Mobile Internet Devices, or MIDs, is a product Intel has been talking about for quite some time. In the eyes of the larger crowd this is a small and convenient device for browsing the web. The talk about MIDs has been replaced by talk about netbooks that through Intel’s Atom processor has become the new definition of a mobile Internet PC. Since many have trouble keeping MIDs and netbooks apart, Intel has decided to explain it. Once and for all, it has specified that MID and netbook are two completely separate things.
This certainly comes in handy since Intel will use the Atom processor with both platforms in the future. Something it revealed already when it was discussing Moorestown. According to Intel’s definition, a netbook is a mobile PC using the clam formfactor (the display folds down onto the keyboard) with a display measuring 7 to 10.2″ and developed for Internet use.
A MID is something you can carry about in your pocket and sporting a display measuring 4 to 7 inches. The devices can use several different designs, such as clam, tablet or where the keys slide out. A MID is designed for Internet-based usage, among others communication, entertainment, productivity or downloading information. At the same time, most MIDs will focus on only one of these things to become niched.
