This is the question that I’ve been battling with over the weekend after someone asked ‘Is the Kindle a mobile Internet device?’ Six months ago I probably would have said ‘no’ and stuck to my belief that a MID should be a pocketable device but since then I’ve changed my opinion slightly. I now believe that the non-pocketable ‘handheld’ aspect is also an important category of MIDs, just as, say, the chunky Dash form-factor is.

Consider these Kindle features for a moment.

• Built-in browser
• Daylight-readable screen
• Full keyboard
• 24hr battery life…always on and connected
• Instant-on
• Under 300gms (10.3 ounces)
• One of the most aggressive pricing structures for mobile Internet access yet. Free! All data costs are rolled up into the cost of the device.

Of course, there’s a lot of issues with the current Kindle. The browser is basic, the speed of the device is a major issue and the lack of backlight a serious shortfall but if you think about it, you can easily envision variations of the Kindle that focus on other forms of consumption. Web, Video and Navigation being just three. The current Kindle may not satisfy those seeking a full browsing experience but the core concept of a book-sized, connected reader is undeniably good.

For me, the definition of a mobile Internet device has to include ‘hand-holdable.’ The volume of the device is important so a 300gm, super-thin reader would qualify in my, updated, book. Netbooks don’t cut it for mobility as 2lb is still too heavy and the volume of these devices is huge compared to others. You can fit 25 iPod touches inside the volume of the MSI Wind! Fancy carrying 25 iPod touches in your backpack?

Maybe Intel should loosen-up on their definition of a MID because while pocketable is good, there are other mobile Internet customers out there that can be served by the same technology.