Ubuntu Mobile more for MIDs than UMPCs?

Per LinuxDevices, Canonical Ltd has updated its Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded (UME) project's architecture roadmap. UME aims to create a version of the popular Ubuntu desktop Linux OS tailored to the requirements of Intel-based "mobile Internet devices" (MIDs), expected in 2008.

MIDs are small handheld, battery-powered mobile devices that connect to the Internet via various wireless technologies. They will be powered by processors derived from Intel's forthcoming lpia (low-power on Intel architecture) silicon platform such as the A100 and A110.

Ubuntu unveiled UME a month after Intel's announcement of the MID initiative, saying it would work closely with Intel to support low-powered Intel chips -- and, presumably, with Intel customers building Linux-based MIDs and other devices utilizing the lpia architecture. Thus, UME is working to port Ubuntu to lpia, starting with an lpia bootloader and a port of the Hildon application framework, best known for its use in the Nokia 770 and N800 Internet tablets.

Per another LinuxDevices article, "MIDs are smaller and more appliance-like than the clunky UMPC concept co-launched by Intel as the UMPC and by Microsoft as Origami. Whereas UMPCs have 5- to 7-inch displays and boot the slow-moving Windows GUI, MIDs have 4- to 6-inch displays, boot simplified Linux-based UIs with "instant-on" performance, and offer consumer price points."


An Intel/Red Flag MID prototype

According to the Ubuntu, Mobile Internet Devices have the following system characteristics:

* Low-power, hand-held mobile device
* Screen dimension: 4.5" to 7"
* Screen resolution: 800x480 up to 1024x600 (expected)
* ~512MB SSD, ~512MB RAM (depending on model)
* Limited or unknown hardware controls (UI needs to be able to do it all)

The Asus Eee is arguably a hand-held device but other than that actually fits into the above description.

The UME's UI Goals are:

* Simple, touchable, fun (Large, colorful icons and controls)
* Finger-navigable
* Soccer Mom and Gen-Y'ers should be able to play music, view photos, browse, chat, and navigate in car.
* Home screen highly customizable and extensible by OEMs and hackers.

While the Asus Eee does not have a touch-screen and hence isn't finger-navigable, it will likely allow Soccer Mom and Gen-Y'ers to do all the listed stuff, just as it will most probably be a hacker's delight.

As for applications, MIDs will have the following:

* Browser
* Chat
* Email
* Camera
* Location/GPS
* Games
* Configuration applets

Again, I don't see any reason why the Asus Eee can't do all of the above either in its default configuration or with optional add-ons. Actually the Asus Eee blurs the line between UMPCs and MIDs, But will UME work just fine with it?