Would you buy an Intel smartphone?

Intel concept wide-screen mobile device

(Credit: Intel)

Intel smartphone and mobile Internet device concept designs have potential. So, as Intel prepares to enter the smartphone market with LG Electronics and others, will these designs be realized? And would you buy one?

One thing is certain. A re-badged Apple iPhone running Windows isn't going to upset the Apple cart (pun intended).

So, one obvious challenge is for Intel to get its considerable weight behind a new smartphone or mobile Internet device (MID) design that resets the market.

Just so happens there's a design that Intel has been brandishing for a couple of years now (see photos). It's essentially a high-end wide-screen smartphone or MID (choose your favorite device category nomenclature).

A series of videos demonstrating the Intel Moorestown-based mobile device pretty clearly show how--by virtue of the wide screen--the device would be different.

Intel concept device, with virtual keyboard

(Credit: Intel)

Now, if that device could run a browser and basic applications faster than my BlackBerry Storm (which I gauge has circa 1995 PC performance) on a bigger screen, that would be enough for me to buy one.

At least one analyst expects big things from Intel in this market. Doug Freedman of Broadpoint AmTech upgraded Intel to a "buy" this week, partially on expectations that Intel may flourish in the system-on-a-chip market as a result of the chip production deal struck earlier this month with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Intel's upcoming Moorestown chip--the linchpin of the deal--is a system-on-a-chip that's targeted, not coincidentally, at high-end smartphones, among other devices.

Freedman had this to say in a research note about Intel: "The TSMC (deal) likely opens the door to highly integrated (system-on-a-chip) solutions for target markets such as consumer, wireless, communications and networking infrastructure, and automotive," he wrote. "Though we cannot assign a value to future business opportunities without specific customer announcements or end-market intentions...We note that a minor incremental opportunity would not have triggered a press release event for Intel or TSMC."

Translation: there's probably something pretty big in the works.

[slickuser]

Depends on what OS is being used and how sleek the hardware is...

LG is not known for any of those...

Other than that, I think Atom is going to be on everything... Programmability, x86 compataiblity makes it great platform for designing new devices...

[expatincebu]

I have an LG Cookie. It is sleek and slick and 1/3 the price of other touch screen phones.

[SkateNY]

I love my iPhone. It does everything I need to do when I use my MacBook. I can copy and paste with a free download from the app store. I can replace the battery overnight for fifteen bucks.

But I also believe that the competition that Apple has inspired is fantastic. Big companies with large resources SHOULD be looking to make inroads in the smart phone market. It's a win-win situation.

[bimmin]

*Rolls eyes

[AlanHub]

repeat after me: "Would you buy an INTEL smartphone, emphasis on 'intel'. Again, would you buy an intel smartphone".

It seems as though for apple fanboys, any title containing the word phone means that it is about their iphone.

[jk3yboi]

True that, I have an iPhone and I'm quite frankly sick of people talking only about it... for the love of God, the Prada phone was first! Prada!!!! Ok, I'm calm...

More seriously, however, this seems like a really good idea; something new, and ergonomic for hand use. Don't know how well it would fit in jean pockets though.

[professionaladventurer]

In tech savyness I give myself a -c compared to most who post here. I will vote for the best smartphone base on ease of use and adding apps, paid for or free. Does anyone else offer an all-in-one sync, purchase & add free stuff like Apple, iPhone and iTunes? Love it or hate it, you have got to say it is easy to use and that is all I care about. I don't want to screw around with 3rd part stuff and having to check for compatibility, been there like everyone else with prior phones. Make a smart phone that is really smart and that does not require me to call for help (I am the "help" desk for my business of 5 employees) and that is the phone/software I am going with. I have first gen iPhone, where I go next is up to the industry.

No 3G where I live and the EDGE is xtra slow here (I live in Anchorage, but I do travel so I know how it is supposed to work), but I still choose ATT and the iPhone (and yes I need a smart phone for business). I want the phone and system to work, no extra messing around (I already said that)

[pjhenry1216]

Well, the iPhone is extremely easy to use (i have an iPhone 3G), but its also extremely limited as to what it is capable of doing. The Blackberry Storm on the other hand is slightly more difficult to use (at least in comparison to the iPhone), but if you can operate a computer, you should be able to operate the Storm. Plus, Verizon has much better service than AT&T (though, I can't speak with utmost certainty for areas outside the 48 contiguous states). The iPhone is really easy to use, but just extremely limited. If it can do what you want, then I suppose thats fine. If you need extra features (some of which shouldn't be considered ''extra', because they are standard on the average phone) then the iPhone isn't the way to go (still no tethering service available, no MMS, no cut-and-paste, no video, etc, etc, etc. these are beyond deal breakers for some people).

