The exciting lead-up and subsequent disappointing fall of the ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) market might make most companies think twice about getting into the mobile device market, but not Intel. Microsoft's "Origami" turned out to be a mobile computer desperately looking for a market to fill. While companies like Asus and OQO struggle to get their UMPCs into the mainstream market, Intel has chosen to get into the mix with a different take on the same idea.

Intel plans to release a line of mobile PCs called the Mobile Internet Device (MID) that will run a customized version of Linux, instead of Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows XP like their UMPC cousins. The Intel devices will run a MID-specific Linux version called RedFlag MIDINUX, based on China's popular RedFlag Linux, which will incorporate mobile-specific apps like e-mail, instant messaging, Web browsing, and location-based services like GPS. Intel reports that the typical MID will be used primarily for "staying in touch," either via e-mail or chat, and there will be entertainment options available for on-the-go video streaming via either WiFi or 3G cellular networks.

The entire package almost sounds too good to be true, and given the chilly reception of the UMPC, which also promised all of these things, it may be. Time will tell whether a highly-specific and customized OS (and of course, ditching Windows) will be all it takes to make mobile computing tablets popular, or if Intel's plans are doomed to the same fate as the Origami.

Post by Alan Henry