Looking back at the industry’s standards, mobile phones have come a long way from the older models that were initially made. Before CDMA and 2G technology was available, most mobile phones were huge, as in carrying a bothersome weight. These mobile phones only allowed two purposes –making and receiving calls (though you can probably knock a person unconscious with it too). Phones these days are smaller and slimmer. You can even hang some phones from a lanyard or just slide one into your shirt’s front pocket.

Even the weight has changed dramatically. From bulky to just around the area of 100-150 grams, the change in weight is an even bigger issue –and these days, having a phone weighing close to 200 grams is already considered heavy.

But industry standards can get confusing, while smart phone manufacturers have been sticking true to the new weight rule, the concept of size is a completely different matter. People want smaller handsets, at the same time, they all want bigger screens. Even scrapping the keyboard and keypad in exchange for a large touch screen was not enough; now, some developers are looking to make phones will really big screens.

Dell recently launch Dell Streak that has a 5 inch touch screen, Sony is rumored to be working on a 5.5 inch touch screen handset as well. At a recent tech conference in Asia, Samsung revealed the Galaxy Tab which is basically a 7 inch tablet which can be used for making phone calls as well.

Breaching the border between a tablet and mobile phone is a tricky thing; after all, the main point of having a mobile handset is portability. Avoiding the need to carry a 7 inch touch screen device is specifically the reason why mobile phones have been invented.

There is a new kid in town and it costs as much as an iPhone 3G. You know that tough tablet phone surviving stabs from a screwdriver? Yes, getting the Dell Streak will cost just as much as an iPhone 3G when gotten with a contract from The Carphone Warehouse. By opting for a 25 GBP mobile broadband plan or a 35 GBP voice and unlimited data plan, you will get the 5 inch tablet phone for free.

For those who simply do not want to be tied down in a mobile data plan or contract, then you may opt to get the tablet phone on its own but it will cost you. If you get it off contract, the Dell Streak is priced at 429 GBP, which is the same cost you will be paying if you opt for a 16 GB iPad.

There is no word yet whether O2 UK will be able to give lower tariffs or if it will be a bit more expensive but considering previous trends, it is more likely that they will be a tad bit cheaper.

The tablet phone, powered by Google’s little green robot is definitely an entertainment powerhouse. It carries a super fast 1 GHz Snapdragon processor which lets you connect, browse the internet and fiddle with its multitude of available apps without experiencing even a small hiccup.

Having a 5 inch screen is nothing to scoff at as well. It gives you all the necessary space to read web pages or watch videos at your leisure. You get all the perks of having laptop and mobile phone rolled into one. The best part is that it fits in your jacket pocket so you can always keep it close at hand. The Dell Streak will be out and available for UK consumers on June 4.

If you are one of the many people who have pre-ordered the Apple iPad well ahead of time (with the wisdom to ensure that you are able to actually get the device), it seems that Apple is all set and ready to disappoint you and what is estimated to be thousands of other people who have pre-ordered the Apple iPad touch screen tablet.

According to recent reports, the iPad worldwide launch is set to go on May 28, this coming Friday and that many stores are already getting ready for the big event. However, it seems that all of the iPad stocks are going to be allocated for over the counter sales –no iPads will be shipped to online pre-order customers. In fact, it is highly possible that the iPad will not be shipped until two weeks after June 28.

This sad turn of events is a serious blow to many people who have been preparing for the iPad launch. While it is impressive to see long lines in stores, sales are still sales and Apple should respect the foresight that many people had when it comes to buying their devices. Or perhaps Apple is simply bitter over not having foresight of their own –as shown with the reason why the iPad international launch was delayed; due to their inability to foresee that their stocks would not meet the US demands for the touch screen tablet.

Users who will check online will find that tracking of orders is no longer present and that there is a notice for the possible two-week wait. Apple is practically spitting in the face of its online customers.

Still, there is no doubt that the launch of the iPad will still be a success. It is the first tablet device to be launch in this scale and there is a definitive interest in the device. However, one cannot help but feel that if Apple keeps treating customers like this, they will eventually lose support.