Lenovo’s IdeaPad U8 MID usually only gets to play with its own Linux-based OS, but there’s no reason why its 800MHz processor and 4.8-inch WVGA touchscreen shouldn’t be stressed with Microsoft’s Windows XP. UMPC Fever forum member “ideapadu8″ obviously thought so, promptly putting both XP and the aigo MID Linux OS onto his ultraportable.
Video demo of XP on the IdeaPad U8 after the cut
Lenovo’s IdeaPad U8 MID concept looked to be just that – a concept – with no intent from the company to actually put the touchscreen-centered ultraportable device into production. However Chinese buyers can now pick up the IdeaPad U8 from Lenovo’s online store, priced at 4999 yuan ($731). For that, you get a 4.8-inch WVGA touch-sensitive display, an 800MHz processor, WiFi, Bluetooth and 512MB of RAM.
The U8 MID prototype Lenovo have been flaunting lately is, frankly, lovely, and Josh Bancroft was lucky enough to get some serious hands-on time with the device – and the Aigo MID – at Intel’s Mobility Software Enabling Lab this week. Comparing the Lenovo MID to a prototype MID device we’ve seen in photos before, a Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC, a Fujitsu Lifebook UMPC and Josh’s own iPhone, he’s promising in-depth video of each new device, but until now this Flickr gallery will have to sate us.
Sure its just a concept right now, but the idea is to use Intel’s Atom processor in this device along with your usual plethora of wireless connections. They are also possibly adding 3G and EDGE to the list of available connections on the device.
SlashGear Japan
