Dell Streak Teardown

iFixit has torn apart another device. This time it’s the tablet/smartphone called the Dell Streak.

The Dell Streak Teardown reveals that it’s quite easy to open up the device. iFixit mention that they were able to reverse engineer the assembly process within minutes.

Before we go on to what was found inside, iFixit also mentioned in an email to us that they were beginning a new rating system as explained below.

With this teardown, we’re starting something new: rating hardware from 1-10 based on how easy it is to service. Our repairability ranking will factor in the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of servicing the device. A ten means the manufacturer did everything possible to enable repair, while we might award a one to a car with the hood welded shut. We are quite pleased with the Streak, awarding it an 8 out of 10.

Some of the highlights include the main motherboard housing all the required chips rather than daughter boards being used. Also a 2GB microSD card can be found inside that Dell installs apps on to. Dell prefers this not to be removed although we guess that a larger version could be put inside if desired.

Dell Streak Teardown Findings

* The LCD is bonded to the front panel glass to increase the strength of the device, as well as the sensitivity of the capacitive touch panel. The front panel’s solid construction should withstand drops from above waist height.

* Sadly, the Streak’s LCD is permanently adhered to the front panel glass. However, that LCD/glass subassembly is held in the front panel with some very strong adhesive, and could be removed with enough careful prying.

* The five T5 Torx screws holding the unit together are found right underneath the bezels on the front of the device. It’s super easy to open it and take it apart.

* The 1530 mAh battery is easily replaceable and is covered with a sheet of steel, rather than plastic, to decrease its overall thickness. We wonder if the Streak can double as body armor, but we find it unlikely.

* The Streak has a second 2 GB microSD card near the top of the motherboard. This card is used to house system and applications files only, and Dell doesn’t want you to remove it.

* The “C”-shaped motherboard comes out easily after disconnecting some cables. Rather than using daughterboards like the Droid 2, the Streak has all components attached to this singular motherboard.

* Big players on the motherboard include:
* Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon processor
* Analog Devices ADV7520 Low Power HDMI¢/DVI Transmitter
* Hynix H8BES0UU0MCR NAND-based MCP
* Qualcomm MXU6219 RF transceiver
* Qualcomm PM7540 power management chip
* TriQuint Semiconductor TQS 7M5012 Power Amp (Quad-band GSM)
* Texas Instruments TPS 65023 integrated Power Management IC

All the images and details can be found over at iFixit.