VIA unveils its 1080p-playing SurfBoard NetNote, we'll still call it a netbook

The world needs more tiny notebooks able to fling out high-definition video without flinching. However, the world doesn't need more arbitrarily named categories of devices. So, it's with mixed feelings that we bring news of the finalization of the SurfBoard platform from VIA, pledging to bring 1080p playback to the netbook category -- or rather to the NetNote category, which is what VIA would like us to call it. We won't, but we will be happy to see the VX855 media processor start showing up in little laptops soon, as its support for H.264, MPEG-2/4, VC-1, and WMV9 sounds quite a bit more inclusive than we've found NVIDIA's ION to be. We're not particularly fond of the burnt umber hue applied to the initial recipient above (we liked the looks of the clear prototype much better), but if it means watching high def content in coach class without breaking our backs, killing our batteries, or melting our CPUs, we'd rock it. It certainly would go with the fall fashions. Full press release is below.

VIA Unveils SurfBoard Platforms and Turnkey Systems for New NetNote Category

NetNote blends the portability and affordability of netbooks with the functionality and HD video capabilities of notebooks to define a new sweet spot in the mobile computing market

Taipei, Taiwan, 16 September 2009 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced additions to its growing range of VIA Surfboard mainboards along with turnkey systems designed to enable a new category of NetNote mobile computing devices.

A mashup between the netbook and the traditional notebook, the NetNote combines the portability and affordability of a netbook with the functionality and HD entertainment capabilities of a notebook in a light, high performance clamshell mobile device with long battery life, screen sizes of between 10.2" – 12.1", and support for flawless playback of high bit-rate 1080p HD video.

"NetNotes are illustrative of the type of device that is possible after artificial restrictions on screen size, resolution and connectivity are removed," said Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Light, snappy ultra mobile devices with notebook-level functionality are what consumers want and what the NetNote category of device provides."

Combining the highly-integrated VIA VX855 media system processor with a choice of VIA C7™-M ULV or VIA Nano™ processors, two new VIA Surfboard NetNote Edition Platforms provide high-quality, energy-efficient and feature-rich "ready to build" solutions for manufacturing NetNote devices.

Additionally, complete VIA NetNote Turnkey Systems offer customers a quick, low cost approach to entering the mobile computing market or expanding their current product portfolio.

Along with support for hardware acceleration of a broad variety of leading video standards including H.264, MPEG-2/4, VC-1 and WMV9, NetNotes come with a host of other advanced features including an optional HDMI port and a choice of integrated 3G connectivity modules.

VIA GMB Alliance – Harnessing the China Growth Engine

The new VIA Surfboard NetNote Edition platforms and VIA NetNote Turnkey Systems have initially been made available to members of the VIA Global Mobility Bazaar (GMB) Program – an alliance of leading China hi-tech manufacturers focused on harnessing the country's emerging manufacturing base and rapid domestic growth to bring innovative mobile computing devices to China and other fast-emerging markets around the world.

Over 40 companies in the VIA GMB Alliance have developed more than sixty mobile systems based on VIA SurfBoard platforms since its establishment in October 2008. All have expressed support for the new NetNote category, and the first NetNote products are expected to be introduced into the market later this month.

Through the provision of high quality, high performance building blocks such as VIA platforms and turnkey systems, the VIA GMB Alliance aims to build up the mobile device ecosystem in China ultimately enabling manufacturers to offer innovative, affordable mobile solutions to global markets.
The new VIA NetNote platforms and systems will be on show at the next VIA Global Mobility Bazaar Alliance event to be held on Friday 25 September in Shenzhen, China. Further details can be found at: www.via.com.tw/en/company/events/2009gmb-techforum-autumn

About VIA NetNote Platforms and Systems

Designed for 10.2"-12.1" NetNote devices, the feature-rich yet highly power-efficient VIA Surfboard NetNote Edition Platforms feature a choice of VIA C7-M ULV or VIA Nano processors supporting an 800MHz FSB, combined with the VIA VX855 media system processor with its support for a wide range of digital media technologies and I/O.

The advanced graphics of the VIA Surfboard NetNote Edition Platforms is powered by the high performance VIA Chrome9 HCM IGP and allows for flawless playback of 1080p HD video at amazingly low processor utilization levels. The boards also feature HDMI ports that can be used to deliver HD content to external displays.

The latest high definition audio is supported through VIA Vinyl 8-channel HD audio, and a rich range of connection options includes support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and 3G for unparalleled flexibility.

