Dell recently announced that its Dell Venue Pro (pictured above) will be its last foray into the smartphone market for now. Dell joins HP, Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba and ASUS in failing to leverage its computer dominance into success in the smartphone world. Why have computer hardware manufacturers consistently failed in the smartphone market? Engadget explains:

• It’s not just computer hardware makers that are struggling in the cut-throat smartphone world. Nokia, RIM and Motorola have also fared poorly.
• The distribution networks through which computer makers normally sell their hardware aren’t as important in the American smartphone market. Carriers are the key and these companies traditionally haven’t built up strong networks with American carriers.
• While hardware makers are freed from Microsoft’s stringent rules when producing smartphones that also means they don’t receive the support and guidance that Microsoft provides in the computer hardware world. Google is much less helpful in supporting smartphone manufacturers.

To read more about how chips make a difference, the role that Windows 8 may play, and why acquiring established market players hasn’t been successful click here.

Source: Engadget