Intel to release it Mobile Internet Device (MID)

Intel is getting ready to release its own version of the mini-tablet, it will be announcing a new Linux-based ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) platform. Alternately called as ‘Mobile Internet Device’ (MID), the devices will sport 4.5 to 6.0 inch screens offering resolutions up to 800 x 480 and 1024 x 600 pixels, with the target audience described as “consumers and prosumers” and not mobile professionals. Red Flag Linux and Canonical (Ubuntu) are the first vendors that have signed onto the program.

That generation of devices will also come with a special low-power chip called "Silverthorne" that is based on Intel's 45-nanometer manufacturing technology. Expected to be released next year, the UMPCs are tipped to be an extension of the successful Centrino mobile brand, with the CPU components (codenamed Stealey) packing dual-core processors clocked at 600-800MHz.

Although capable of running Windows XP and Vista, Intel is looking to kit the devices out with an embedded Linux OS supplemented by a mix of open-source and proprietary code. But while Intel waits for the UMPC or MID to take off, it's continuing to improve its products for traditional notebook PCs. In 2008, Intel is expected to launch the "Montevina" notebook technology, which will come with built-in support for WiMax, the long-range wireless networking technology.

Check out the Intel Developer Forum here