Kevin Kahn, senior research fellow, believes that 2008 presents an opportunity to redefine mobility, to 'carry small and live large'.

Taking a leaf out of Apple's book, Intel needs to provide consumer-focussed solutions rather than products designed solely on company-suggested specifications, by engineers.

Talking about Intel's small-scale vision, there needs to be small mobile devices that aren't limited by the spatial dimensions of that device, he said. One needs the full Internet experience without compromise, with full device interoperability and eclectic external wireless-based connectivity, for starters.

The small form-factor required for these MIDs (mobile Internet devices) - usually with displays less than 7in wide - prohibits an all-in-one device with these key characteristics right now, he mused, pointing out that, unlike larger laptops, integrating multiple radios is in such a small footprint is problematic, and that's where Intel's research into multiple (mostly) all-digital radios comes into play - put everything - GPS,WiFi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, etc. - on to one small chip, reduce power requirements and save valuable space. More on this later.

Context-awareness also needs to be improved. For example, a device's built-in camera should be able to literally identify the location and provide context-based information, finding local restaurants, tourist-oriented landmarks, etc. Accelerometers need to be built into these small devices, which, coupled with maps, give users a better, more immersive experience in navigation - simply point the device and it should you lead you in the right direction. What it all boils down to is clever, intuitive devices, both from software and hardware viewpoints, really.

Intel, by dint of its size, Kahn commented, is able to leverage its engineering talents and garner industry support, via industry-standard bodies, to make the vision a reality.

The first step in this is vision of all-encompassing devices is manifested in the Centrino Atom platform that will be much talked-about this week, but that's only one part of the jigsaw.

Trouble is, visions are great on PowerPoint slides, but we've seen Intel bang on the same all-encompassing, personal devices' drum for a while now. However, we're yet to see it effectively pull it all together yet. Small devices still haven't changed much from five years ago. Yes, they've become faster and lighter, but not cleverer and more user-friendly. For the most part, the primary interface is still a keyboard/pad. Device interoperability is still relatively poor, and battery life is just average.

Where's my 7in device that lasts four days on a single charge; has the full Internet experience; that constantly adapts to my usage patterns; works perfectly from a voice-recognition point of view; and doesn't cost the earth?

Can Intel do this by itself? The answer is a resounding no, of course, as it needs collaboration from other industry heavyweights to make this ambitious vision a reality. Let's see how far along we are at next year's spring IDF.