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Topic: Hardware

First Intel MID now available for $699

Summary: There was a lot of Intel MID (Mobile Internet Device) news and demos at CES back in January, but we are just now starting to see them become available. Jenn from Pocketables posted that the Aigo P8860D/Gigabyte M528 MID is now shipping from Japan for US$699 with free worldwide shipping. The device has been on ebay, but this is the first official reseller carrying the device. I haven't read anywhere that other MID devices are coming soon with most speculation showing 2009 availability. With devices like the iPhone/iPod Touch and Nokia N810 I am not sure there is a real need for a device like these, but then again with Linux or Windows XP your browser experience should not be limited like it is on all of these existing handheld devices.

Matthew Miller

By for The Mobile Gadgeteer |

First Intel MID now available for $699There was a lot of Intel MID (Mobile Internet Device) news and demos at CES back in January, but we are just now starting to see them become available. Jenn from Pocketables posted that the Aigo P8860D/Gigabyte M528 MID is now shipping from Japan for US$699 with free worldwide shipping. The device has been on ebay, but this is the first official reseller carrying the device. I haven't read anywhere that other MID devices are coming soon with most speculation showing 2009 availability. With devices like the iPhone/iPod Touch and Nokia N810 I am not sure there is a real need for a device like these, but then again with Linux or Windows XP your browser experience should not be limited like it is on all of these existing handheld devices.

The specifications for the Aigo P8860D include:

  • Atom Z500 Intel® Menlow platform with 800MHz Frequency
  • 512 MB (DDR2) RAM
  • 4GB SSD Storage +2GB TF card
  • 4.8" WVGA High resolution Touch Screen (800*480 pixels)
  • 2700mAH 3.5 to 5.5 hrs
  • WLAN: 802.11 b/g + Bluetooth 2.0 (with A2DP)
  • 0.3 megapixel webcam
  • 2 USB ports, audio port
  • Size: 152x80x21.9mm
  • Weight: 300 gr
  • (OS): Linux OS MIDinux (Full english)

I understand that Windows XP drivers may be available in October as well.

Netbooks have full browser and cost less than or equal to what we see here with this first MID, however they are really not as pocketable as the MID devices look to be and are more of a laptop replacement. These MIDs take a form factor like the Nokia Internet Tablets and put a more powerful processor inside with a more powerful OS powering the experience.

Is there a market for the MIDs?

Topics: Hardware, Wi-Fi, Software, Operating Systems, Open Source, Networking, Mobility, Microsoft, Linux, Laptops, Intel, Windows

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10 comments
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  • Too expensive

    I'd rather use my phone. My HTC Mogul ($199) would only need more memory to be a fully functional browser (given the new Opera browsers available). Plus my phone lasts a full day on a charge.
    fastboxster
    Reply Vote

    • I agree

      I think the MIDs need to compete down in the Netbook price of $250 to $450 or so as they can do pretty much the same as a Netbook, but in a different form factor.
      palmsolo (aka Matthew Miller)
      Reply Vote

      • Well, given that you can get an MID that is also a telephone for $200

        iPhone and Android for instance, these devices are not going to sell in big quantities.
        DonnieBoy
        Reply Vote

      • I agree, the price will be THE issue

        as you have pointed out with netbook pricing at the levels they are at, will the trade-off of a smaller, more portable size really be worth the additional money?

        Granted as you mentioned, this device has an teh advantage of running Windows XP or the Linux of your choice, it is not a watered down version like the gPhone, nor does it sound like it is attempting to be.

        So, if it is not a phone, it is a netbook, and at 699, a little too high IMHO
        GuidingLight
        Reply Vote

  • The MID will be the telephone, NOT a separate device. Think Android and

    iPhone, etc. And, NOBODY wants to pay two service plans, one for their telephone, and one for a MID device. Most do not want two devices, just one. There may be a market here, for those that want the Cellphone separate from the MID device. Maybe the MID device can get the internet connection via wireless USB or Blue Tooth from the cell phone - and thus you only have one plan. I suppose I could see people selling this in pairs. The advantage of the cell phone being separate, you can operate the MID device while talking on the phone. Of course with a mini headset, you can do that with an all-in-one unit.

    So, the question is, do you always want to lug around a device the size of iPhone of Android? Like a pocket protector, they make you look like a nerd.
    DonnieBoy
    Reply Vote

    • Well, the news has been UNPRECEDENTED

      in terms of Android. Many people knew it would be critiqued, but never in anyone's wildest imagination would they have believed that it would get panned by so many on so many blogsites, and at so many different levels as so utterlly BOOOOOORING!

      The MID may very well turn out to be the device that everyone wants to have
      GuidingLight
      Reply Vote

      • You are obviously jealous of all the publicity that Android and the HTC

        Dream got. Windows mobile is just so boring that nobody wants to hear about it.
        DonnieBoy
        Reply Vote

      • LOL! <NT>

        :)
        AllKnowingAllSeeing
        Reply Vote

  • what is a "2GB TF card"

    Is that a typo? Should it be a CF card?

    If not CF then why should the world have another removable memory storage card format?

    Terry Thomas...
    the photographer
    Atlanta, Georgia USA
    AtlantaTerry
    Reply Vote

  • RE: First Intel MID now available for $699

    It is a TransFlash Card, a micro SD card.
    sbarnhouse@...
    Reply Vote
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