Posted 06/29/09 at 07:52:33 PM by Pulkit Chandna

Lenovo’s IdeaPad S12 is the soul of a netbook trapped in the anatomy of a notebook. It has now become clear that Lenovo plans to release three variants of this 12-inch netbook, which it had announced as the world’s first Ion-based netbook last month – the Ion-based SKU will be available later in the summer. Lenovo has begun accepting pre-orders for a Nano-based variant of this netbook. Of course, an Atom-powered SKU is also available.
    
The Via Nano powered IdeaPad S12 features a VIA Nano ULV 2250 processor and VIA Chrome9 HC3 graphics. The combination is expected to outperform the Atom-based S12 variant, featuring the Atom N270 processor along with Intel 945GSE chipset. The Nano-powered S12 can be ordered for $449, whereas its Atom-toting counterpart is priced $499.

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Posted 05/26/09 at 08:15:46 AM by Paul Lilly

Starting in June, Shuttle plans to show off two new nettops at Computex as part of its Embedded Slim-series. Both systems -- XS92 and XS92F -- will be powered by VIA's Nano processors.

The XS92 will come equipped with VIA's L-series chips, specifically the L2100 (1.8GHz, 25W) and L2200 (1.6GHz, 17W). Meanwhile, the XS92F will trade a bit of performance for better power management by utilizing VIA's U-series. The U-series range in speed from 1GHz to 1.3GHz while sipping just 5W to 8W. Because of the super low power draw, the U-series boast a fanless, noise-free design.

Further details remain scarce, including release date and pricing information.

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Posted 05/18/09 at 04:07:00 PM by Paul Lilly

In an ironic twist, Dell, who was the last major OEM to add AMD chips to its server line, will now be the first to give VIA a spin in select low-power servers, The New York Times reports.

"This one is a big, major win for us, said Epan Wu, senior director of chip marketing at VIA, about the Dell system.

The 'major win' consists of Dell outfitting 12 full servers powered by VIA's Nano processor in a single 3.5-inch high case dubbed the XS11-VX8. Each server will only consume from 15 watts to 30 watts, or about 10 percent that of a typical server, and run at 1.3GHz to 1.6GHz.

According to The New York Times, the XS11-VX8 isn't intended for the masses and will instead be sold as a specialized system targeting companies that buy in bulk to host websites. As such, the new server will only be offered through a special group within Dell responsible for creating custom hardware for its bigger customers.

Nevertheless, Wu has reason to be excited, as the deal puts VIA on the map with Dell, something that didn't come easy for AMD.

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Posted 04/14/09 at 12:00:00 PM by Paul Lilly

Believe it or not, your terrifically fast Core i7 fresh off Intel's assembly line contains DNA that dates back over three decades. The same is true if you roll with AMD's latest silicon, the Phenom II X4. We're of course referring to the longstanding x86 microprocessor architecture that has dominated the desktop and mobile scene since before some of you were even born, and will probably be a mainstay still yet for many more years to come.

Invented by Intel in 1978, the x86 architecture has evolved through the ages, not only getting faster, but increasingly flexible as more and more extensions and instruction sets accompany each new release. It's been a wild ride the past 30 years, and whether you lived through it all or have only recently picked up your first processor, we invite you to join as we look back at not only the most popular x86 CPUs in its history, but ones you may never even have heard of.

Buckle up, sit back, and join us after the jump for a look back at the x86 timeline.

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Posted 03/27/09 at 09:46:48 AM by Paul Lilly

The VIA-developed Em-ITX form factor sees its first real world use today as the company showcases its new Em-ITX board with a VIA Nano processor at ESC Silicon Valley 2009. The company came up with the 12cm x 17cm Em-ITX specification for use in ultra-slim embedded devices, the first now being the EITX-3000.

"VIA has repeatedly pushed the thermal design envelope with innovative form factor specifications that allow ever more compact, slim, and versatile device designs," said Daniel Wu, VP, VIA Embedded, VIA Technologies, Inc. "The VIA EITX-3000 adds the performance-per-watt advantages of the VIA Nano processor to create a truly compelling embedded board for high-end digital media systems."

