for this.”

“Amongst other things, the upcoming 3G auction is also one of the reasons that Dell has begun to explore mobility products in the country,” he added.

The android powered phone with a massive 5-inch touch screen confused analysts whether Dell is launching a tablet to try and compete with the I-Pad frenzy.

Mobilink in the past worked with Dell’s global competitors such as Samsung, HTC and Motorola to launch their products. An interesting thing about Mobilink offerings is that the phones they offer can be used with a sim card of a competitor operator as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2011.