Intel MIDs and UMPCs are available in several form factors, each designed with a different type of user in mind. The most flexible of these designs, and my personal favorite, is what I call the slide-and-tilt. It’s the most versatile because it can be used in Slate/tablet mode, two-handed slider mode, and laptop mode.
That’s why something like the Sharp/Willcom D4 is a great portable device for Dumbo, who divides his time between the air and land. He needs a gadget that will adapt to whatever environment he’s in, and the D4′s tiltable display and keyboard do that. Laptop mode for typing at a desk or hands-free media consumption, slider mode for quick data entry while standing or walking around, Slate mode for inking (or "trunking" in this case) and reading documents and websites, using the touchscreen or touchpads beside the screen to scroll.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 am
The HTC Shift had the greatest form factor, exactly what you are talking about in the 7″ class though it is not the only slide and tilt. Its internals were poorly conceived however. Too bad we will unlikely see an update to the Shift.