Aigo have confirmed that the much-anticipated Windows XP version of their touchscreen MID will be made generally available, in addition to the existing Linux model. Up until now, anybody wanting XP on the compact slider device had to do so unofficially.
For connectivity, input options and simply fitting into your pocket, aigo’s MID certainly has plenty of potential. Unfortunately, as reviewers have discovered, it’s hamstrung by its OS: adding new apps is a struggle, meaning most people will be stuck with what software comes out of the box. One owner, though, has heavily customized his 3G-equipped aigo to better perform as a UMPC rather than just an internet browser; full video demo, plus details of the changes, after the cut.
As well as their latest Fuzebox HTPC, Velocity Micro also brought along two mobile products to CES this week. The company has added a MID, the Velocity Micro NoteMagix M5, and a netbook, the Velocity Micro NoteMagix M10, to their range. The former, a rebadged aigo P8860, has a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, integrated WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G, and a 4GB SSD, and will be offered in both Windows XP Home and Linux versions.
Gigabyte’s M528 MID has been flitting around the pages of SlashGear for so long now, it was hard to believe we’d never seen an unboxing for the touchscreen handheld. Thankfully the guys at UMPCFever have sorted that, showing the mobile internet device taken from box, to SIM and battery slotting in, to boot and then even flirting with its aigo counterpart.
Aigo’s P8860 has been one of the more interesting mobile internet devices (MIDs) we’ve been keeping track of, not least because it actually managed to move out of prototype stage and into the hands of buyers. The 800MHz Atom powered ultraportable has a 4.8-inch touchscreen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and runs a specially tweaked version of Linux intended to make mobile computing straightforward; Jenn at Pocketables has been putting the P8860 through its paces, and while there’s plenty to recommend it, there are also a few big questions left over at the end.
After the video breakdown of aigo’s P8860 Mobile Internet Device showed there was plenty of space for slotting in some onboard 3.5G WWAN capabilities, it was only a matter of time until the compact touchscreen device had some HSDPA poured into it. jkkmobile – who has already added 3G and touchscreens to a variety of ultraportables – has done just that.
Video demo of the HSDPA-enabled aigo P8860 after the cut
A few months back, when we wondered out loud about abbreviations, one of the easiest targets was the ultraportable device market. Mobile Internet Devices, Ultramobile PCs, Personal Media Players; as manufacturers rush to grant their gadgets more functionality, all seem to end up overlapping. The Archos Internet Media Tablet isn’t a MID, not by Archos’ own definition anyway, but it does offer internet access, on a touchscreen tablet, in a device that’s certainly mobile. Pocketables have been comparing the Archos 5 (soon to be available with integrated 3G WWAN, remember) with the Aigo P8860, a gadget which certainly does claim to be a MID.
Nothing like a good device dissection to clear the pipes on a Monday, and if the BenQ S6 hands-on feedback left you thinking “great, but what’s inside those little MIDs?” then this might appeal. aigo’s P8860 MID has a similar 4.8-inch touchscreen to the S6, but brings a slide-out QWERTY keyboard to the mixture; in the UMPC Fever forums they’ve been looking inside to check out possible upgrade potential.
Video dissection after the cut!
If half the problem with MIDs and UMPCs is explaining to would-be buyers why they really ought to consider one, the other is actually finding them for sale. Aigo’s P8860 MID is a case in point; on sale since August in Hong Kong, trying to find one elsewhere will force you onto eBay. Now, finally, an official reseller has been nominated, Direct From Japan, who will happily ship you the P8860 anywhere worldwide.
Retailer Expansys has listed the Gigabyte M528 MID for preorder on its US and UK sites. According to the listing, the 4.8-inch touchscreen device will cost $684.99 in the US and £429 in the UK, figures that tally with the Taiwanese pricing Gigabyte recently confirmed. Although both Expansys sites now list the MID as “ordered on request”, an earlier screenshot suggested availability on September 17th.
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