Will MIDs have a rebirth?
There was a time when basically all Jenn covered on Pocketables were devices like the one you see above. But then companies started to move towards smartphones, and eventually, MIDs and UMPCs simply left the mainstream.
But today, Microsoft gave a small preview of Windows 8, set to launch sometime in 2012. The feature I'm sure the entire Pocketables staff is most excited about is the ability for Windows 8 to run on ARM processors. A new architecture is great and all, but what will this mean for form factors? Let's take a quick look at what's currently happening in the desktop market and how this may, indeed, translate into a rebirth of. . . pocketable computers once again.
I'm a huge fan of traditional desktop and laptop computers, and an even bigger fan of smartphones and tablets. So naturally, I follow both realms really closely. And although I'm a Mac user, I'm definitely intrigued by the thought of Windows 8 being able to run on much smaller form factors than it can right now. Intel's Atom processors and AMD's Fusion APUs are great, sure, but they're getting outdated, and usually, they're targeted towards netbooks.
With ARM processors, Microsoft and its partners can target a whole new demographic of users who need mobile devices that they can easily fit into their pockets, but are still capable of running a full Windows desktop. Maybe "new demographic" isn't the term to put here; it's been here all along, really. It's just that it's kind of been forgotten up until now. I'm sure that many of you can only dream of the kinds of devices that will come out of this new feature of Windows 8, and so can I. We'll just have to wait until next year to see what actually does come of it.
By the way, are you excited with the possibility of MIDs and UMPCs coming back? Or do you think they simply aren't as usable as today's smartphones and tablets? Let me know in the comments.
In my case there is no debate. Tablets will never take the place of a true UMPC/Slate/MID. Forget all the apps and give me a full powered 7″ computer that I can replace my Playbook with and I am there. Add full phone function to that and I would be in heaven. I use to say that a 5″ device would be perfect until I started carrying around the Playbook. I think that it is the largest size a true mobile device could be. That being said I think the overall design could be improved on by removing as much of the bezel as possible and allowing a swappable battery. I think the maximum screen size could almost get to 9″s and still be portable enough for me to carry around. Any manufacturers out there who needs a design specialist? I’m available.
I’m ready for a UMPC resurgence. My OQO (5″, 1.67GHz) died, as did the company, and I’ve been searching for a replacement. I currently use the HP Slate 500 (8.9″, 1.86GHz) and it’s great, don’t get me wrong, but I wish it was smaller.
I agree with Robin that the 7″ form factor is probably the best compromise. There were too many situations where my OQO felt cramped but there are an equal number where my Slate feels too big. So . . . 7″ screen (dual mode – capacitive and active digitizer), at least 1.86GHz CPU, 2GB RAM, 64 or 128GB SSD, Win8 . . . I’ll preorder it today. Actually, I wouldn’t even want to wait for Win8, give me Win7 and give it to me now.
How can the Fusion be dated when it’s barely been released? :-) AMD just announced a new tablet-oriented Fusion processor with a <6W power draw.
ARM devices are still limited in what OSes you can use on them; I'd still prefer an x86-based system for that reason.
I currently have a Viliv S5. I wouldn’t want anything bigger then that. I think if the bezel would be minimized, a 6″ screen could fit in, but nothing bigger. 7″ is already too much since I can’t put in my pocket.
A Viliv S5 with updated HW, significantly reduced size (thickness and bezel) is what I want. And also put Linux (Android/MeeGo/Kubuntu) on it. W7 is way to slow for today’s mobile CPUs.
Another Viliv S5 owner. I have pretty much given up on my OQOs due to heating issues and fear of it failing without warning. The Viliv seems much more sturdy and just about the perfect size. Give it a somewhat larger screen and a bit more power but the same size and it’s perfect. I’m dedicated to the UMPC form factor, and even still use my Raon Everun. I like the comfort of using the Viliv or the Everun while mobile, or sitting at my desk or on the sofa. So to me I’m excited that perhaps UMPCs will wake from the forgotten.
I’ve got a Nokia N810 that is becoming unusable because of proprietary nonsense.
I’m still waiting for the rumoured “Opus One” from Dell. More than 5 inches is too big … a screen smaller than the N810’s is too small. And I could care less about it being a phone. I’m wanting to replace my pocketable N810 computer.
I’d like to see 4,8 – 5″ Form Factor UMPCs/Sliders running Windows 8. Best exmaple right now is the new Fujitsu Slider running Windows 7 and (argh) Symbian.
However most manufacturers decide to use Android at a form-factor of 4-5 inches.
But what about the people who want to use a full blown windows on their mini-devices, capable of running any software? The UMPC needs a rebirth as it has always been a niche product.
Windows 8 and ARM could help becoming that niche procus more mainstream.
I hope so! Keep the pocketable form and add a larger screen (up to 6″)by reducing the bezel. Also would like Win 7/8 on ARM-based system, WiFi, 3G (but no phone; don’t want a contract), GPS option, a longer battery life (8+ hours), thinner, cooler running, and lighter. Not asking too much, eh? :-)
I also am dismayed by the lack of devices oriented to pocketable productivity, rather than pocketable entertainment.
I am still carrying my HTC Advantage just so that I can continue to use full-featured HanDBase along with this Dell Streak, so now y’all know what device size I prefer… Ultimately, I hope some H.U.D. project like Google Glass or an OtherWorld implant will render the device size argument moot, but I remain realistic. The next best thing at present appears to be the Note2, but the Android eco-system just isn’t as oriented to productivity as even good ol’ Palm was…
BTW, I an no less dismayed by the fact that a website called “Pocketables” dedicates a significant part of its activity to devices that really don’t fit in normal pockets…