Dell's foray into the US smartphone market got underway, with the tech giant launching the Android powered Aero, available to order on the web or by phone.

The firm's first smartphone – the development of which reportedly dates back to 2009 – is available on AT&T, retailing for $99.99 on contract of $299.99 contract free.

Following on from the launch of the company's 5 inch Streak tablet in Europe, Aero is – in Dell's own words – one of the lightest Android handsets on the market, sporting a 5MP camera, a 624MHz processor, and running what's reported to be Android 1.5 (Cupcake).

It's a fairly entry-level device then. 

All go for Aero

"The Dell Aero is built with a focus on style and performance to help people find new ways to connect with friends and express themselves socially supported by the nation's fastest mobile broadband network," said Dell president of communication solutions, Ron Garriques.

It's Dell's decision to plump for what many now to believe such an archaic version of Google's OS that has already brought the handset in for criticism from some quarters.

Commentators allege that Cupcake – which made its debut in April 2009 – is a world away technologically speaking, from more recent updates to Android, hampering Dell's efforts to take on the likes of Apple and Motorola from the word go.

Still, with Dell's name behind the well-priced Aero, it will be interesting to see how the device performs. 

[source: Dell]