BenQ Getting Interested in MIDs

BenQ is losing most of its interest in making phones, and instead devoting its resources to making Mobile Internet Devices.

DigiTimes is reporting that this company will launch its first MID in Europe later this month. This will run Linux on an 800 MHz Intel Atom processor, include 512 MB of RAM, and a 4 GB Solid State hard drive. 

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It will have a WVGA (800 by 480 pixel), 4.8-inch touchscreen, and an accelerometer will change it between portrait and landscape modes. It will support voice commands, too.

This device will offer Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth, and 3G (HSDPA) wireless networking, as well as an optional GPS receiver.

It will have a tablet shape and be available in a variety of colors, including red, blue, balck, and purple.

BenQ's handset business has been struggling lately, after it shifted much of its research and development resources to a spin off. 

What's a MID?

MIDs are an emerging class of portable computers. They are larger than a handheld or smartphone, and used primarily to browse the Web. Probably the best current example of this is the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet, but several more companies reportedly have MIDs in the pipeline.

Intel is one of the biggest backers of this class of devices, and Microsoft has developers working to be sure Windows Mobile will be ready for them.

Related Articles:

• Microsoft Getting Windows Mobile Ready for MIDs