Dell announces a smartphone in 2009?

Recently, Michael Dell alluded to potential plans for Dell to add smartphones to its product portfolio. "It is true that we are exploring smaller screen devices," he told reporters in Tokyo. "We don't have any announcements to share today but stay tuned as when we have new news we will share that with you."

However, there are many who are skeptical about a Dell smartphone. Besides the strong competition from RIM's resurgent BlackBerry line and Apple's game-changing iPhone, carriers may also lack interest in a Dell smartphone.

Regardless, Dell has a huge marketing, manufacturing, and distribution footprint, not to mention existing relationships in the tech industry which it could leverage for such a launch.

Prediction: Dell will announce a smartphone by the end of 2009. An official announcement from Dell -- either posted on its website, or a quote from a company executive in the mainstream media or trade press -- is required for a favorable judgment. The definition of "smartphone" is a mobile phone that can also perform email and other more advanced applications, such as Web browsing.