Video: Tegra-based Mobinnova élan running Windows CE rocks our world

To quote our Engadget Chinese editor, Andy Yang, "Tegra really rocks!" Our team in Taipei grabbed a video of the 8.9-inch Mobinova Elan in action and came away seriously impressed. NVIDIA is really pushing the HD playback and gaming capabilities of this Tegra-based netbook smartbook machine. In fact, we saw it running a 1080p trailer as smooth as silk. Now we know what you're thinking, Windows CE... ugh. Remember, CE (and Android for that matter) runs on the ARM-based Tegra whereas XP, Vista, and Windows 7 won't. Besides, NVIDIA was showing a custom UI with an OS X-like application launcher along the bottom. No word on price yet or availability but we'll update you when we've got more. Video after the break.

[Popple3 Posted Jun 2nd 2009 8:41AM]

Ah, my bad. Should've read the comments, or at least Ctrl-F'd

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 2nd 2009 10:54AM]

wow, um I cant believe I have never heard of this, but whats windows CE?

[Hackettman Posted Jun 2nd 2009 12:25PM]

I want to knock CE like crazy...... But Im getting hopeful in my old age..... I want to get my hands on one of these and toy with it myself...... Ubuntu MID would been a better interface choice.....

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 2nd 2009 1:17PM]

Is that an OSX dock?

[xxxsam Posted Jun 2nd 2009 7:50PM]

No, it's just a ripoff OSX dock that hasn't been sued by Apple yet.

Personally I'm in the 'call me back when it runs Linux' camp - also, I guess the video acceleration is nice and all, but correct me if I'm wrong, Tegra's an ARM11 processor and they're not that fast? So probably fine for running video, a bit shit for everything else. (Compared to, say, Atom.)

Form factor is nice though - I hope there will be lots more of these devices and I hope there'll be another push at the 'get the public to understand it doesn't run Windows' attempt, even if what it does run is CE...

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 2nd 2009 2:39PM]

no real windows, no buy, sorry nvidia

[mace Posted Jun 2nd 2009 7:47PM]

Dell mini 9: I am amazing and only 9 inches
Tegra-based Mobinnova élan: of 8.9, biitch
Dell mini 9: STFU

[Weet Posted Jun 3rd 2009 1:39AM]

Guys, I think you're forgetting one thing - nVidia has no stated intention to write linux drivers for Tegra. Unless something changes or hackers get busy that means no Linux on Tegra devices. You're stuck with either CE or Android whenever nVidia finishes those drivers.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 3rd 2009 3:37AM]

All the technological supremacy talks may be relevant but i believe you've got to think from the business point of view to look at these offerings.

According to some press releases, NVIDIA ION netbooks will cater to 200$-400$ market. And Tegra based netbooks will attract 100$-200$ segment. So whatever you consider best for your needs, attach yourself to the appropriate segment. Don't be greedy that i want all functionalities (ability to run my favourite player and stuff) and still don't wanna pay more than 200$.
If it had been easy to get all that done at that price, every manufacturer would have done that already.

Lemme ask a very basic question-
If you have 200$ and wanna view 1080p/720p videos on your netbook, what would you opt for ? A device that can run vlc media player and plays the video with stutters or let the application be anything, the playback should be seamless. The end user experience is better at the same cost, so decide your priority.

More broadly, look at it this way-
Buy a 600$ laptop for yourself that you can use in office too.
Buy a 300$-400$ netbook for your son in college.
Buy a 100$-200$ netbook for your daughter in junior high school.

[UhClem Posted Jun 3rd 2009 9:39AM]

No Windows means I will buy only pocketable Tegra devices like MIDs. Specifically, like the Zune HD. ;-)