Computer manufacturer Dell today confirmed its entry into the smartphone space, announcing it has signed up China Mobile and Brazil’s Claro as its first operator partners. Dell’s touchscreen Mini 3 device (pictured), running the Android operating system,  will go on sale via China Mobile – the world’s largest operator by subscribers  – later this month, whilst Claro will offer the device by the end of the year. Pricing details were not revealed. “Our entry into the smartphone category is a logical extension of Dell’s consumer product evolution over the past two years,” commented Ron Garriques, president of Dell Global Consumer Group, in a statement.

Rumours of a Dell smartphone have been circulating for many months and follow an earlier entry into the 3G embedded netbook space. More smartphone operator partners are expected to follow. Last month the Wall Street Journal reported that the manufacturer will release an Android phone in early 2010 for AT&T. Dell is not the first PC-maker moving into smartphones; rival Acer unveiled its first smartphones in February.