Computex: Nvidia-based Netbooks, Desktops and MIDs Take Center Stage
By Danny Allen
PCWorldJun 2, 2009 1:30 pm PDT
Nvidia has launched a full scale assault on Intel’s generally lackluster integrated graphics. Around 20 Nvidia Ion-based netbooks, all-in-one PCs, nettops and motherboards have been unveiled here in Taipei. At least two of which we already knew about, including Acer’s AspireRevo mini desktop and Lenovo’s IdeaPad S12 netbook.
MSI’s Ion-based Windtop AE2201 will run Windows 7 and have a multi-touch screen when it launches later this year for around $750.Nvidia is also showcasing a handful of partner-built ‘Mobile Internet Devices’ that use its Tegra ‘computer-on-a-chip’ platform. Though Intel categorizes MIDs as handheld devices, Nvidia is using the term more loosely; its line-up includes netbooks and a tablet PC. With carrier subsidies, Tegra-based laptops could start as low as $99 when launched later this year. They’ll face competition from similar ‘Smartbooks’ using Qualcomm’s rival, and also ARM-based, Snapdragon platform. To that end, Nvidia has already started work on Tegra II.
We’ll have to wait and see which of the products below actually get some US game-time, but they sure look perrty.
Nvidia Ion Details:
– Support for Windows 7 and Windows Vista Home Premium
– Low-power CPUs including Intel Atom, Intel Celeron, and Via Nano processors
– 1080p HD video with 7.1 audio
– DirectX 10 graphics
– Accelerated video enhancement and transcoding using NVIDIA CUDA and DirectX
MSI Windbox D200Motherboards
ASUS C2N7A-I
Pegatron IPX7A-ION
Zotac ION-ITX
Nvidia Tegra Details:
– Support for WiFi, 3G and/or WiMax
– 1080p HD video playback for up to 10 hours
Funtwist FION 330– Adobe Flash acceleration
– Music playback for 25 days straight on one charge
– Video games at 46 frames per second
