Dell Reportedly Working on Pocket-Sized Web Gadget

The Wall Street Journal reports that engineers at Dell are developing a mobile device that would access the Web, but doesn't have cell phone capabilities.

So what could that be? The device would more akin to the iPod Touch than the iPhone. The gadget reportedly runs on Google's Android software. Conceivably, it could make over-the-web phone calls using a program like Skype from a wireless access point.

The Journal also reports that this mobile internet device doesn't necessarily rule out a Dell-produced line of smartphones, which have reportedly been in development for many months.

And there's no guarantee this new device will ever see the light of day. The Journal reports another person who was briefed on the company's plans who said Dell may begin selling the device later this year, but the plan could be delayed or scapped entirely. (That pretty much covers it, I would say.)

Dell tried to enter the mobile music player business with its Dell Digital Jukebox, but that product was discontinued in 2006.