Here's the Dell Streak's pin configuration: http://www.streaksmart.com/2010/07/dell-streak-doesnt-use-sa...

That's not the same as either Apple's or Samsung's. Samsung's connection is a mirrored version of Apple's. Here's a comparison of the 3 device connectors: http://android.modaco.com/topic/324387-docking-port-is-it-pd...

It's pretty hard to say that Samsung is "just following the standard" if it's different than Dell's connector.

It occurs to me there is a strong incentive to use a PDMI interface- many cars, devices and accessories that interface with the iPod use that interface. Is it IP theft to hook into devices that normally hook into the iPod?

Indeed, that does address the pin configuration. What about the connector housing and strain relief, though? Hell, Apple's strain relief sucks – you need a pack of Sugru to rescue older dock connector cables. You don't copy that for practical reasons, right? The specimens you linked look very different from Samsung's dubiously unique interpretation.

The housing and strain relief are both different. It's the same type of connector on both ends so there is no way they won't end up looking similar.

From the first paragraph of the wiki page:

"It is designed as an alternative to the iPod interface which was used exclusively by Apple Inc."

The connector looks like an attempt to confuse people with the iPod peripherals and visual branding. Why that exact shape?

I imagine PDMI came about because it's frankly a pretty good connector. I love me some USB, but USB aside it is one of the most feature-ful and reasonable portable device connectors I've known.

As for the shape of Samsung's plug, form follows function. USB plugs all mostly look the same too.

It looks like PDMI is just the Apple Dock Connector standardized.