MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices) are an interesting product category--they're portable, with big touch screens (5-7 inches generally) and often no keyboard. They tend to have Intel Atom processors and run a flavor of Linux. They're even smaller and more portable than netbooks. Skype has been available on MIDs for quite some time now, and I finally had the chance to play with Skype on two different MIDs this week. The ways you can use Skype on the go keep growing, with the 3 Skypephones, 3 INQ phone, Skype Lite on Java-enabled phones and Android, WiFi phones, Nokia N800/N810, Windows Mobile... the list goes on. These Linux-based MIDs provide another great way to use Skype wherever you are.

The two MIDs I tested were the Benq S6 (currently available in Italy) and the Lenovo Ideapad U8 (currently available in Asia). Both have similar form factors and specifications: a 5.8 inch touch screen, Linux-based OS, Intel Atom processor running at 800 MHz, 512 MB RAM, WiFi, bluetooth and 3G connectivity. The Lenovo U8 adds GPS, a numeric keypad, cameras on the front and back (including a neat 'face detection' logon feature), and a cool Olympics theme. The Benq S6 has a handy 'kickstand' on its back side to prop it up on a desk or table.

Because the Lenovo is focused on the Asia market, I found its English menus to be a little unpolished, but it was still really easy to use my finger or the included stylus to navigate to and fire up Skype. It was even easier to get Skype running on the Benq S6.

The experience of using Skype on a MID is very similar to using Skype on other mobile platforms. After connecting to my WiFi network, I was able to log in and see my contacts:

You can view your chats, the dial pad, settings and other options by clicking on the icons on the left. Here's the settings menu:

On the upper right, there's a useful notifier showing you any unread messages, missed calls and birthdays:

Making calls on the MIDs was easy as well. On the test calls I made on both devices, people were able to hear me fine, without any echo, using the on-board mic and speakers. I'd imagine if I were using the MID regularly I'd want to use headphones and the built-in mic, or perhaps a bluetooth headset.

Overall I was pretty impressed with these MIDs--it's too bad they aren't more widely available. I didn't have the chance to try them over 3G, but over WiFI they worked really well. The screens are really big for a portable device--in addition to Skype they were very good for browsing the internet and playing back video. I could see myself using one as my 'lounging computer' on the couch or in bed, to say nothing of using one on the go. They definitely provide another cool way to use Skype wherever you are.