UMPCs have failed and so will MIDs.

I’ve been using UMPCs as my primary computer for many years: I got a Sony U70 after reading jk’s reviews, later upgraded to various UXs, and just got an oqo 02 last week.

Ultimately, yes, all of these devices will become “irrelevant,” just as non-phone Pocket PCs and Palms became “irrelevant.” But that in itself is irrelevant. The relevant question is, would a device like this be useful for you for the next year or two or three, since that’s the typical lifespan of any of these sorts of things. As long as they fill a useful niche for a large enough group of people, they’re relevant.

Dave Watts, CTO, Fig Leaf Software

“I think that MIDs are doomed to failure”

You are dooming the device that you have never used!!??

My Aigo, now with 3G and XP, is the 3rd generation UMPC.

..and i love it!

A year ago all the bloggers said “BLAH” to the thought of a netbook type device…now they are at the limelight of the CE blogoshere. The MFg’s are making them bigger which seems odd since the overall concept is to reduce functionality to provide a more mobile experience.

I think the MID is next year’s Netbook. As people realize that the Netbook has limited functionality it becomes an accessory to your computing ecosystem. Just for travel and just for shorter web info snacking but more robust that today’s smartphone. As the form factors get smaller and smaller and functionality continues to increase you have to decide between a pocketable MID or a Netbook? I think the MID will win and become the new accessory to your personal computing eco system.

I see a big market for a cross-over MID: something that is a mix between the Amazon Kindle and the iPhone. (e.g. the Techcrunch Internet Tablet):

Large (9+ inch) touchscreen, instant on, less than 2 lbs. and good readability in DIRECT sunlight.

It’s not so much that I’m angry at the choices HP made with the mini 1000, but up until the last minute many were expecting a 2133 refresh with improvements, not a watered-down consumer version.

And don’t get me wrong there, it’s great that HP did what they did introducing a netbook line aimed squarely at the average Joe. It is not a bad product. I just think that in getting an Intel Atom HP cut corners with the mini 1000 where it otherwise wouldn’t have been necessary. I’m happy that on the business end the 2133 is not scrapped and look forward to that refresh.

When I fist handled a Sony U and a OQO I had the same comment: If this was a phone, I would buy it. Portability is great, but people will only keep it with them as their constant companion if it is also their phone. Bottom line for me: if it is going in my pocket, it has to be a phone. (I only have so many pockets!)

I think for most folks the sweet spot is about a 4-5″ screen. The current crop of 2-3″ screens on smartphones are difficult to see for we old folks no matter how good the resolution.

Everyone needs a phone. If that phone can also allow them to leave their laptop at home, then it will make sense to many. Most folks don’t NEED a computer when they are out and about, but if it is attached to their phone, they might get used to it. As an early adopter, I can’t wait for the next great thing, but I always have to remind myself that the rest of the herd moves more slowly.

My best guess for the next big thing? Apple makes an iPhone Pro that is bigger and fits in the gap between their current phones and laptops. Apple does a terrific job of convincing people they can’t live without things and once the demand is there, then the other manufacturers can follow along.

In the meantime, my HTC Advantage is the best compromise.

Are MIDs irrelevant?

Are smart phones the future? Are MIDs the future? If you’re saying that MIDs are irrelevant because smart phones can do what MIDs can, then the reverse is also true. MIDs will be able to do what smart phones can.

This whole smart phone/MID divide is so absolutely absurd in my opinion. Basically, you’ve got 2 devices that do that SAME THING–only one is has the ability to make phone calls (disreguarding skype, etc) and the other can run a real OS.

OK… let’s think about this. What if someone added an earpiece and a mic to a MID and let it make phone calls. Well, holy crap, you’d have everything you ever wanted from a mobile device.

There’s no point in having both smart phones AND MIDs competing against each other. Whoever designs these things just needs to hurry the heck up and make a device that serves both purposes. Anything else is just stupid.

Boy, first Jenn, and now you….

While I agree that the manufacturers seem to have missed the boat with the MID market, I and others on several forums in USA, Asia, and France, are having fun with our Aigo’s….

With recent hack file (just unzip and add files to flash drive with OS recovery files, do restore and voila!). The Aigo starts to really shine as a lil’ (fits in shirt or pants pocket w/o case) mobile computer with real OS…linux and soon XP….