VIA's ARTiGO A1100 is the nettop for DIYers (video)
By Tim Stevens 
posted April 20th 2010 9:21AM
posted April 20th 2010 9:21AM
VIA Puts a Full Featured Desktop PC in the Palm of Your Hand with the VIA ARTiGO A1100
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 DIY PC Kit packs HD video, HDMI and full 64-bit computing in a sub-liter form factor
VIA ARTiGO A1100
Taipei, Taiwan, April 20, 2010 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the launch of its latest DIY PC kit, the VIA ARTiGO A1100, a sub-liter DIY PC kit for enthusiasts who want to taste the most extreme, ultra-compact desktop computing experience.
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 takes inspiration from Pico-ITX, cramming a range of features that include a 64-bit processor, HD video support, HDMI and VGA display connectivity, Gigabit networking, Wi-Fi Support and five USB ports, all into a PC chassis that fits snuggly into the palm of your hand.
"The VIA ARTiGO A1100 redefines compact computing, bringing all the features of a regular desktop PC in a form factor that needs to be seen to be believed," said Daniel Wu, Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "By harnessing our expertise in creating leading edge form factor systems, we're offering consumers something that absolutely breaks the mold."
VIA ARTiGO A1100: Compact Computing Redefined
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is powered by a 1.2GHz VIA Nano processor, offering a high performance native 64-bit computing experience while remaining within a low power thermal envelope. The VIA Nano processor is joined by the VIA VX855 media system processor, a fully integrated all-in-one chipset that brings exceptional multimedia experience to small form factor devices including playback of the most demanding HD video formats.
The VIA ARTiGO is the smallest full featured PC Kit available today. With dimensions of a mere 5.7" x 3.9" x 2" (14.6 cm x 9.9 cm x 5.2 cm), totaling only 44.46 cubic inches or 752 cm3, this mini PC is suitable for a variety of applications in the home or office, including home server, media streaming and surveillance applications. The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is also great as a regular desktop PC, using only a fraction of the physical real estate.
Front and back panel I/O includes HDMI and VGA ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, five USB ports including one USB device port, three audio jacks with optional wireless IEEE 802.11 b/g and SD card reader modules.
VIA VX855: A Pico HD Video Powerhouse
The VIA VX855 is specially designed to provide flawless hardware acceleration for the latest HD video codecs including H.264, WMV, VC-1 and MPEG 2/4 at high bitrates and display resolutions of up to 1080p with very low CPU utilization. The VIA Vinyl HD audio codec provides 6 channel DTS capable audio while an onboard HDMI port is included for seamless connection to the latest HDTV displays. These features combine to make the VIA ARTiGO A1100 an ideal for solution for a wide range of HD video and multimedia streaming applications.
Enthusiastically DIY
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is aimed at enthusiast customers who dare to explore beyond the confines of regular PC building. The VIA ARTiGO A1100 offers easy installation of system memory, hard drive, wireless module and SD card reader. Supported operating systems include Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and a variety of Linux distributions.
Available now at the VIA Store
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is available now from the recently launched VIA Online Store, retailing at US$243.00. The first ten customers get a special early bird discount price of only $199.00. To order your VIA ARTiGO A1100 please visit:
http://store.viatech.com
ARTiGO A1100 Simile Game
Join the VIA ARTiGO A1100 Simile Game, a competition where you can win a VIA ARTiGO A1100 by simply submitting and voting for the everyday object that you think most closely resembles the VIA ARTiGO A1100's diminutive size. To learn more about the Simile Game competition, please go to:
http://a1100.viatech.com
To watch a short introductory video about the VIA ARTiGO A1100, please go to:
http://www.viavideolibrary.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=2&task=videodirectlink&id=141
Images related to this press release are available at:
http://www.viagallery.com/index.php?option=com_flickr4j&Task=sets&Set=72157623887866156&Page=1
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
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 DIY PC Kit packs HD video, HDMI and full 64-bit computing in a sub-liter form factor
VIA ARTiGO A1100
Taipei, Taiwan, April 20, 2010 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the launch of its latest DIY PC kit, the VIA ARTiGO A1100, a sub-liter DIY PC kit for enthusiasts who want to taste the most extreme, ultra-compact desktop computing experience.
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 takes inspiration from Pico-ITX, cramming a range of features that include a 64-bit processor, HD video support, HDMI and VGA display connectivity, Gigabit networking, Wi-Fi Support and five USB ports, all into a PC chassis that fits snuggly into the palm of your hand.
"The VIA ARTiGO A1100 redefines compact computing, bringing all the features of a regular desktop PC in a form factor that needs to be seen to be believed," said Daniel Wu, Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "By harnessing our expertise in creating leading edge form factor systems, we're offering consumers something that absolutely breaks the mold."
VIA ARTiGO A1100: Compact Computing Redefined
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is powered by a 1.2GHz VIA Nano processor, offering a high performance native 64-bit computing experience while remaining within a low power thermal envelope. The VIA Nano processor is joined by the VIA VX855 media system processor, a fully integrated all-in-one chipset that brings exceptional multimedia experience to small form factor devices including playback of the most demanding HD video formats.
