You might remember that little BenQ MID prototype which was doing the rounds at IDF and CES. Well, it looks like the folks at HQ have decided to get all official with the newly-repainted gadget -- creatively dubbed the BenQ Mobile Internet Device -- during another three letter party, MWC. According to the press release, the unit boasts a 4.8-inch touchscreen, 0.3-megapixel webcam, and "high-speed mobile internet access." Interestingly, the company appears to be aiming for some fancy-shmancy gesture input, like sliding finger movements and the ability to shake the device to minimize windows -- a feature which should notably increase the numbers of these which get thrown across a room. BenQ still hasn't given any release date or expected price on the Menlow-based device, so don't start any breath-holding competitions just yet. There's one more press image after the break, if you haven't seen enough (and we suspect you haven't).

[Via jkkmobile]

We've seen it in pics, but now we get to hold it. The new Lenovo MID being shown off at the Intel booth at this year's CES can't help but remind us of one of our favorite old game systems... the Atari Lynx. Beyond that, it sports another Linux-based interface, with a decent looking UI put on top -- though we're pretty underwhelmed by the resistive touchscreen's response. We're not sure what they think we're going to do with that number pad on the side... unless this can be used as a phone, perhaps. Take a look at the pics and judge for yourself.

We got a chance to play with the new Aigo MID that sports the Intel Menlow chip, and here's a slew of shots for you to peep. A few items of note: first, the thing is totally trying to rip the iPhone's interface -- you can't really debate that, though sitting atop its janky Linux implementation, it feels pretty third rate. On the bright side, the little guy uses a new, touchscreen-MID-centric version of Mozilla called CoolFox, which is nice to see on a handheld. Check the gallery and see for yourself.

We got a chance to play with the bizarre Digifriends MID at the Intel booth, and it actually seems kind of cool. The basic concept with the Vista-running, Menlow-sporting, lime green device is that you can snap on all kinds of add-ons to it, like a gamepad, keyboard, stand, speakers, and a hard drive. The overall feel wasn't wildly different from the other MIDs we saw, but the possibilities of expanding it easily are enticing. Check the gallery for all the views.

That's right, kids. The crazy, long-iPhone prototype we saw demoed at IDF a few months back has made its way into our greedy hands. We've got to say, Intel should just bring this thing to market right now. While the UI wasn't up and running, just holding the thing, and checking out the demo shots of the interface was enough to give us big chills. It's thin, it's light, and we have to say, pretty darn fresh. If they keep up with this kind of work, we're fully prepared to be blown away in the future. Of note: the rep here claimed that the company now has even smaller and thinner versions of this thing in prototype -- though they don't seem to be at CES, and he kept reiterating that the prototype I was handling was slated for a 2009 release. Oh well, feast your eyes on the gallery.

We came, we saw... we handled. We finally got a chance to play with LG's newest entry into the growing line of forthcoming Intel MIDs, and we're pretty impressed. The device is small and light, has a really solid build, and definitely is going to give current players (N810, we're looking at you) a nasty run for the money. Check out the gallery below and bask in the newness of your next wallet-breaker.

That's right kids, it's the new hotness. Get up close and personal with these thrilling videos featuring the Menlow-based MIDs in sweet, sweet action.

It looks like Lenovo isn't the only gang of techno-hooligans launching an MID this year at CES -- word on the street (and in official PR) is that BenQ's entry to the relatively new category will be making a showing before you know it. According to the company, the device -- which we're thinking is going to be the purple number we saw Intel demoing back at its Developer Forum in September -- will feature a 4.8-inch display, WiFi, 3.5G (such as HSUPA), and will be driven by (surprise!) Intel's Menlow platform. The device will apparently consume less power than a UMPC (as expected), and will carry a price tag that will likely bend closer to a smartphone than a laptop. Info is scarce right now, but we suspect all will be deliciously revealed this week -- stay logged in.

We're expecting to see MIDs aplenty (Mobile Internet Devices, a smaller cousin of the UMPC) at this year's CES, but we didn't know Lenovo would be getting in on the action. The Chinese company is most closely identified with the business-friendly ThinkPad line it bought from IBM, at least in the States, so the shiny device spotted in this video represents a bit of a departure for them. As depicted in the video after the break, the device has what looks to be an odd sort of numeric keypad. There's also a built-in accelerometer to sense orientation, and we can only hope a slide-out keyboard hidden underneath. UMPC Portal conjectures that the unit is running an Adobe AIR app to give it that flashy interface, but it certainly looks like the everything is awaiting a little bit of polish. We'll obviously be keeping a close eye on Lenovo for this one next week.

[Via UMPC Portal]

It's been a tick since we've heard anything notable on the Mobile Internet Device front, but it looks like BenQ could have something on the horizon. Judging by a brief clip showing a consumer marketing manager from Intel's Ultra Mobility Group, BenQ has developed a Linux-based handheld MID that touts a vivid black / blue color scheme and a 4.8-inch touchscreen. Sadly, that's about all the details that could be shared in 27 oh-so-quick seconds, but click on through to check the video out for yourself.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

If you're the dedicated, hardcore type who can sit through minutes upon minutes of walkthroughs despite painfully bad video quality, this one's for you. Of course, we can assume that even those of you who don't fall in the aforementioned camp would still be interested in a sneak (video) peek at the MIDINUX operating system, which is proudly showcased browsing the internet, entering text, playing back a movie, and playing games. The finalized product could obviously change ever-so-sightly between now and then, but regardless, be sure to click on through for an in-action look at Intel's Linux-based MID, and try not to become too envious, capiche?

[Via eHomeUpgrade]