Ubuntu Netbooks vs. Mobile Internet Devices: What’s the Difference?
Sorry if I’m the only person who’s confused about Canonical’s mobile Linux strategy. The company has at least two Ubuntu software projects — one for Netbooks, the other for Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) — that sound strikingly similar. So what’s the difference between Ubuntu for Netbooks and Ubuntu for MIDs? Canonical gave me some answers during OSCON 2008.
Here’s a simple way to think of each project, according to Canonical marketing manager Gerry Carr:
- Ubuntu Netbook Remix is designed for sub-notebooks. The devices are close in design to notebook computers, and are meant to be secondary PCs for mobile applications — such as checking email, Twitter and other Web 2.0 applications during a quick stop at Starbucks or a WiFi hotspot. Netbooks are expected to debut later this year at all major computer retailers, and will cost about $300 to $500, predicts Carr. Two major global manufacturers have already agreed to ship Netbook devices, though Carr declined to mention the companies by name.
- Ubuntu for Mobile Internet Devices (MID) is designed for computers that are close to smart phones in design. MID devices are expected to have touch screens — similar to the iPhone — and may also have similar characteristics to forthcoming Google Android devices. In some cases, MIDs may be free devices that consumers receive as part of a wireless Internet service plan, predicts Carr.
So, which is the bigger priority at Canonical: MID devices or Netbooks? Both are big opportunities, according to Carr, but Netbooks are higher priority because the hardware platform is already well-understood by potential customers. Indeed, the Asus Eee PC has helped to define the sub-notebook market.
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Yup, I’m waiting on a netbook with ubuntu preloaded to get.
[...] Ubuntu Netbook vs. Ubuntu Mobile Internet Devices: What’s the Difference? Posted in July 24th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri in rss Canonical is working on at least two mobile Linux projects. One called Ubuntu Netbook Remix, the other called Ubuntu for Mobile Internet Devices. So what’s the difference between the two? Glad you asked. Gerry Carr, marketing manager for Canonical, described each platform during a meeting at OSCON. Here are the details. [...]
the difference is the gui.
* ubuntu mobile is basically a port of the memo interface which is used on the nokia n series. this interface is designed for a touch screen.
* ubuntu netbook remix is more or less a standard gnome with a different launcher, you can start with a standard gnome and add the applets to turn it into the netbook remix gui.
I thought that Ubuntu Mobile was built on Clutter, not Maemo.
While the Nokia N-series is great, it’s not quite the same thing as a “Mobile Internet Device”. OK, it’s mincing words cause Nokia N-Series are mobile and they do support Internet, but not “Mobile Internet” ie GSM, 3G, or WiMAX.
Also the Maemo interface is stylus-driven while the Ubuntu MID seems to be the next-generation touchscreen a la iPhone/iTouch.
-Josh
Josh: Actually, Intel demonstrated a MID device with a stylus at OSCON (I think, at least).
I think Ubuntu says that it has both Flash and Clutter UI’s
I have posted the slide images here:
http://j.blog.stutzman.net/2008/07/ubuntu-for-mids-and-netbooks.html
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[...] Required for Linux to Overtake Apple Mac OS X?OSCON: Canonical Set to Expand Online Software StoreUbuntu Netbooks vs. Mobile Internet Devices: What’s the Difference?Coming Soon: Free Linux Mobile Internet Computers?Canonical Says Linux Must Leapfrog Apple Visit [...]
[...] July 2008, there were clear signals from Canonical that the Ubuntu Netbook Remix edition was gaining momentum far faster than the Ubuntu for [...]