So Dell's made-for China Mobile Mini3i is confirmed. But it's no smartphone. Apparent hands-on reports suggest it's a 2G device, with no 3G or Wi-Fi. However, it does have that 3.5-inch touchscreen and Micro SD card slot we heard about.
Update: Dell has finally admitted that it's developing mobile devices for China Mobile.
Dell's Andrew Bowins told Reuters that his company is "developing products that will work on China Mobile's network but declined comment on the type of devices or the timing"
The Mini3i runs the Android-based Open Mobile System (OMS), and according to the report, was shown at China Mobile's event for its new application platform.
The write-up goes on to say that two volume adjustment keys and a mini USB port are on the left side of the capacitive touchscreen, which has a resolution of 360 by 640. The back of the phone has a large Dell logo, Micro SD card slot, and 3.2Mp camera with what looks an LED light.
Still no word on an official release date, but if you're China, it looks like you won't have to wait long. [Mobile-163 (translated) via Cloned in China via Engadget]