Ubuntu MID makes Linux upwardly mobile

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 26 June 2008 05:47

Business IT - Open Source

Dell created a stir in 2007 when in response to thousands of requests from visitors to Michael Dell's Idea Storm blog, the company announced that it would release Dell desktop and notebook hardware pre-loaded with Ubuntu. However, such systems are not offered everywhere that Dell operates, but they are available in the US and some EU countries.

No doubt observing the success of Linux in the sub-notebook space with the Asus Eee PC, earlier this month Canonical launched Ubuntu Remix for so-called 'netbooks' based on Intel's low powered Atom processor.

In contrast to netbooks, Mobile Internet devices typically feature a 4 to 7 in touch screen, so Ubuntu MID has been developed with that in mind. The customisable user interface is optimised for this screen size (bugger than a mobile phone but smaller than a computer) and uses gestures for navigation and control.

Like Apple's Safari browser running on the iPhone and iPod touch, the Ubuntu MID has a zoom capability.

At the right price, such devices could prove very popular. A small handheld would be more convenient than a notebook for casual browsing at home (eg, searching for information while watching TV), while providing a larger screen than most phones for watching videos while travelling. People are sure to come up with business applications too.

While the operating system is open source, Canonical will provide engineering services for manufacturers and other organisations that don't want to do their own customisation.

What about additional software? See page 3.