There is never a dull moment in the electronics design world, even in these days of so-called slowdown. And the latest sensation on the wireless design scene is the mobile Internet device (MID).

For over a decade the business press has prominently covered the advent of smart phones and personal digital assistants, and how these two types of gadget relate to each other. Their promise has been shaping next-generation portables and the industry has been in a continuous state of flux in its search for new possibilities.

All the while, the silicon building blocks for the next-generation devices have been undergoing refinement. The success of the Apple iPhone has provided the launching pad for the new generation of mobile devices.

Now the story of the smart phone and the PDA is being retold.

MID vs. UMPC
The reincarnation of the portable phenomenon has brought forth the new names MID and ultramobile PC (UMPC). According to Will Strauss, president and principal analyst at electronics market research firm Forward Concepts Co., MID is a brand new market that serves the gap between high-end smart phones and UMPCs.

MID is a consumer-class lifestyle device with always-on mobility, while UMPC is a business-class mobile PC that is typically shut down after use.

MIDs are optimized for wireless communication, multimedia and Web surfing. UMPC, on the other hand, is for enterprise-grade, standard office applications.

On the price front, MIDs could hover around the $500 mark, while UMPCs will likely be a bit pricier.

Battery life is another differentiator—MIDs can last 24hrs under normal use, whie UMPCs can last only 6hrs to 8hrs.

Apple Inc. has set initial MID benchmarks with the iPhone. Strauss said though, that mainstream MIDs will be slightly bigger than the iPhone.

Processors ready
Hardware building blocks for MID and UMPC seem to be ready. News of processor introductions from Intel, Nvidia, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments have been plentiful.

Cellphone manufacturers in Asia, especially in Taiwan, are proactive on the emerging MID scene. Smart phone makers such as HTC Corp. are seeking a slice of the MID business pie.

MIDs to be launched later this year will probably decide the future of this new gadget and how it will impact the fortunes of wireless semiconductor businesses.

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