Viliv X70: A 7-Inch Netbook Without the Keyboard

via�Gizmodo�by Mark Wilson on 6/9/09

The Viliv S5 was�sort of charming�in its own way�a tiny Atom-powered touchscreen MID that went for $599. Well the�Viliv X70�is the S5's bigger cousin, and it runs just $599, too.

Featuring a 7-inch WSVGA screen (that's more than 2 inches larger than the S5), the X70 also includes an Atom 1.2/1.3GHz processor, 16/32GB SSD, optional HSPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Sirf Star3 GPS, 5-second XP booting and 5.5 rated hours of video playback. And yet the X70 measures less than an inch thick and but 1.4lbs in its anti-heaviness.

I still could never see myself using the keyboardless munchkin, but in case you are interested, Dynamism has the systems on pre-order.

Why Should I Want This MID

via�Yanko Design�by Radhika Seth on 5/15/09

Really, why would I want this MID (Mobile Internet Device) over the current iPhone I use? Lord! I know you�re up to your neck with Apple banging, so for a change let�s compare it to an LG Arena, Samsung I7500 or even�BlackBerry Storm 2. Where does this MID score over the rest of these Internet efficient phones? Two places: Prime Real Estate i.e. a three screen setup that opens to 210 x 210 mm and an Integrated Stand.

On the flip side, this MID is merely a concept, but is pompous enough to include a clip-like anti-theft mechanism! I�m not going to get into the tech-specs, coz any dandy designer can pump out just about anything they like these days. So my focus stays on the screen.

How important is the screen of a mobile phone anyways. Plenty! Those who chanced on the LG Arena etc. will have to admit, that when you are using a device that small for net browsing, you wished for that moment the screen was a bit larger. Unfortunately I do need to quote Apple here, but damn; the panning in and out on the iPhone, sure compensates for not having a large computer screen handy. So yeah, a mobile device with a three tier screen layout giving easy keyboard access to fat fingers really scores, even if it�s a concept!

Designer: Petr Kub�k

MID Concept Gets An "A" For Awesome Design

via�Gizmodo�by Sean Fallon on 4/30/09

To be honest, I'm not really into netbooks. I'm looking for an internet device that is more than just a really tiny laptop. This MID concept seems to be a step in the right direction.

Right off the bat it is plain to see that this thing just looks good. It's designed more like a slider phone�which opens up portable possibilities beyond that of a simple netbook. Plus, the proposed features are actually realistic: QWERTY keyboard with trackball, wide LCD touchscreen, 7 "action buttons" that can be used when the device is closed, two USB slots, microphone and audio input, SD card reader, stereo speakers and docking connector.

Again, the MID is only a concept, but I can see how people might dig it if it became a real world product. [Yanko]