Dell CEO Hints at Small Internet Device Like a Smartphone

Dell may "have smaller mobile Internet devices or smartphones," CEO Michael Dell says. There are rumors that Dell might jump into the smartphone market by buying Palm, which needs cash and is soon to release the Palm Pre. An analyst suggested Dell might consider a new Internet device. Apple, Inc. is rumored to be planning a similar device.

Michael Dell may have been speaking from halfway around the world, but the voice of the CEO for a $20 billion company carries a long way. The topic was small-screen devices and specifically smartphones, a market with which Dell has flirted with but never quite taken the plunge. But Dell said that may change.

"It is true that we are exploring smaller-screen devices," he said. "We don't have any announcements to share today, but stay tuned, as when we have new news we will share that with you."

By Frederick Lane 
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