1st of all, what are we going to classify the HTC Shift as? UMPC, Tablet, or what? HTC is not considering it a UMPC. Anyhow, Compal is thinking that MIDs are going to be hot in 2008. So much so that they have dedicated a team to work on this. Personally, I have trouble drawing the line between all the mobile PC designations. UMPC, MID, Tablet, Pocket PC... I think they are all coming together into one form factor slowly but surely.

Compal Electronics recently decided that it will separate the MID (mobile Internet device) devision of its PC department in January of 2008, according to sources at the company.

The company observes that the focus on ultra-mobility, handheld, and Internet services found in MID products puts them in a separate market from current notebooks and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs). The company expects the MID market to see fast growth in 2008.

With Quanta Computer also adjusting its handset segment to prevent direct impact from its entry-level handsets, the MID market could become another battlefield between the two OEM giants, noted market watchers.

Source: Digitimes via Engadget

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