We’ve been beating category names to death for the last couple weeks, so what does Taiwan-based chipset company Via Technologies do? You guessed it. Via has stepped forward with yet another proposed category: the ‘Netnote‘.
As you might expect, the netnote isn’t a radical overhaul of the portable and affordable laptop. Rather, it proposes systems are built around 10.2-in. to 12.1-in. displays, the choice of solid state or traditional electro-mechanical hard drives, and a standard Windows XP or Linux install.
Where it does try to be a little different is the proposal of 2GB RAM, while 1080p Full HD video playback is supported courtesy of Via’s own VX855 graphics chipset. CPU choices will be from either the Via C7-M ULV or Nano series which currently come in clock speeds of between 1GHz and 1.6GHz. Connection options for netnotes will include Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and integrated 3G.
To coincide with the announcement, Via has proposed two reference netnotes which offer a choice of 10.2-in. (1024 x 600) and 12.1-in. (1366 x 768) LED displays, 2GB of fixed RAM, and 160GB or 320GB HDDs. Wi-Fi, two USB ports, 0.3 megapixel webcam and a three-cell battery are standard, while EVDO-based 3G and six-cell batteries are optional extras. Reference netnotes can be rebranded by third parties who will also decide pricing.
Via, in essence, is making a similar move to AMD, which unveiled its first netbook – the Acer Ferrari One. With this in mind, the extra competition is appreciated. Unlike AMD however, Via has seen the need to complicate this already muddled sector even further and for that we give it no thanks whatsoever.
Gordon
