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Dell makes smartphone moves with new mobile division

Dell is seeking to boost its presence in a smartphone market dominated by firms like Apple, Nokia and RIM with a new mobile phone division. Headed by former Motorola boss Ron Garriques, previously head of Dell's consumer computer business, the new unit will concentrate on the production of mobile phones and other handheld devices.

Details of the new division follow the release of Dell's Mini 3, the first smartphone to come from the stable of the world’s third-largest maker of personal computers. Available first in China through China Mobile and soon in Brazil through Claro, the Mini 3 smartphone runs Google's Android operating system.

Upon its release, Garriques described Dell's entry into the smartphone category as "a logical extension" of its consumer product evolution. "We are developing smaller and smarter mobile products that enable our customers to take their internet experience out of the home and do the things they want to do whenever and wherever they want," he added.

Discussing the new mobile division in an email to PC World last week, Dell spokesman David Frink confirmed it will focus on developing "connected computing products and services" through distribution channels including telecommunications, cable and satellite.