To make room for a passive cooling solution and keep the design fanless, the EITX-3000 combines VIA's Nano processor with the company's VX8000 media system processor on the reverse side of the board. VIA says it can be used in a wide range of temperature environments from -10C to 70C, and is an ideal choice for always-on applications like high-end POS, Kiosk, ATM, HMI, factory automation, POI, and digital signage.

The EITX-3000 comes configurable with either a 1.3GHz or 1.0GHz Nano ULV processor, dual gigabit networking, multi-configurable dual onboard LVDS and a VGA port, four onboard  serial ports, and six USB ports,. It supports up to 2GB of DDR2 SO-DIMM memory. See here for a full list of specs.

VIA says samples of the EITX-3000 will be available to project customers in early May. No word yet on price.

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Posted 02/23/09 at 04:11:44 PM by Pulkit Chandna

Nvidia showcased its bantam Ion platform during CES 2009. The Ion platform basically combines Intel’s Atom CPU with the GeForce 9400M GPU. Ion-toting netbooks are expected to be head and shoulders above today’s netbooks - that make a meal of even the simplest graphical tasks - in terms of graphics.

Nvidia has reached an agreement with Via to develop a new version of the Ion platform, which will feature Via’s Nano processor instead of the Intel Atom. Jen-Hsun Huang, Nvidia’s president and CEO, told Taiwanese website Digitimes that development of the Nano-based Ion platform has already commenced.

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Posted 01/29/09 at 03:58:01 PM by Mark Edward Soper

The Inquirer reports that Apple has settled a class-action lawsuit over the uncoated (and scratch-prone) first-generation iPod Nanos, which were sold starting in September 2005.

Because Apple began putting a protective coating on iPod Nanos starting in December 2005, you must submit a claim form  specifying your Nano's serial number to determine if your unit is covered by the settlement. You  have until June 10th 2009 to postmark your claim, but earlier dates apply if you want to exclude yourself or file an objection.

If the settlement is approved, the owner of each eligible iPod Nano sold without a protective slipcase would receive $25. Owners of iPod Nanos sold with a protective slipcase would receive $15 per unit. Learn more at the settlement website's FAQ page.

Did you buy an early iPod Nano? Join us after the jump for your chance to tell us your scratch horror stories.

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Posted 01/03/09 at 06:28:16 PM by Justin Kerr

2008 will defiantly go down in technology history as the year of the netbook. Ultra portable PC’s defied the economy and helped push sales of notebooks beyond that of desktop’s for the first time in history. Netbooks have been thoroughly reviewed here at Maximum PC (see December 2008’s issue) and it’s clear from the both the comments, and the activity in the forums that those who are holding out are doing so primarily for one of two reasons.

1.) The form factor is too small.
2.) The machines are underpowered.

Though not much can be done to address the first complaint, the second will likely become a moot point in 2009. This is the year we will start to see dual core and graphics accelerated netbooks go main stream. With the Intel Atom 330 already launched, the stakes will be raised considerably with new offerings from both VIA and AMD. As disappointing as this must be for AMD, it appears as though the VIA offering will be the strongest Intel competitor, but this may change closer to launch. The VIA 3000 family will be an X86-compatible processor based on its existing Nano 1000, and 2000 series platform. What promises to give VIA the edge over AMD however, is compatibility with the SSE4 instruction set. This will give them a substantial performance boost in many processor intensive tasks.

To be fair, little is yet known about AMD’s offering and more details are likely to be released at CES next week. What we do know is that two new processors under the code names Caspain and Consesus have been added to the company’s roadmap. We also know that despite the fact that AMD claims it has little interest in netbooks, these chips are the closest competitor to the Atom we can find from the AMD camp. One thing is certain, by late 2009 or early 2010, netbook shoppers are going to have a lot more choices. And as we all know competition will go a long way towards helping to drive down prices.

What would it take to make you consider a netbook?

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