With Dell Inc. having struck a deal with China Mobile Ltd, there are speculations galore that the personal computer giant is readying itself for a foray into the smartphone market!

Going by the terms of the recently-disclosed deal, Dell will be manufacturing 'Mini 3i' handsets for the China Mobile online store, which offers music, games and other downloadable programs to mobile phones. The Dell handset will support applications from the said store.

According to Information Week, Dell spokesman, Matt Parretta, has confirmed that a prototype of the 'Mini 3i' was displayed on Monday by China Mobile at an event to launch its online application store. The spokesman said: "What Dell is confirming is that we are in mobile product development for China Mobile," and added that Dell is supporting China Mobile for creating "a more personalized Internet experience."

Though the Dell spokesman refrained from revealing any specs of 'Mini 3i,' reports from tech blog Engadget say that the mobile device features a 3.5-inch touch screen and runs the Android-based Open Mobile System.

Analysts opine that though it will not be a cakewalk for Dell to make a mark in the highly competitive smartphone or mobile Internet device market, its association will China Mobile has at least ensured that Dell is working with the world's biggest mobile phone operator, boasting over 415 million subscribers!