The next-generation of OSes for these form-factors can release these systems from *having* to run XP (the de-facto standard that allows desktop-like performance).

Maemo, Linux derivatives and Android are promising candidates that can do more than the iPhone OS with 5-7″ of screen estate and a keyboard, and ease consumer complications (still a big if w/o the backing of an Intel). These next few years may prove to be the final opportunity for a larger UMPC market share. The question, as Kevin asks, is how many want to do more than what they can do on the iPhone?

I have the 5`HTC Advantage, 3.6`Touch Pro2 and Iphone 3G and value/use them over my OQO 02 and Everun Raon Digital for their always on and instant on feature and lack of heat in my pocket!

They also have voice and a camera. The n900 device whose images were leaked yesterday looks like an interesting hybrid.

I do love my ipod touch, but I probably wouldn’t consider it as a MID unless it had 3G Internet, like the iPhone. In closing, smartphones have all the advantages that a MID might provide (cellular mobile internet, a ‘good enough’ web experience and flexibility to perform desktop like tasks like word processing), but in a smaller, more familiar package to MIDs.

I think the real reason why you are not seek these devices in the market place in any great numbers is down to the manufacturers, and the economic downturn.

I’m just now incorporating my Samsung Q1 SSD (first generation) into my workflow, and I’m still getting questions and compliments about it. People are amazed at the touchscreen, handwriting capability (e.g., PenOffice), full Internet browser access, eReader, and editing/highlighting features (e.g., PDF Annotator). They said they had no idea anything like it existed.

Also, several of my interested colleagues stated that they needed a keyboard at all times in order to be functional, but I showed them that, with a little practice, you don’t need it while on-the-go. I also have pointed out that touchscreens are everywhere in everyday life (go to any bar or checkout that has an e-signature credit card reader), we just don’t notice them.

So, with regard to professionals, I think it’s a matter of education as to what is possible from a technology standpoint.

Separately, I agree that many consumers are happy with a smartphone for email, Internet access, and social networking. However, I believe those needs will evolve in time, like mine did. (Take a look at the evolution of the netbook – screen size and hard disk space get bigger).

I admit that I’m not a typical consumer, but I remember when I was frustrated by the limitations of the Palm IIIe and the Sony Clie NX70. I bought a portable keyboard and tried to take notes on the PDA – it just didn’t work. I also wanted to have the ability to scribble something without having to use a keyboard.

I still have similar complaints with regard to my Blackberry. I get disgusted when I can’t access certain Internet sites (my Blackberry states that it is “too large”) or squinting to read documents on a tiny screen. I also knew that a Palm Treo or iPhone wouldn’t cut it for me, and I didn’t purchase either.

However, graduating to a Tablet PC was not an answer either. It was relatively heavy to carry, difficult to whip out to surf the Internet and battery life was relatively poor.

The UMPC (Samsung Q1 SSD) hit the sweet spot for me as an in-house attorney. It has taken me awhile to read and digest all the wonderful information on jkontherun and elsewhere, but I’m happy that I did. The general public may be either unaware or unwilling to embrace alternatives to the smartphone and netbook.

I dig my N810, really! But I wouldn’t dream of buying one today.

I can almost get a netbook and a Nokia N79 today, for the price of a N810 when I bought it one and a half year ago..

That’s crazy. Full keyboard, huge screen and a nice phone on top of that.

When it comes to my N79, it does alot of what I want to do online. RSS, mail, facebook, crossclient IM and so forth. And it’s not even close to being the fanciest phone out there.

The MID is a very cool kinda device, but I think it’s off to death by convergence, unless the price drops alot.

I know that the N810 isn’t a MID with a fully fledge OS like WinXp. Nonetheless, I think the point is valid.

The netbooks are simply so cheap, that even I, a N810-lover, wouldn’t catch the bait today.

Alot has truely happened the last couple of years.

- MOC

You’re right that I could be talking about UMPCs, but when we see an enthusiast buy an Intel Atom MID, what do we commonly see them do: try to install XP or another desktop OS on the device. So it’s not just me that’s confusing UMPCs with MIDs, it’s also the folks that are buying them. As I said in the post — that’s all well and good if people want a pocketable PC, in i.e.; Windows-based. I’m not judging them nor am I saying they’re wrong to buy such a device if it meets their needs. That’s what they should buy, but it’s not what mainstream consumers want or need, hence the niche.

I agree that we could see some interesting technology out of IDF. But let’s just add voice, call them smartphones and kill the contrived name of MID. It appears that the term was simply created to hold a place until Intel could re-enter the smartphone market.

It sounds like you are talking about UMPCs there! MIDs arent handheld devices with desktop operating systems by most peoples definition.

The other point is that Intels next-gen mids will have voice and a tailored OS.

For me, MID is a description of exactly what we are seeing with high end smartphones and the planned moves by Intel. Bigger screens, better operating systems, faster procesors, full internet experience. Isnt that what we all wanted a MID to be?

What would be fair to say is that Intels idea of having successful devices based on the Menlow platform has largely failed. At least we think it has so far right? IDF is in 6 weeks so things could change!