Sporty blogger reviews Lenovo S12 netbook

In the 80's you were either a nerd or a sports jock. Not both. These days everyone uses tech and everyone has an opinion on tech. This blogger, who claims to be a mighty sportsman, obviously has a long history of carefully considering his laptop purchases. He recently jumped into the netbook pool by choosing a Lenovo S12.

"No horsepower problems. The VIA NANO chipset is considerably more powerful than the ubiquitous ATOM chipset on most netbooks, even though the VIA clock rate is slower than the latest ATOMs(1.3 vs 1.6). Even with only 1 gig RAM, it rocks. I've got another gig of RAM ordered."

The review continues to delve into all of the features of the Lenovo S12.

Got nine friends who want a MID?

If you can get together a group of 10 people who want a 5.6" MID that runs Windows XP then you can place an order with Shenzen's manufacturer of the HT560. This little device doesn't fit nice and neatly into any particular device category.

"It has 1GB RAM, 16GB SDD, 2x USB 2.0 ports and built-in 1.3MP camera. It comes with 4800mAh battery which is huge by UMPC standards. It packs all the latest wireless radios too: GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth. There is a front-facing 1.3MP camera too which can be used for video calls."

All this is a supported by a VIA C7 processor running at 1GHz. - Gadgetmix

Sub-150 netbooks surface for education sector in China

Educational organizations can get a great deal on Windows XP netbooks in China. The VIA C7-M based AOJIE X100V model sells in bulk for US$146. The screen size is a generous 10.1 inches which would mean that the keyboardis a descent size, and certainly big enough to be comfortable for kids and teenagers. What a deal! - Gadgetmix

VIA based OLPC improves battery

The latest version of the OLPC's XO laptop for kids in developing countries features a VIA C7-M processor and the VIA VX855 digital media processor. Compared to the previous version of the XO, the battery lasts for 12 hours 15 minutes, compared with 10 hours and 20 minutes. That's not a bad improvement.

The XO 1.5 is designed for use in developing countries where access to reliable power is problematic. The battery life tests I've quoted show how long it can run when in a suspended state. How long the battery lasts when the laptop is in use is another story - details have not been released yet.

Not as cheap as I thought

In Bangkok, Thailand at a computer market you can get a 10.2" VIA C7-M based small notebook, much like the PHV102, for 9600 Bhat, or US$ 289. Now that's not as cheap as I thought it would be. Perhaps you can barter? Here's the vid from netbooknews.de:

Pretty standard but oh so affordable

This small notebook really isn't that exciting, until you here the price. First, the boring bits:

1.6GHz VIA C7-M processor
1GB DDR2 RAM

160GB SATA HDD

10.2" 1024x600 screen

3 cell battery

black finish

Unconfirmed: built in webcam and the usual ports

Told you, not that exciting. But wait! It costs US$ 185!! That's just so cheap! It's called a Phecda PHV102 - Liliputing

Leaked info on VIA MID phone

Pocketables claims to have received leaked information about a VIA-based smartphone that will run Windows XP and Google Android at the same time, with the ability to switch between the two seemlessly. Pictures of the little prototype even have VIA written under the screen, which by the looks of it can be used in portrait or landscape mode.

Two sets of hardware are rumored to run the device, one being a 500MHz VIA Nano processor and the other not known.

This is more like a Mobile Internet Device (MID) than a phone - or perhaps sort of like a smartbook but with phone features. It's not a clamshell design but it's as good as one - the full QWERTY keyboard slides out from under the screen. From the looks of the size of it, you'd be using about two fingers though, not typing like a regular keyboard.

This news is hot off the press after VIA VP Richard Brown said in an interview that VIA would be developing "cell phone hardware". Is this what he was referring to?

VIA to manufacture mobile phone chips?

An interesting blog on the Wall Street Journal has caught my eye. Matthew Rivera has spoken with a VIA VP Richard Brown about how VIA, a Taiwanese company, sees business with mainland China in the future. Brown suggests that VIA will branch out into other areas such as mobile phones, and possibly work with smaller Chinese companies which they see as having potential to become major players in the furture.
"To Via, the shanzai look like the kinds of companies that could mature into big players in a few years, which is why it’s beginning to build more than just semiconductors. Via is now working with other manufacturers to build cellphone hardware ... "

Tablet for your car

Just when I was citing the relative non-acceptance of tablet PCs in the market in my previous post, news has come in about a new tablet PCs that comes in two versions. Both feature a VIA C7-M processor and VX700 digital media chip. The more exciting version, the delux Adesun AD708 includes Windows XP, tablet car PC kit, GPS, tv receiver and 2GB SD card. This would suggest it's for in-car use, which is pretty cool. - besttabletreview

