In what may be the one of the strangest choices of all time, Dell has decided to offer up its new Mini 10 for pre-orders on QVC.  Yeah, that QVC.  The computer will be available first on the buy-at-home channel February 19th, and then go on sale through its own site a week later on February 26th. Typically not where geeks buy our toys, the choice is an interesting one for Dell- but also one that will undoubtedly bring it a tone more buyers who may not even know what the heck a netbook is before they see the Dell 10 on the network. [via CNET]

It looks like Dell may be throwing its hat into the smartphone ring. Laptop magazine is reporting that Dell may be launching its first smartphone ever as early as next month. No one knows really what a Dell branded smartphone would look like but analysts say it will more than likely be a touchscreen device with your traditional phone functions like text messaging as well as a few advanced features such as the ability to surf the web. One huge question is what operating system the company would choose to run the phone. While it could pick Windows Mobile for the device an open source operating system such as Android would more than likely sell more handsets. [via I4U]

If you’re in the market for a new laptop, you’ve picked the right time to shop. Dell’s new XPS 16 and 13 have been thought through from corner to corner for optimal performance and design. From the outside, you’re immediately taken by the eye-grabbing profile. Dell’s packed many design features including leather accents, anodized aluminum and backlit keyboard to make these their sveltest models to date. Throw on a high-gloss finish and edge-to-edge screen and you’ve got a laptop that you’ll want to carry out of the bag.

It’s not just a pretty face though, both models keep you running smoothly with Intel Core Duo 2 processors. The XPS 16 includes a 16-inch 1080p HD display and ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670-512MB graphics, while the XPS 13 uses a 13-inch HD screen and optional NVIDIA graphics to keep what’s inside your screen as beautiful as what’s out. Digital up-conversion ensures you get the most out of all your DVDs. Prices start at $1199, and unlike most of what you’ll be reading about this week, they’re available as you read this. [dell]

While Apple has started to lose sales, netbook creator Acer has started to gain in its place.   The computer maker grew it’s shipment market share by a whopping 49 percent in the fourth quarter. Even more impressive is that the company grew an astounding 79 percent over last year. Acer shipped close to three million– thats right, 3 million more notebooks in the third quarter of this year than they did in the 2nd quarter. The company is now only two percentage points in sales behind Dell for the market share of all PCs. [iSuppli via BoingBoing]

We’d heard the rumors, and now they’re pictures to back them up. Dell is showing off their Studio XPS 13 and 16-inch laptops. The leather-clad notebooks were expected to be released this month but have instead been pushed back to February- we got our hands on some pics of the device now however, and we’re pretty excited. The notebooks will have Intel Centrino processors, WiMAX and UWB support, edge-to-edge glass displays, a lot-loading Blu-ray drives, and back-lit keyboards. No word yet on pricing. [via Engadget]

Those filthy teases at Dell have a bit of news that they’re hiding from us.  Dell’s “adamo” is suggested by many to be a super-light, super-thin notebook, rivaling even the slim MacBook Air.  While nothing official has been shared yet, we’re sure that by the time CES rolls around there will be leaks on whatever the Adamo will be.  At the very least, we’re hoping for some rendered speculation, leaked stats or more.  For now, bask in the mystery of Adamo.

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Well we can’t say this one was named inappropriately. Dell has just launched the Dell OptiPlex 160 Tiny Desktop Computer. The basic version of the compact PC has a single-core Intel Atom processor, 80GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, and Vista Home Basic SP1. Buyers also have the option to upgrade their tiny wonder with an external DVD-ROM drive or a 64GB SSD, there is also rumored to be a dual-core Atom option available starting next year. [Dell]

Someone seems to be making cash off of the fact that Microsoft is shoving Windows Vista down people’s throats. Even though Microsoft thinks it’s outdated software, Dell found out that people want to have their laptops and PCs to run on Windows XP. And more to it, they’re even willing to pay a lot to downgrade. What started at a price of $20-$50 to get from Vista to XP now has reached a price tag of $150 and the poor popularity of Vista seems to be pretty much established.  Would you pay to downgrade? [alleyinsider]

As displays get thinner and processers more compact, a new world of conceptual computing is available.  Designer Tai Chiem has envisioned a concept he calls the Dell XPS Baton PC.  The Baton PC is an ultra-portable system that includes two flexible, thin OLED film screens that can be slid out from the central baton in many ways: as a keyboard and monitor, as a single-screen tablet, as the base of a desktop system and otherwise.  At the end of the day, just roll up the Baton and you’re on your way.  It’s one umbrella-attachment and stun system away from the ultimate tool of the uncertain future… [tai chiem via gadgetvenue]