Computer manufacturer Dell Inc. has signed a deal with AT&T, which will become the first carrier in the United States to offer a smartphone from Dell?s Mini 3 Android-based lineup.

Over the past two months, Dell has established smartphone arrangements with leading carriers China Mobile, the world?s largest with more than 500 million subscribers, and Claro in Brazil, a division of América Móvil. Dell hopes the smartphone space will provide it with additional revenue streams, perhaps following the business model set forth by rival Apple.

?Last year we started talking about our interest in working with carriers and development partners on smartphones,? said Matthew Parretta, spokesman for Dell Inc., Round Rock, TX. ?Our first partner was China Mobile?we participated in events with them and we launched our smartphone with the world?s largest carrier.

?In November we made it official that we were going to be in this space and signed the deal with Claro in Brazil, our second carrier partner,? he said. ?We?ve also announced the agreement with AT&T to bring our smartphone to the U.S. in the first half of 2010.?

Dell to rely on AT&T?s distribution
Dell claims that Mini 3 smartphones create an easy-to-use mobile Internet experience.

The Android-based platform gives the Mini 3 optimal power, flexibility and customization opportunities for both users and carriers.

Dell and AT&T plan to provide social media users with the ability to simultaneously Tweet friends, post Facebook updates, share pictures and browse the Web.

Dell's partnership with AT&T builds upon its mobile strategy of delivering communications products for carriers and their dedicated customers.

The arrangement with AT&T is part of Dell?s continued focus on developing mobile products and services through relationships with various carriers.

?AT&T obviously has the nation?s fastest 3G network as they say, we?ve had a good relationship with them in the past and we?ve been working with them in a long time,? Mr. Parretta said. ?These things don?t just come to fruition in a couple of weeks.

?They?ve been great to work with and we?re excited to launch our first smartphone with them,? he said.

In addition to AT&T, China Mobile and Claro, Dell has existing arrangements with other global telecom providers, including Vodafone in Europe, Australia and New Zealand; M1 and Starhub in Singapore; and Maxis in Malaysia.

A recent Dell-sponsored study of more than 1,500 people provides insight into what makes the best smartphone and mobile experience.

Study highlights include:

? Eighty-two percent of those who own smartphones said they would not leave home without them

? Eighty-six percent of survey respondents under age 35 said that personalized software and features on smartphones are important

? More than half said they wish there were more smartphone options available in the marketplace

? Seventy-six percent said they would consider new smartphone devices from a well-known technology brand

? Nearly 90 percent said they would consider purchasing a smartphone from a highly regarded technology company as an alternative to leading smartphone manufacturers

Details about Dell?s Mini 3 will be announced by AT&T closer to the device?s commercial launch date, expected during the first half of 2010.

?Android is a very flexible operating system that is enticing for operators because they can customize it however they want it?for example, they can integrate their own payment platform,? Mr. Parretta said. ?We worked with China Mobile and Claro to customize it for their network, and we?ll do the same with AT&T.

?2010 is an interesting year, we?re excited, we?re here to stay and we?re committed to this new business,? he said.