I like my iPhone 3G, but I have no illusions about it. It's not the best phone ever. In some situations, a Storm or even something else will be more advantageous hands down.

[Zacm05]

Well, now the iPhone 3.0 software was demoed, so the iPhone will be more than capable against the Storm once the update is released. iPhone is now going to get cut & paste, MMS, Spotlight search, landscape, etc. Also, I do agree that Verizon's voice network is outstanding, but their data network leaves much to be desired. AT&T has a better data network, but their voice network is lacking.

[sebastien.kalonji]

Is that a phone in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

[av_a_laugh]

My thoughts exactly! The videos demonstrating the possible uses are pretty slick, but the only difference I can see with the iphone is the ridiculously wide screen, which, lets face it, would mean that it would not even fit into a large pocket. You may as well just take a laptop out with you!

[ADustman]

It looks like a rear-view mirror

[fdunn3]

I wish I'd said that first.
;-)

[Jon]

If it's on an iPhone platform, by Apple, then I'c buy it. But, not from any other manufacture. Simple choice for me.

[Chapmaniac]

It would have to be running Windows Mobile 6.5 or possibly 7 (when is it really due?). Aside from that, interface (both physical and on screen) is absolutely key to the success of any device. Oh yeah - price. Keep it at $199 with a two-year contract and it will sell to the masses.

[bonesbautista]

Maybe. It wouldn't be out for what, 3 years? By the size of it, where would it fit? Not in a pocket. The split keyboard doesn't work for me, but I'd have to see one when it comes out - in about 3 years...

[bob1xxxx]

I have no problems with buy a smart phone when my contract is up in June. But what every I buy first and for most it MUST BE A SUCCESSFUL CELL PHONE first! So many "smart phones" are a complete disaster mobile cell phone with obtuse menu systems to poor designed chip sets that can place a call when your standing right next to a cell tower. Next is poor quality of build and caca battery life (problem that effect, apple , htc and many of the palm/blackberry line ups) I'd Like a nice all in one smart phone but still to this day so many of them fail as a cell phone , I'm reluctant to make the move.

[professionaladventurer]

I have used my iPhone on most of the Paxton Hwy in Alaska (look it up, it's waaaaaaaaaaay out there) with great reception and a guy next to me with a Nokia on Sprint - no signal for him.

[gotrsx6]

Fantastic! I'm glad you can get service in Northern Alaska, but I hope you're not calling anyone in a major metropolitan center of this country, because chances are, you wouldn't reach 'em. Service sucks if you stand next to anything taller than a hedge. Funny, Verizon works in the center of major office buildings, and I have to lean out a window in the middle of the city to get one bar from ATT. Spectacular!

[littleM]

I believe that Windwos Mobile 8 will be out just in time to catch all the buzz and overshadow the Windows Mobile 7 release, which has completely overshadowed Windows Mobiel 6.5. BTW, Windows Mobile 6.1, which started buzzing just as Windows Mobile 6.0 hit the streets, is not the easiest platform to develop upon, and not for the reasons that Microsoft-haters love. Hardware vendors are not exposing many of the features of their phones to the Microsoft .NET framework or even native mode APIs. For exampel, DirectShow only gives minimal access to the camera (try to get anything beyond a 320x240 image out of an HTC Touch Dual). Then there is the lack of a decent distribution channel for applications, the code signing hassles using 3rd parties, and the shrink-wrap mentality of Windows in general. Intel would do well to have an Andriod demo upon launch of this new technology.

[t8]

Agreed. Android would be a good choice for the OS.

[twburger]

Having designed the hardware, operating systems, and application software for portable devices including phones the chief concern should be battery life and reliability. Most of cell phones I have ever had were flaky and all of the battery powered portable devices ran out at critical times. Extra gadgets and big screens are prone to problems and use more power. I do not want to carry around a six ounce device that requires a two pound battery and fails after three weeks.

