Intel's Linux-Powered Mobile Internet Device

An anonymous reader writes "Intel is set to launch an ultra-mobile PC dubbed Mobile Internet Device or MID which will run on Linux. The PDA-sized devices will target 'consumers and prosumers' instead of mobile professionals. From the story: 'MID tablets will run a simplified finger-friendly user interface optimized for the small screens, based on the Gnome desktop but with an Intel-developed master user interface layer to serve as an equivalent to the desktop. Developers will next month see the first MID-specific OS -- a tweak of China's RedFlag Linux known as RedFlag MIDINUX -- while the IDF schedule itself includes a stream of ultra mobile sessions including one on Designing for Linux-based mobile Internet devices.'"

is this Maemo?

[OlivierB]

All these screenshots look strikenly similar to those from the Nokia N800 built with the Maemo platform.
I hope maemo catches up and that they get some more developpers working on that framewaork

Alternative

[ilovegeorgebush]

Personally, I will be purchasing the Neo-1973 [linuxdevices.com] mobile device that is currently in development. It will be built on the new OpenMoko [openmoko.org] open-source platform and is scheduled to hit the market in September this year.

It is an obvously good idea...

[maxm]

My Son has a PSP and it is really nice. But I would not dream of buying one for myself due to its closed nature. But a Linux device to carry around, to avoid lugging the laptop is a great concept. Playing games, reading books, and viewing media. Reading cooking recipes in the kitchen etc. There are so many uses for a device like that.

I want one ... if the price is right.

All I want from such a device are...

[mi]

Here is my list of features:

• SSL-capable IMAP and SMTP client;
• SSH-client

Ability to play audio and video is optional — as is the ability to make phone calls. If they figure out, how to make reasonably fast IP-over-cellular, I'll buy it — and for a good price (not that of a phone/player, but for that of a laptop)...

Re:Linux?

[Anonymous Coward]

What happenned to Microsoft's origami.

Origami was an interesting idea that was waaaaay too expensive.

Look at Nokia's N800 [nseries.com] for an Origami-like device at a much better price point. Fewer features, better price and it looks like it's selling ok.

If Intel can come out with their "Mobile Internet Device" for around $400 or less, they might have something.

Re:Nokia's Internet Tablets' Hildon UI too

[Torbjörn]

Why would you want built in GSM/HSPDA?

Presumably you will have your cellphone with you anyway and its connection can be used via bluetooth.

Some advantages of not having a HSPDA radio in the tablet:
* The cellphone allready have the account for the connection so you will not need another for the tablet.
* Battery life of the tablet will not be drained by the connection.
* Cost and size can be kept down
* The tablet does not need to be as extensively certified as a GSM/HSPDA phone.

The only downside is that Bluetooth currently maxes out at 2.1 Mbps and the HSPDA networks are getting above that. But frankly 2.1 Mbps should be enough for what you will do on these tablets.

Nokia N800

[GayBliss]

I love my Nokia N800, and I really think there is going to be a huge market for these types of devices. Especially if WiMAX [wikipedia.org] ever takes off. I think typical cell phones are worthless for general internet usage, but the Nokia N800 is very usable for normal web pages. I can watch videos from YouTube on it (although not quite flawlessly, it needs just a bit more speed), and use all my favorite websites quite well. I can ssh into my home machine and with VNC I get my entire desktop from my Linux box right on the Nokia screen and it looks fantastic (and is usable). Skype is supposed to be released for it in a couple of months, which will really be great since it will then become a mobile video phone. Once WiMAX is put into use, these types of devices are going to really take off since it will mean internet access everywhere. No need to hunt down a hotspot.

Re:All I want from such a device are...

[iperkins]

A port of rdesktop or some flavor of VNC would be incredibly useful as well. SSH is a must.