WTF is a MID?

The launch of the  MID

So there was a hot buzzword coined a while back in the Consumer Electronics space “MID” ok so its actually an acronym.

Most of you must be asking what the hell is a MID? Well its a Mobile Internet Device, but it might as well be a Mobile iPhone Device. That’s because the iPhone to date is the only MID people are actually buying in volumes to be a blip on the radar.

So what is the key to Apple’s success? They’re the first company to pair a high end web-browser with a cellular connection.

So why just Apple

There are many companies offering devices to compete but most lack a cellular connection. This to me means they are a TID or (Trapped Internet Device) that’s because without cellular connections you’re stuck with WiFi oases.

The idea that I’ll duck into a McDonalds or a Starbucks and pop out my device to enjoy the wonders of the internet, only to toss it aside the minute I step outside is silly. People have become used to the idea of being always on, and connected, if you can’t offer that they’ll stick with their cellular phone.

The golden Opportunity

If someone can come up with a reasonably priced package for providing cellular connectivity to consumer electronics devices they stand a chance of building the same success that Apple was able to. There is an opening as not everyone wants a converged device (phone, mp3 player, Internet device, Navigation Device) and not everyone will want the same product.

Help on the way?

There’s been a lot of movement by telecos towards offering netbooks as this bridging device by partnering with device manufacturers.

Take-away: Once again Apple gained a huge first mover advantage by filling a gap traditional players in the field had ignored. Apple has shown a willingness to say why not, and pass the pain of a transition into a new product market onto its partners. This has been an extremely successful strategy for them, but why hasn’t any other OEM been able to do the same?