More information about the VIA SurfBoard NetNote Edition Platforms may be found on the VIA website at: www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives/spearhead/netnote-edition-platforms
VIA NetNote Turnkey Systems not only boast the full functionality and larger keyboard and screen sizes more commonly found on standard notebook devices, but also incorporate innovative features such as an integrated, externally controlled MP3 player that doesn't require the user to boot the OS, an extendable aerial used to receive digital video broadcast from both satellite and terrestrial transmitters, and the ability to act as an FM transmitter allowing users to tune in car radios or cell phones to pick up NetNote broadcasts.

More information on the VIA NetNote Turnkey Systems may be found on the VIA website at: www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives/spearhead/netnote-turnkey-system

About VIA Technologies, Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc is the foremost fabless supplier of power efficient x86 processor platforms that are driving system innovation in the PC, client, ultra mobile and embedded markets. Combining energy-saving processors with digital media chipsets and advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon enables a broad spectrum of computing and communication platforms, including its widely acclaimed ultra compact mainboards. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA's global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world's top OEMs and system integrators. www.via.com.tw

[N900 Posted Sep 16th 2009 9:31AM]

That's what they want you to believe.


;)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 9:47AM]

Function key is on the bottom left. No thanks.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 11:13AM]

More like 2-3 years I would say.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 10:01AM]

So instead of expecting people to understand what to expect from certain segments of the hardware market we'll just let everyone have retarded expectations and then completely smudge across the market to reward their retarded expectations?

Super.

NONO, YOU"RE all sane. I'M the crazy one.

[McCool009 Posted Sep 16th 2009 10:10AM]

What's the problem? It's a product people want. If you want, maybe a new category such as lolexpensive netbook should be created. Wouldn't change the fact that it's a product fulfilling a certain demand.

[McCool009 Posted Sep 16th 2009 9:56AM]

Something like this is exactly what I'm looking for in a netbook size. Flawless HD video and all those internets protocols. Well, maybe I'll wait 6-12 months for oled laptops. It would be cool if that really happened.

[conscious Posted Sep 16th 2009 10:02AM]

VIA has a long way to go in convincing me they don't still suck.

[Bryce Posted Sep 16th 2009 10:19AM]

the first of many to come

[awholeian Posted Sep 16th 2009 10:27AM]

this has more potential for set top boxes and such. just because the hardware can play hd video, when the cpu chokes on youtube video people won't be happy.

[Yemble Posted Sep 16th 2009 10:46AM]

When did 1080p playback become the "must have" feature for an ultraportable?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 12:02PM]

when folks starting saying that Blu-ray is THE way to watch movies.

also on the name thing, they are clearly trying to avoid the trademark infringement complaints

[Dalhectar Posted Sep 16th 2009 12:25PM]

When did netbooks get 1080p screens and blu-ray drives?

I can understand codec support and 720p since we have 720p screens out for some of these 12" super-cheap computers. How close does my face have to be to distinguish between 1080p and 720p on a 12" screen?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 11:18AM]

"its support for H.264, MPEG-2/4, VC-1, and WMV9 sounds quite a bit more inclusive than we've found NVIDIA's ION to be."

Huh? If memory serves, that's the exact same range of codecs that NVIDIA's playback acceleration supports. On Linux, anyway. I presume it's the same on Windows.

[Fritz Posted Sep 16th 2009 1:28PM]

Your talking about VDPAU which actually is more advanced in terms of video playback than anything Nvidia offers outside of Linux. Regardless, the ion can ASSIST with video decoding, it can't necessarily completely take the work off the processor like VIA is proposing.

Honestly, I would trust VIA to do this pretty well. My very old VIA mini-ITX board can playback pretty intensive video with the video acceleration of the Unichrome chipset and a 933Mhz C3.

[Poop Chef Posted Sep 16th 2009 1:35PM]

Who cares what this thing can do, it's GORGEOUS.

[Michael Pollard Posted Sep 16th 2009 1:47PM]

A 10.2" display that handles 1920x1080? Very cool. No prices yet.

[Michael Pollard Posted Sep 16th 2009 1:48PM]

A 10.2" display that handles 1920x1080? Very cool. No prices yet.

[Michael Pollard Posted Sep 16th 2009 1:50PM]

Aaaaaahhhh!
The first post didn't show up after several refreshes, so I posted it again figuring I typed my password wrong.
And now I can neither edit nor delete the duplicate!

[JKooL Posted Sep 16th 2009 2:30PM]

hook'em horns.

[chasqui Posted Sep 16th 2009 3:20PM]

Yea! I saw the color and that's exactly what I thought! Fight Texas Fight!