Acer A1 Android Phone In 2009, Nokia/Dell Dissed
As with many up-and-coming Android Phone rumors, Acer’s Aspirations (see what I did there?) have always been apparent, but details were virtually non-existent. Then, at MWC2009 in February, we got wind of a sweet rumor that claimed Acer would have 2 Android Phones in 2009. A month later, we heard one might be called the Acer A1 and launch in September. Then, just last month, Acer’s Head of Mobile Products said a 2009 Acer Android was “likely”. It just got even more likely.
According to Reuters, that same official said that Acer will sell about 10 smartphone models this year, and all but one will be based on Windows Mobile. That last device? An Acer Android Phone:
“Late 2009, we’re releasing a smartphone… full touch, at the price of feature phones today,” he said.
Interesting though, that the article has no direct quotes saying the above quote references Android, but from the title we can assume (not sure how safely) that it was in the context of Android. Two other tidbits I found interesting were possible potshots at Nokia and Dell.
Nokia Can’t Make Computers
If a computer maker can get into smartphones, why can’t the reverse happen? Nokia is attempting to do just that, with plans to launch a line of laptops. But the Acer official all but laughed it off:
“For a handset maker to move into the PC business — I’d say it was almost impossible,” de Lencquesaing said. “One way is acquisition, another way is — if you’re willing — to invest massively and lose a lot of money for a long time.”
That first sentence… it just WREAKS of foreshadowing. Did anyone else immediatly think of Palm CEO Ed Colligan’s statement regarding Apple trying to enter the mobile phone market? In case you forgot that quote, here it is:
“We’ve learned and struggled for a few years here figuring out how to make a decent phone… PC guys are not going to just figure this out. They’re not going to just walk in.”
And how wrong he was. Could Acer be just as wrong in this case?
Does Dell Get Dissed?
Acer and Dell are both computer companies trying to get into the Smartphone game. Dell hasn’t had the easiest time and some reports indicate they were pretty much laughed out of the United States with their two current prototypes. If Acer’s Aymar de Lencquesaing isn’t hinting at that in this quote, commenting on Acer’s negotiations with Carriers, feel free to call me out on reaching:
“We’re in discussions with all of them. To date none of them has said ‘thanks, but no thanks, and never come back,'” he said.
Ouch. Any way you look at it, A1 or another name, I would love to see an Acer Android Phone launch before the end of the year.