The VIA ARTiGO is the smallest full featured PC Kit available today. With dimensions of a mere 5.7" x 3.9" x 2" (14.6 cm x 9.9 cm x 5.2 cm), totaling only 44.46 cubic inches or 752 cm3, this mini PC is suitable for a variety of applications in the home or office, including home server, media streaming and surveillance applications. The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is also great as a regular desktop PC, using only a fraction of the physical real estate.
Front and back panel I/O includes HDMI and VGA ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, five USB ports including one USB device port, three audio jacks with optional wireless IEEE 802.11 b/g and SD card reader modules.
VIA VX855: A Pico HD Video Powerhouse
The VIA VX855 is specially designed to provide flawless hardware acceleration for the latest HD video codecs including H.264, WMV, VC-1 and MPEG 2/4 at high bitrates and display resolutions of up to 1080p with very low CPU utilization. The VIA Vinyl HD audio codec provides 6 channel DTS capable audio while an onboard HDMI port is included for seamless connection to the latest HDTV displays. These features combine to make the VIA ARTiGO A1100 an ideal for solution for a wide range of HD video and multimedia streaming applications.
Enthusiastically DIY
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is aimed at enthusiast customers who dare to explore beyond the confines of regular PC building. The VIA ARTiGO A1100 offers easy installation of system memory, hard drive, wireless module and SD card reader. Supported operating systems include Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and a variety of Linux distributions.
Available now at the VIA Store
The VIA ARTiGO A1100 is available now from the recently launched VIA Online Store, retailing at US$243.00. The first ten customers get a special early bird discount price of only $199.00. To order your VIA ARTiGO A1100 please visit:
http://store.viatech.com
ARTiGO A1100 Simile Game
Join the VIA ARTiGO A1100 Simile Game, a competition where you can win a VIA ARTiGO A1100 by simply submitting and voting for the everyday object that you think most closely resembles the VIA ARTiGO A1100's diminutive size. To learn more about the Simile Game competition, please go to:
http://a1100.viatech.com
To watch a short introductory video about the VIA ARTiGO A1100, please go to:
http://www.viavideolibrary.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=2&task=videodirectlink&id=141
Images related to this press release are available at:
http://www.viagallery.com/index.php?option=com_flickr4j&Task=sets&Set=72157623887866156&Page=1
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
Shuttle XS29F has the Via Nano too... and it sux0rz.
If you think the Atom is weak, living with a Nano will make you want to punch a puppy.
@Ducman69
lol this is not news
http://www.logicsupply.com/categories/by_processor/via_c7_c3
http://www.logicsupply.com/categories/mainboards/pico_itx
@Ducman69 Oh, the Atom330/9400 (ION) is the way to go though. Small, near silent, still cheap. For Intel alternatives, the Dell Zino HD w/ the dual-core Neo (get the 6850e) and the 512mb discrete HD 4330 is also an excellent combo (7.1DTS through HDMI), and fits a fullsize harddrive (slap in a 2TB) while still being insy winsy.
@Ducman69 Well, the article says this includes VX855 media processor, which can handle 1080p video. If that is truly the case than this will make for an excellent media center PC for the living room.
One thing people need to realize before buying an Atom powered PC (or a Nano in this case) is that you can't expect to do the same tasks you do on a full sized desktop or laptop with a regular processor.
@DonnyChi91 Thats untrue, you can do all non-processor intensive tasks without noticing any difference even on a single-core Atom.
That is not the case w/ the Via. It will feel laggy. Unacceptable.
@Ducman69 Yeah, not loving the CPU in this one. Atom 330, or now 510 is the way to go. Even if it's not blazing, dual core lets the system not feel like it's frozen when the other core is pegged out.
When's the Shuttle XS35 coming out? Atom 330 with Ion2, plus it's passively cooled - looks like my future HTPC.
@Ducman69
Dude, what are you talking about? A single-core VIA Nano is faster than a dual-core Atom for almost anything except multi-threaded shit like encoding video, which you're not going to do on such a machine anyway.
@drange Better than a single core, maybe, but not the dual core for most systems. Check this review - and that's the Nano at 1.8 Ghz instead of running at 1.2 Ghz.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/intelatom-vianano_14.html#sect0
@drange Not sure where you got your benchmark numbers from, but whatever...
The VIA Nano is slightly faster than the single core Atom 230, at the same clock speed, this thing has a 1.2GHz Nano CPU and it won't be faster than a dual core Atom at 1.6GHz, sorry...
@TheLostSwede
A dual-core Atom is just as slow as a single-core atom for single-threaded tasks, and the newer Atoms are just as slow as the older ones, only more power efficient. For single-threaded tasks a Nano is faster than an Atom. But you're right, maybe not with a 400 Mhz clock difference, and maybe not for multithreaded applications. Anyway, the point was, that a statement like 'If you think the Atom is weak, living with a Nano will make you want to punch a puppy', is kind of opposite to reality, since the Nano is, in fact, a faster CPU for many tasks. Just maybe not in this machine, since it's running at 1.2 Ghz for some reason.
