I think that in one way, Intel is right: the move to a common processor architecture for computers (whether server, desktop, laptop, MID, or "smartphone") is inevitable, if you define a smartphone as a handheld computer (with phone functions) running a general-purpose OS (such as the iPhone running OS X, or an Android/Linux-powered phone, or Windows Mobile) rather than a "feature phone."

The history of alternative architectures for widespread computing, such as the DEC/Compaq Alpha, Sun's Ultrasparc, Intel's own Itanium, the 68000-series, and so on, is pretty grim. They're all either dead or niche products.

When Intel, AMD or others are able to provide an X86/x64 instruction set running on an integrated processor that is even *close* to competing with ARM on power consumption or watts/FLOP, the case for ARM will start to die.

As somebody pointed out - that doesn't mean desktop Windows, or any version of windows. x86 runs Apple OS X, Linux (on which Android is based), Windows, and embedded and real-time OSes. Just not having to re-write drivers for different CPUs will be a major advantage. For many people, an x86 smartphone will be their only computer - they'll plug it into a monitor/keyboard at home, and take it with them when they leave.

So - I do believe that the move to x86-based smartphones is inevitable, though it's likely to be 2012 or later before they're widespread (imho).

mattsqz,
If it doesn't run Windows, what's the point of x86 compatibility? All those "X86-optimised flashes, players, plug-ins and all other things that make Internet browsing an irritation even on a proper PC these days" are written for a specific OS, and it ain't Symbian, WinCE, or mostly even Linux...and most Linux stuff has source available - so it's an easy recompile to ARM.

you guys commenting on this article seem to be confused, i dont think anybody is planning on putting windows xp on a phone. there ARE other systems that run on x86. so no, you will not have spyware, hotfixes, patches, drivers. these are windows annoyances, and having a system using the 80x86 instruction set in no way shape or form denotes the use of a consumer-level windows environment. especially on an underpowered, memory lacking portable device!

Thanks but no thanks a phone with a Pc BIOS, hotfixes, patches, spyware, DRIVERSS?? Talk about a bad idea!! Maybe we will need a service pack so we can actually make a call eah??

Today the only choice is ARM. When Atom enters market, there will be more choice with X86, unlike what the biased imagination of the author implies.

It's simple - if x86 smart phones out compete ARM based ones - that means they are better, right?
If not they shouldn't replace ARM.
In the long run it could very well mean less competition -> quality.
Anyway. There is little to stop Intel.
M.

Phones will remain phones (and not x86 mini-PC's); for small tablets, the Nokia N-series (especially the coming Wimax model) is the way forward, not a crusty Windows-infested UUMPC.

BTW, the rise of open source (easy to port to different architectures) and internet standards (e.g. Javascript) really shows the Intel, like MS, is still stuck on the desktop.

some of the readers don't realize that X86 runs Linux, Mac OS besides MS Op systems. Apples' new SDK also provides for huge opportunities for 3rd party applications for these new generation of smartphones. Open source runs great on Intel.

Intel is not the only name in the game for X86 'smart'phones, so why are you ignoring the other X86 players and writing an Intel press release, and then complaining about lack of options?

This is a umpc/smartphone with dual boot XP/ linux with VIA cpu . it can do it all. 
http://gizmodo.com/371244/miu-hdpc-does-linux-and-windows-in-all+in+one-package