Is Dell Going Into The Smartphone Business?

Dell, the world's number two computer manufacturer might be jumping into the smartphone arena, at least according to the Wall Street Journal. The report, which cites "people familiar with the matter", suggest Dell might begin selling cellphones as early as next month.

The company has reportedly been designing prototypes for more than a year and will focusing on smartphones. Presumably creating a new competitor for the iPhone and RIM's Blackberry. If Dell sticks to the current plan as reported and the phones are launched, we can expect phones based on Google's Android operating system and Microsoft's Windows Mobile software. One model will even feature a touchscreen, not unlike the iPhone's, the Journal reported.

Dell isn't a stranger to the smartphone business. Just two years ago they were selling the Axim line of handhelds and they currently feature a few offerings from Nokia. So this move isn't all the unprecedented. With PC sales slumping, the economy dropping and the rising popularity in phones its not all that unlikely that we could see this materialize however there has been no official word from Dell. We'll just have to wait and see if the rumors ever materialize.