@drange As Lex Luthor would say WRRRRRRROOOOONGGGGG!!!
You're either getting your Nanos mixed up, or you're clueless. The U2500 is a 6.8 watt TDP 65nm processor that underperforms the old single core 280 which is not just quicker but more efficient at 2 watt TDP on a 45nm architecture, and doesn't come close to the 330. But if you want a slower hotter running processor, by all means.
Now if you don't mind, pass the crack pipe or whatever it is you are on.
@drange Sigh... no, its not faster, and W7 is a multithreaded operating system. There have been plenty of reviews and videos demonstrating the performance difference in everyday tasks. The Atom, especially the 330 mated to the ION, is perfectly acceptable, the 1.2Ghz Via is not.
And can you point to on the doll to where Intel touched you as a child, or what gives with the persistent misinformation?
1.2GHz CPU and last gen chipset?
Looks like a good way to shift some old gear that they haven't managed to sell...
@TheLostSwede
lol u r a n00b. Full hd in super small form factor (with big case)
@TheLostSwede
check out this puppy
2g ram...
1.2ghz processor...
hd encoding...
awww...
http://www.logicsupply.com/products/epia_p820_12
@TheLostSwede
10 x 7.2 cm mainboard.
@fnybny eh? I take it you're not really following what's going on in the market then? VIA has a newer chipset (VX900) with better graphics, native SATA support and DDR3 support. VIA also has updated, faster Nano CPU's (the 3000-series) and considering that these components are pin to pin compatible, it would fit on the same tiny motherboard, yet offer a lot better performance. So yeah, I'm the n00b, right...
@TheLostSwede
Are they not talking about the pico itx mainboard... Does this case have support for multiple form factors?
@fnybny yes, it's a Pico-ITX board, but VIA has newer bits they could fit to it with the same power draw/heat generation that would offer vastly better performance, of course for a cost increase, but even when this board launched back in January, it was out of date, mostly due to the chipset which is over a year old now and was far from a cutting edge solution when it launched. In fact, they could save PCB space by going with the VX900 and they wouldn't need an IDE to SATA bridge with the VX900. Sadly, VIA is slow when it comes to bringing actual products to market, so maybe we'll see an updated board next year...
@TheLostSwede if a product is obsolete, you can charge less for it. Which helps consumers especially when its still good enough.
@killplay Except its not good enough, at least not as a HTPC.
It is missing two important things - lpt and com ports. My eeprom and ATmega programmers still have COM and LPT ports and think that making a one with an USB just to write some data to an eeprom is an overkill. Unfortunately DIY spirit is dying in the nation so not many customers demand the old ports.
more expensive than dual core atom + ion but less capable...
By the by, this dual core Atom 330 system with ION graphics, Wi-Fi and an external DVD drive is only $220 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856119022
@TheLostSwede Did you read the only review on there?
"Cons::: Confusing, perhaps misleading description
Other Thoughts::: I found the Newegg description confusing ("bay", "external DVD", no mention of hard drive), so I went to the Foxconn site, which is also confusing. There, if you go to Nt330I, you find a considerably different product (S/PDIF, DVI, no 802.11n, optional external DVD, different form factor/color.) You might want to wait for the specs to be cleared up.
@killplay
I love how people review products without actually having bought the product.
@killplay Well, the models on newegg without the DVD drive have normal reviews by people who bought the system, for $200, but it seems like a pretty good deal to only pay $20 more for it with the DVD drive, as it's a standard USB drive.
What kind of OS would this be running?
Oh and if you can find a Dual core atom with ion for less than this, prove it
@killplay here you got, $190 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856119017
@killplay
No hard drive means no preloaded OS. Its up to you what is loaded...
Uh. so... the DIY parts. They're just RAM and harddrive right?
Hardly DIY I think.
So how the hell do I install the OS on this thing? It has no CD drive.... someone help...
@Plazmic Flame Just like on netbooks, you use a USB stick.
@Plazmic Flame
USB?
@Plazmic Flame USB DVD drives are now fairly cheap. This was on sale for $40 a few days ago.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151198&cm_re=usb_dvd_burner-_-27-151-198-_-Product
Also, creating USB keys for Windows vista or windows 7 is fairly easy.
Terrible video. They can't keep the camera still or in focus.
Many of these barebone systems are overpriced. You can get a complete single-core atom/ion system for $200
http://www.google.com/products?q=ar1600&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=7snNS_z6BcP88AaU3r2cAQ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBsQrQQwAA
@stoffer Agreed! Though I personally use the USB AVRISP mkII, I still want that serial port for communication, data logging, etc. which these pico-boards are perfect for. I'm sure it has a serial connector inside it somewhere, don't they usually?
Is it just me or does anyone else think this thing is ugly? Not something I want sitting out in the open. ;-)
This needs a lot more ugly before I would consider purchasing. *cringe* Seriously, though...REALLY? "Sure, boss - people won't be able to resist it once they've gotten a look at it!"
Fired.
back to black please.