Dell Streak: Probably the only review you’ll ever need to read

First up we’d like to point out that is probably, one of the ugliest box we’ve ever seen. Hope this gets fixed when the Streak comes to Malaysia.

As much as we wished we’ve gotten our hands on the Dell Streak before it arrives in Malaysia, we didn’t. So we’ll have to just be contented with reading about the Dell Streak from other sites and start compiling the information and set expectations in preparation for when we do get a unit to play with.

And when it comes to reviews, not many sites out there are as detailed as AnandTech, so while we wait for the Dell Streak to make its public appearance here in Malaysia, take a read at what the geeks at AnadTech have to say about the Dell Streak. But we’ll have to warn you, it’s a long review.

If you can’t be bothered to read through everything, allow us to sum it up for you.

The Dell Streak has a great screen, good battery life, well thought out design, it is thin as it light. For a 5in device, the Dell Streak is as thin as it’ll ever be, and there is a lot of potential in the Streak but its biggest flaw is the prehistoric Android 1.6 OS. The old Android OS just hampers the experience of the Streak — a device that can, and should be able to deliver so much more.

Unlike most of the Android devices out there, the Streak is devoid of a UI skin on top of the Android OS (think HTC Sense, Samsung TouchWiz and Motorola MotoBlur). This lack of customisation to take advantage of the Streak’s extra screen real estate and other niceties is its second biggest flaw.

As with smartphones, the user experience will be the deciding factor and if the Dell Streak is to compete with the iPad for market share, then the Streak needs some work on the usability side. It doesn’t come close to how the iPad makes you feel when you use it.

Here’s hoping the Streaks that are coming to Malaysia will at least be getting Android 2.1 but Froyo (Android 2.2) would be ideal. We want to like this device so much.

Read the full review at AnandTech.