[mogui]

It puzzled me about what "MIDs" might be. Google tells me it could be the "Madras Institute of Development Studies". Hmm. Doesn't fit. The urban dictionary suggests "mid-grade marijuana". Again, a bad fit. Ah! Finally, "Mobile Internet Devices".

Yes, nathanwms, I think you are right about the trend toward a very portable browsing device. Devices like the Pepper Pad and the new Samsung are very cool. As soon as I can use Skype or a similarly capable VoIP client on one of them, I will probably buy it. I really like the idea of toting my MID around the house as needed rather than being shackled to the computer desk. Yes, I have heard of the portable laptop, but it is not quite so convenient as a MID. It also tends to become cluttered with cables and add-ons that have a certain fragility about them.

Will I want to carry two devices to accomplish this? I think not. My sense of urgency for portable VoIP is increasing monthly. It will eventually motivate a purchase. A MID would be quite satisfactory for this purpose, as I carry a bag habitually, and it would be convenient to have a Pepper Pad sized device with me at all times.

Oh! I forgot! I carry a cell phone too! But it is not a smartphone. I carry a Palm too for the PIM functionality. What I would really like is the phone functionality, VoIP functionality, PIM functionality, and browsing all in one device. Some day I will have one embedded under my skin. I will talk to it softly and it will whisper in my ear. I will see brightly colored images out in front of me, and I will manipulate them using eye and hand movements. My Embedded Computing Device (ECD) will have a lifetime of storage plus immensely fast connectivity. My ECD will probably have a feminine personality and a pleasing voice. My wife will be jealous of her.