Intel wants you to buy a MID

Netbooks are everywhere here at CES, but while Asus, MSI, and the rest of the netbook manufacturers duke it out, Intel is focusing on the next platform — the MID (Mobile Internet Device). MIDs aren't particularly new, but Intel's booth was swarming with them and during a demo, they made them sound like the netbook's evolution. Here's where it gets confusing. You see, we started off with the UMPC (think Samsung Q1) which gave birth to the netbook (Asus Eee PC) which may one day compete with the MID. Of the three, the MID is the most portable, it's meant to be a lifestyle device. A quick way for you to get online. However, I thought the ones we saw were kinda clunky. Bigger than any smartphone, but smaller than a netbook. Not to mention, most MIDs lacked a keyboard (everything is done via their touch screen, although the one in this pic has a keyboard). So where does that leave us? Confused.

I think most consumers are gonna decide between a do-it-all smartphone (like the iPhone, Google G1, or BlackBerry Bold) or a netbook. Depending on your needs, a good smartphone should be able to save you from buying a MID or netbook.