Unveiling Dell Streak 7 WiFi Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Dell Streak 7 Wi-Fi, announced in February 2011 and released in April 2011, features a design that was reflective of the early tablet era. With dimensions of 200 x 119.8 x 12.4 mm and a weight of 453.6 g, it was a substantial device to hold, weighing about 1 pound. Although bulky by today's standards, at the time, it provided a robust and sturdy feel, indicative of the durable build quality Dell is known for. The device does not support SIM cards, highlighting its design focus solely on Wi-Fi connectivity.

Display Features

The 7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels offers moderate clarity and color reproduction. Although the screen's pixel density of ~133 ppi is considerably low compared to modern displays, it served well for everyday tasks such as browsing and casual media consumption. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass protection was a significant advantage, offering scratch resistance and improved durability.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 chipset, the Dell Streak 7 was equipped with a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and ULP GeForce GPU. This hardware configuration was potent enough at the time for running basic applications and multitasking, though it struggled with more intense processing tasks. The tablet came with 16GB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, ensuring users had adequate storage for apps and media.

Camera Capabilities

The device features a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing 720p video. While the camera performance was basic, it was acceptable for casual photography and video needs of the time. Additionally, the Dell Streak 7 included a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, which, though not the best in quality, enabled video calls and selfies, a feature still gaining popularity at the time of release.

Software and User Interface

Originally shipping with Android 2.2 (Froyo), the Dell Streak 7 was upgradable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), offering users a slightly more refined user experience. The user interface was relatively straightforward, with support for HTML and Adobe Flash, indicating its capability to handle diversified browsing experiences. However, due to its limited hardware, the device did not support extended software updates beyond Android 2.3.

Connectivity Options

For connectivity, the Dell Streak 7 offered Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR profile support, and a USB 2.0 connection for data transfer and charging. The inclusion of GPS technology was an added advantage for navigation and location-based services. However, it lacked support for radio and cellular connectivity, limiting its communication capabilities to Wi-Fi networks.

Battery Life

The device housed a non-removable Li-Ion 2780 mAh battery, delivering up to 72 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. This performance, while moderate, was suitable for light to moderate use. The battery size indicated a focus on moderate consumption and everyday usability rather than extended or intensive use.

Audio and Multimedia

Equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Dell Streak 7 catered well to audio enthusiasts and those who enjoyed media on their tablets. Although the audio quality wasn't high fidelity, it was sufficient for casual listening. Despite the lack of stereo speakers, the sound output was adequate for personal media consumption.

Miscellaneous Features

The tablet included essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its usability for navigation and various applications. Available in a gray color variant, the Dell Streak 7 was priced around 140 EUR, making it a competitive option in the market during its release. Although discontinued now, it represented an affordable entry point into the tablet market.

Conclusion

The Dell Streak 7 Wi-Fi was a notable effort by Dell to penetrate the burgeoning tablet market of the early 2010s. Despite its limitations in display resolution, processing power, and camera quality by today’s standards, it provided essential features that catered to a decent user experience. The expansion capabilities and durable build made it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers desiring a basic tablet device. As technology advanced, the Dell Streak 7 has become a collector's item for enthusiasts interested in the evolution of tablets.