- Intel unveiled a new post-PC computing form-factor based on embedded Linux MIDs are smaller and more appliance-like than the clunky UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) concept co-launched about a year ago 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 Another way to think of MIDs might be as devices mid-way between mobile phones and computers. On the software side, Intel's MID designs will run a Red Flag "MIDinux" distribution. Intel and Red Flag began researching the distribution in 2005 MIDinux is based on 2.6.20 and later Linux kernels, while the versatile filesystem-aware GRUB bootloader will do the booting honors. Startup time is sped up by the known, limited peripheral set, as well as a "fast resume" technique said to save time compared with Linux...