CEO Michael Dell confirmed the computer-maker will be launching a smartphone in the U.S. based on the Android operating system next year, although he did not address rumors that it will be available AT&T. “Mobility is absolutely the theme,” he said during his appearance today at FiReGlobal in Seattle today.

That applies to their PCs, too. Dell said the only reason people buy desktops today is if you are concerned about price or power. Otherwise, laptops dominate. As for the cheaper, emerging mini-laptops, like netbooks, he doesn’t see them becoming very big. “I think it’s leveling off at 12 to 15 percent of the market. I would be surprised if it went massively higher.” Dell said even though it’s nice because they are light-weight and portable, the screens are too tiny. “I think there is some disenchantment and user dissatisfaction….After 36 hours, you say the screen is too small.”

Even though the screens are even smaller on smartphones, Dell is launching a phone with China Mobile based on a variance of the Android OS. Dell said: “That’s a starting point for us. You’ll probably see products next year in the U.S. that are family members of the things we started in China.” He added it will be built on Android, but they may use other open platforms, too. “There are some other open platforms that are emerging that are similar to other businesses we participate in.”