With Intel's recent advances in power saving technology I am hopeful that the Moorestown-based mobile device platform would address my concerns.

Would I buy it? No, I carry a laptop (Intel based) and use email and voip and a very basic and rugged cell phone. Of course this PDA bling is sexy and will sell to those who find that this concept (what amounts to an ultra-portable computer with a phone) fits their wants and needs. If this becomes the standard then I can see the prices of these devices coming down drastically.

[SeizeCTRL]

Maybe they should attach a ruler on the back of that thing... my rear-view mirror doesn't look that big.

[techknot]

This is going backwards ... looks like a "shoe phone." Probably needs to be large to house the battery. Would you actually put that to your head to talk?

[datamuncher]

Bizarre device
Strange aspect ration - doesn't fit a pocket, purse, etc. but too small to be useful as a table. I'm sure Intel can come up with something better future for Mooretown or ARM is going to sink them..

[twburger]

Having designed the hardware, operating systems, and application software for portable devices including phones the chief concern should be battery life and reliability. Most of cell phones I have ever had were flaky and all of the battery powered portable devices ran out at critical times. Extra gadgets and big screens are prone to problems and use more power. I do not want to carry around a six ounce device that requires a two pound battery and fails after three weeks.

With Intel's recent advances in power saving technology I am hopeful that the Moorestown-based mobile device platform would address my concerns.

Would I buy it? No, I carry a laptop (Intel based) and use email and voip and a very basic and rugged cell phone. Of course this PDA bling is sexy and will sell to those who find that this concept (what amounts to an ultra-portable computer with a phone) fits their wants and needs. If this becomes the standard then I can see the prices of these devices coming down drastically.

[forever4now]

Ultimately, the CPU architecture battle for mobile devices (ARM vs x86) will boil down to die size, power consumption & cost per unit of processing. If Intel can make Atom competitive to ARM in these areas, there is no reason they cannot also play in the game.

One major advantage Linux has over other OSes is that it is CPU architecture agnostic. If in some cases ARM is desirable...fine. If in other cases x86 or PowerPC is desirable...fine.

One major advantage Android has over other "platforms" is that it leverages Linux's portability AND it uses the Dalvik VM so that applications can run on the selected CPU architecture without recompilation (i.e. the same app in the Android Market will run on ARM, x86, etc.).

[AppleSuxLeo]

Here's a quick feature rundown of the pré's hardware:

* EVDO Rev A. (courtesy of Sprint)
* 802.11 b/g
* GPS
* Bluetooth (with stereo out support)
* 8GB of storage
* TI OMAP processor
* 3.1-inch multitouch screen with 320x480 resolution
* Sensors: accelerometer, proximity, ambient light
* 3MP camera with LED flash
* Speaker for speakerphone and music
* Replaceable battery
* MicroUSB connector for charging, with USB 2.0 support.
* 3.5mm headphone jack
* Phone works with slide-out QWERTY keyboard either open or closed.

As nice as the pré's hardware is, Palm's WebOS is where the real action is. As a dedicated iPhone user, I experienced something very strange and quite unexpected while watching Palm demo the new OS: my iPhone suddenly felt old and played out.

[0DRK0]

I think you may have the wrong article :p

[petemonsy]

lol laughable, I already have one... in my car, it called "my rear view mirrow" some concept design.. and no, I have no desire to carry something like that around...

[tmeyer2000]

Intel has a long track record of being clueless about mobile phones, the processors or the requirements for battery life. In the meantime ARM has cleaned out their clock.

The concept phone is totally impractical, as many have said, and partnering with a hardware manufacturer just shows desperation. Intel is trying to clone the Wintel model, which happened in a perfect storm, not happening in the fragmented HW/OS mobile world.

[sting7k]

How would you fit that rear-view mirror into a pocket? It looks like it's a foot long.

[HowardBrazee]

I would buy an iPhone, but Apple prefers to restrict its customers to particular providers and nations.

I have other Apple products and like them. So sure, I'm a prospective customer for someone who will allow *me* to buy something with some of the functionality of an iPhone.

Apple doesn't want me.