Is Dell's Mini 5 a Mini PC or a Large Smartphone?

Anticipation is growing for Dell’s Mini 5. The device is expected to rival the recently revealed iPad, which is more or less an oversized iPhone. The Mini 5 will be smaller than the iPad, but will have an impressive 800 x 480 capacitive screen. It will boast 3G features and will include Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS capabilities, not to mention a forward facing camera, although most interesting is the fact that it comes with voice support as well.

Fans of Android should be excited for most of the Mini 5’s features. With its 3G connectivity, Qualcomm Snapdragon 1-GHz processor and camera features, gives way to notable video conferencing abilities.

Dell is taking note of what the iPad lacks and exploiting those weaknesses. To curtail some concerns about the small stature of the Mini 5, Dell is going full steam and already talking big about the family of tablets it will introduce following the launch of the Mini 5.

You can almost bet that Dell will continue to try to incorporate all the critical things that Apple left off of the iPad into their tablets. Users are going to want to place video calls to their relatives, watch Flash videos and be able to use multiple applications simultaneously – and Dell and Google know it. With the iPhone app market losing ground to other emerging rivals, the Android Market will continue to make considerable gains in market share and ooffer services, applications and features that Apple refuses to support. With over 30,000 apps already and growing faster than any other app market, Android might offer the potential and capabilities Dell needs to have an impact.

Now, the only question that remains: Do you plan on using it as a phone or as a tablet?

So What's the Big Deal About the AT&T MicroCell's Expanded Availability

We’ve all seen the AT&T and Verizon commercials taking direct hits at one another, each claiming to have more wide-spread 3G coverage than the other. Unfortunately for all the major players in wireless service, AT&T took a big step in proving their superiority in 3G coverage with the introduction of the Cisco-built MicroCell.

You may remember the introduction of Sprint’s version of the same device nearly a year ago. As impressive as it was, AT&T’s MicroCell raises the bar for fast, reliable 3G coverage within the home. Simply put the MicroCell works - and now it works for a lot more people. With amazingly clear reception and strong 3G coverage, you could crotch down in the most notorious spot for poor coverage and still experience the superior performance of this device.

Windows Phone 7 Series Round-up

In case you missed it yesterday, Microsoft blew the lid open on Mobile World Congress with its unveiling of Windows Phone 7 Series (WP7S). While its name may be complicated, Microsoft took great strides to make sure its operating system doesn’t fall into that category. Completely overhauling their entire approach to the operating system, there isn’t one bit of this new mobile Windows experience that is reminiscent of its predecessors.

Taking on the Zune HD approach of bold white lines and text with heavy emphasis on custom groupings and customized content, Microsoft has done what many thought was impossible and started anew. What’s even better (at least for me and the other 20 people out there with a Zune) is full integration with Zune and Zune Marketplace! What does this really mean? Well, in theory, it means our friends across the pond will be able to finally take advantage of Zune and all WP7S users will be able to take advantage of the subscription-based music Zune offers. Basically, for $15 a month you can download any and all Zune Marketplace songs at your leisure and keep 10 of those tracks DRM-free for permanent use regardless of whether or not you keep the subscription. Of course, that’s assuming WP7S users can use the Zune Pass, but we’ll hope for the best.

Top 5 Themes to Refresh Your BlackBerry

With all the news about the new 9700 or 8530, some BlackBerry users out there might feel a little discouraged because you’ve still got another year or two left on your contract before you can take advantage of the full subsidized pricing. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. You can easily freshen up any older BlackBerry with a new paintjob courtesy of the theme settings on your phone!

If you need some help downloading and installing themes, I recommend you check out the tutorial on SimpleHelp.net as it’s pretty simple and comprehensive or you can check out the video below and learn from an eight-year-old. Once you’ve got the theme on the device, just go to" Options" on the Applications page and choose “Themes.” One thing to note: Any applications you may have moved to different folders or hidden in the Applications page will automatically move out of the folders when you choose a new theme and default back to the Applications page. While it can be a pain to have to redo everything, you can make it work to your benefit by creating custom button layouts or separate themes for business and personal use.

HTC Dash 3G and Touch Pro 2 to get Windows Mobile 6.5

Good news for all of you T-Mobile customers totin’ an HTC Dash 3G or Touch Pro 2. Phone Arena got a tip from a reliable source that T-Mobile will release a Windows Mobile 6.5 update for the two devices on Jan. 6. The reliable source was pretty skimpy with the details, so we aren’t clear on how the carrier will go about getting the update to its customers - but we say it’s better late than never! Everyone can appreciate an upgrade.