Dell follows Apple into the smartphone market

Dell has announced that it is creating a new communications division, which will develop and sell mobile devices including smartphones.

Dell used to be the world's largest PC company, but in recent years it has struggled to make money in what has become a highly competitive market.

While the mobile phone market is also extremely competitive, computer vendor Apple, has blazed a trail for tech vendors, by entering a new market, and PC companies like Dell are keen to follow suit.

If Dell successfully duplicates its PC business model, expect prices to plummet in the smartphone market.

Dell has appointed Ron Garriques, a fomer Motorola executive, to head up its push into the smartphone market, and the company has already submitted several Android-based handsets, including the Mini 3, for US FCC approval.

Dell is also rumoured to be working on a Windows Mobile handset.