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Zotac's ZBOX nano VD01 packs dual-core VIA CPU in a tiny, tiny box
Zotac isn't the biggest name in computers, but the company does do one thing particularly well -- cram capable HTPC components in itty-bitty boxes for a reasonable price. VD01 series ditches more well known solutions from Intel and AMD for chips from VIA, specifically the Nano X2 U4025 CPU with its Chrome9 media processor. Inside is room for a 2.5-inch HDD and a single DDR3 slot, but you can get those pre-populated with a 320GB disk and 2GB RAM by opting for the Plus model. Outside is your usual selection of USB 3.0, 2.0, eSATA, Ethernet and HDMI ports while inside are both Bluetooth 3.0 and 802.11n radios. There's even an IR receiver and bundled remote to make this truly living room friendly. Check out the gallery below, as well as the PR after the break. %Gallery-135999%
Google Chrome 9 update brings speed, WebGL, and apps
You're probably a lot like us: more handsome and socially adept, naturally, but with a similar fear of robots and penchant for living fast and loose with pre-release developer builds. As such, the latest changes to the stable release of the Chrome browser won't be of much use to you. Nevertheless, Google's official window to the web was just injected with a speed bump, 3D WebGL graphics, Google Chrome Instant search results, and the Chrome Web Store already available in Chrome's beta channel. If nothing else, please, we beg you, do the right thing and inform the local luddite.
Video: VIA EPIA-P720 Pico-ITX motherboard plays 1080p, doesn't sweat much
While NVIDIA's Ion has been getting all of the attention of late, VIA's been doing this 1080p thing for quite some time. We actually heard earlier this year that the company's EPIA-P710 Pico-ITXe board was capable of playing back glorious 1080p video clips, but now we've got video proof that the unit's successor truly can. According to VIA, this mobo is the first from it to come with the VX855 Media System Processor onboard, which is obviously the secret sauce involved in delivering the high-res graphics. Head on past the break for a peek at the demo, and good luck resisting the urge to build a new SFF HTPC over the weekend.
Fujitsu's sleek FUTRO S100 gets VIA Eden implant
By and large, thin clients are relatively boring. That said, they're typically dead silent and plenty powerful to handle the most basic of tasks, and thanks to Fujitsu, this one's even halfway easy on the eyes. The new FUTRO S100 was revealed today, complete with a 500MHz VIA Eden ULV processor that enables the entire system to suck down just 11 watts under full load. Other specs include 1GB of DDR2 memory, a pair of USB 2.0 connectors, VGA output, Ethernet, a VX800 media processor, Chrome9 HC3 graphics and internal CF-based storage support. There's nary a mention of price, but it's ready to ship today for those with the correct change.[Via HotHardware]
Lenovo S12 gets a VIA Nano option
Wanna trade in some battery life and get a bit of extra speed in the deal? Lenovo is now offering its spanking new S12 netbook with a VIA Nano ULV 2250 processor and VIA Chrome9 HC3 graphics instead of the usual Intel Atom / GMA 950 combo, which should offer a little more pep (at least in some applications) and lops $50 off the original's spendy $500 asking price. The Nano setup will draw more battery than the Atom, so you might want to invest that extra cash in another battery if you can track one down, but at least the $450 price includes a 6 cell as standard.
Samsung 12.1-inch NC20 with VIA Nano power ready for Stateside purchase
A friendly tipster has pointed us over to NewEgg where Samsung's much loved NC20 is ready for purchase and presumably delivery. Mind you, this isn't just another Atom-based netbook. This 12.1-incher is one of the first to ship Stateside with a Via Nano processor of any type, the 1.3GHz U2250 in this case. You're also looking at Via Chrome9 integrated graphics, 160GB 5400rpm disk, 1GB of DDR2 memory, and 6-cell Li-ion battery. $550 is the pre-tax price for clicking all the way through to purchase where we suspect you'll be treated to a ship date. One thing's for certain; it'll be later than March 6th.[Thanks, angelwolf71885]
VIA's VX855 Media System Processor handles the 1080p
Big news, folks -- 1008p is about to hit the minuscule PC market, and VIA's making darn sure it doesn't miss the boat. Hot on the heels of HABEY's BIS-6550HD announcement, VIA has stepped in to formally introduce its VX855 Media System Processor, which aims to bring hardware-based 1080p decoding to VIA-based rigs. The highly integrated single chip package sucks down just 2.3 watts and provides hardware H.264 video acceleration when snapped in alongside a VIA Nano, C7 or Eden processor. Other specs include a 400 to 800MHz FSB speed, support for up to DDR2 800 memory (4GB maximum), six USB 2.0 ports and the company's own Chrome9 graphics set. There's no mention of when this bugger will find its way into shelf-bound rigs, but we're hoping Computex sheds some light on the situation.[Via HotHardware]
Samsung's Nano-powered Q1EX UMPC loses its QWERTY, gains 4.5-hour battery at the FCC
Meet the latest iteration of the Samsung Q1 handheld: the NP-Q1EX. First spotted at CES in January, Sammy's going back to its UMPC roots by ditching the split QWERTY in favor of a clean, slate look that keeps the eye focused on the 7-inch, touchscreen display with 1,024 x 600 pixel resolution. Inside you'll find XP Tablet Edition running on a 1.2GHz VIA Nano ULV U2500 processor, VIA's Chrome9 HC graphics, 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, a SiRF Star GPS receiver, SD card slot, and a rear-mounted camera of unspecified pixel density. The unit that passed through the FCC for US airwaves approval also features a 60GB hard disk and 4-cell, 4,000mAh lithium ion battery for up to 4.5-hours of battery life according to Samsung. A quick search through the Intertubes also reveals a retail price of about $775 at on-line retailers. No launch date yet, but it can't be long now can it? A couple more pics after the break.[Via Navigadget] Read -- Samsung official specs Read -- $775 listing
New VIA drivers provide boost in HP Mini-Note 2133 performance
Not particularly thrilled with the performance of your HP Mini-Note 2133? If you're vigorously shaking your head up and down as that render chugs along in the background, take a listen at this. The folks over at HP 2133 Guide took the time to benchmark their Vista / XP systems and then apply VIA's recently released drivers for the CN896 chipset and Chrome9 integrated graphics. Not surprisingly, they found the update totally worthwhile. Based on pure numerical changes, there's not a lot to phone home about, but critics did note that "video playback was improved quite a bit on each OS," and that YouTube / Hulu vids were actually watchable post-update. Not a lot of downside to upgrading, so head on over and see what the new drivers have in store for you.[Via jkOnTheRun]
