Dell may launch a portable device five years too late

The Apple (AAPL) iPod was launched in 2001. The Microsoft (MSFT) Zune has been available for almost half a decade. Over that period a number of consumer electronics companies have come to market with small handhelds that connect to 3G and WiFi signals. The market for these products is getting remarkably crowded.

Dell (DELL), late to the game, is considering releasing a pocket device of its own. The Wall Street Journal reports that the product will run Google's (GOOG) Android operating system for portable devices.