Rumors have long circulated that Dell would be entering the smartphone market. As far as rumors go, that one seems believable. After all, they’ve gone from making personal computers out of a garage to becoming a massive manufacturer/distributor of desktop computers, laptops/notebooks, netbooks, monitors, servers, storage component, etc. They even had a (not so well receivied PDA, the Axim, in 2007). Why not get in the smartphone market now?

Well, it sounds like they have been trying to do just that. Unfortunately, the prototypes they’ve been shopping around seem to have been, well, boring. In other words, no iPhone killers. In fact, the only rumored iPhone killer that anyone is even talking about is Palm’s new Pre. So what’s a Dell to do? Wait…I have an idea! Dell should buy Palm! While that move wouldn’t guarantee Dell’s success, some analysts think it is a good idea. In fact, it may be the only reasonable way for Dell to enter the market this late in the game. Regardless, if Dell is serious about jumping in, they have one heck of a hill to climb.

What do you think? Should Dell go it alone or should they buy Palm? Here’s some more information to help you craft your thoughts:

Michael Dell hints at smartphones, mobile Internet devices – InfoWorld
Dell’s iPhone Killer rejected by carriers as too dull – AppleInsider
More details on Dell’s supposed smartphone – CNet
A Dell Smartphone Would Face Big Hurdles – Business Week
Palm Pre a Bump in Dell’s Smartphone Road? – Pre Central
Handoff: Why Dell Needs to Buy Palm Now – Fast Company