Video Hands-on with Dell Mini 3 for AT&T and Dell Mini 5 Tablet

We just got a very brief but interesting first look at the Dell Mini 3 smart phone and Dell’s first 5-inch tablet, which for the moment we’re calling the Mini 5. Both are powered by Android. And I have to say that the Mini 5 is one of the more compelling mobile Internet devices I’ve seen, both in terms of its sleek design and interface. We’re not nearly as jazzed about the Mini 3 for AT&T, but that’s because we didn’t get to go beyond the home screen. We’ll have to wait to see more of it.

Here’s what we know about the tablet. It should be available in black, red, and pink, and we really like the glossy back of this device. The “Mini 5″ feels solid in the hand and is really thin but durable. In fact, during a demo someone jammed a pencil on the 5-inch screen without any ill effect. As far as the interface goes, it’s widget happy, and we liked the Facebook gadget on the right hand side that was streaming in updates. Pandora was fired up in the background as we searched the Web, and we saw an Android market page for apps. Read on for more details, and check out the gallery and quick videos of both devices.

Up in the right corner of the screen we saw a little H symbol, which we presume stands for HSPA. Dell will be selling this as a 3G tablet both through carriers and retailers, so it’s certainly possible that AT&T will pick up this device along with the Mini 3. Another plus was the large keyboard, which had nice haptic feedback. There’s also a front-facing camera and microphone. Dell doesn’t want you to hold this thing up to your head, so it will included a wired mic/headphone combo, and the Mini 5 will support Bluetooth headsets. Presuming it’s priced right the Dell tablet could be a hit.

As we said before, there’s not much to say about the Mini 3. Dell says that it’s working closely with AT&T to design something for its cusotmers, so you’ll definitely see AT&T services on this Android phone. Dell will offer ActiveSync, which  is important for business users, and the Mini 3 will support Windows Media DRM, which is unique. This is one example Dell points to of its phone working better with its PCs, and the company says more is to come.

While it remains to be seen if Dell can make a name for itself in the crazy competitive Android phone market, we’re keen on the Mini 5. We just hope carriers roll out more affordable data pricing plans so you don’t have to pay 60 bucks a month just to take advantage of this gadget.

Dell Mini 5 Tablet

Dell Mini 3