Intel is preparing a Linux based ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) to compete with Windows XP and Vista UMPCs. The device is to be revealed at the Intel Developer Forum which is taking place in China this week. Some details have already been released since the presentation slides have been leaked.

According to Thomas Ricker of Endgadget the devices are targeted at “consumers and prosumers” with screens ranging in size from 4.5 to 6 inches and resolutions varying from 800 x 480 to 1024 x 600. More images are available at the Endgadget Gallery.

The Mobile Internet Device (MID) UMPC will use an Intel “Stealey” dual core processor which according to Intel is a very battery friendly and efficient processor which has been mated to the 915 chipset. The prototypes use a customized version of the Chinese made RedFlag MIDINUX. Boot times for the device are claimed to be less than 20 seconds and will resume from standby in less than 5 seconds.

In addition to RedFlag MIDINUX it comes with a mix of open-source and proprietary software to ensure that you can get everything you need to get started. It even appears to have an OSX dock like feature at the bottom of the screen. In fact the GUI is iPhone-esque in appearance, though it appears to lack an actual cell phone feature.

As far as connectivity options it is equipped with both HSDPDA and Wifi though I would not fully expect the US version to have HSDPDA, it is possible but I would not be surprised if it shipped to the US without.

If the MID UMPC can come it at an attractive price point, it may well run over and crush all current UMPCs out there.  The only disadvantage is that you can’t run Windows based software on it but the question is, would there really be any need to?  For me, yes but for most people who just want to hop online, browse the web and watch videos, probably not.

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Entry was posted on Monday, April 16th, 2007 at 6:17 am under Intel, Linux, Technology.

Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.
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