Mio smartbook features VIA platform

Clamshell design devices seem to be the most popular type of mobile computing device. UMPCs and tablet PCs still do a good trade, but for the everyday consumer, a notebook or a smaller version of it is usually the type chosen. The battery life on netbooks hasn't been fabulous. The designs of x86 processors like VIA's C7-M and Nano series have come a long way in addressing the issues of power consumption and that's why they've been favored in netbook designs but when you take a clamshell design even smaller, to 7" screen devices, manufacturers are opting for ARM processors instead, not x86 processors. This doesn't leave VIA short-changed since they have cleverly invested in a subsiduary company, WonderMedia, who manufacture ARM-based platforms for mobile internet devices (MIDs) like smartbooks. Smartbooks are a new breed of ultra portables that shorten the list of features you'd expect on a netbook and increase the battery life.

WindowsForDevices brings news of a smartbook from Haleron which features an ARM 9-based Prizm 8510, one of WonderMedia's babys. "Haleron doesn't specify the resolution provided by the Mio Smartbook's seven-inch screen, but other devices of this type have displayed 800 x 480 pixels. The device comes with 128MB or 256MB of RAM, from 1GB to 4GB of flash storage, and includes an SD expansion slot, according to the company.

As well as offering stereo speakers, a microphone input, and a headphone output, the Mio Smartbook is said to include 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b wireless networking, and three USB ports. The system can be booted from a USB memory stick containing an alternative operating system such as Linux or Android, the company claims. (Misleadingly, Windows XP is also cited as possible, though Haleron elsewhere concedes that this OS requires a $55 "processor upgrade.")"

Months ago the gadget type sites starting murmoring about smartbooks saying that most manufacturers would have them out before the end of the year. With 5-6 weeks left of pre-Christmas sales, the Haleron Mio is already on the market for US$190. Haleron ships worldwide, taking orders online.

VIA eye-gouges Intel, or hopes to, says Gizmodo

The VIA Nano 3000 series was announced earlier in the week and the news has enjoyed broad coverage from IT media. But there's been no extra new per se about it so I haven't bothered linking to the dozens of sites that have posted their take on the Press Release - until now. Gizmodo have put a chisel in VIA's hands and cried "sick em" at Intel. The Atom processor still enjoys most design wins in the ultra mobile space (netbooks and light notebooks).
"Intel's gotten cocky enough in the space that we don't mind the competition one bit."
It looks like we're not the only ones who'd like to see VIA do some damage :)

VIA launches Nano 3000 series processors

VIA has announced the new VIA Nano 3000 series of processors. This brings two new editions to the L series of Nano processors and four to the U series. The highest speed Nano will now be the 2.0GHz L3100, sporting an idle power of 500mW. The idle power in these top speed processors hasn't dropped from previous models, although the press release from VIA highlights a dramatic 20% reduction of power consumption. Once you get down to the 1.4, 1.3 and 1.2GHz models you see what all the fuss is about. The idle power is down from 200mW to half that at 100mW from previous models of the same speed. The press release does also tout a 20% increase in performance although no figures are provided.

Samples of these new processors are available to OEMs and motherboard manufacturers right now, with mass production not expected until Q1 2010.

VIA has kept the same package as they've used for generations of their CPUs now, NanoBGA2, which means that it's a drop in replacement to upgrade existing designs to cater for the new models.

The new Nano 3000 series are being aimed at light notebooks, desktops, "all-in-one" systems and energy-efficient server designs.

Netbooks and VIA enjoy gains

John Peddie research has released figures showing a jump in growth for the GPU market, including sales increases for VIA of 100% in the last quarter. The growth has been accounted for because of IGPs being used in notebooks and netbooks, sales of which increased by 27% in Q2. Fast on the heals of the announcement that the US has climbed out of recession, things are also looking up for GPU manufacturers - except for Nvidia, which lost 4% market share in the same period.

"A total of 119.45 million units were shipped in the third quarter, exceeding the record 111 million units in the third quarter of 2008," said Dr Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research.

"So the market has caught up with, and exceeded, last year's highs. The crash of Autumn 2008 is now behind us." - V3.co.uk

Will vendors choose VIA Nano with Nvidia ION 2?

Netbookchoice is running the rumor mill, conjecturing about the processors that will be supported by Nvidia's upcoming ION 2 platform. Apparently Fudzilla said that ION 2 will support "VIA Nano, Intel ULV & of course Intel Atom". They wonder if this will lead to a wave of VIA Nano + ION 2 netbooks. That sounds kind of nice but there is a bit of an uphill battle with that idea. Intel simply has more marketing muscle and pull with manufacturers, to entice them to buy their own Intel platforms - CPUs and chipsets - for their netbooks. Then again, if it's cheaper and it's got better performance and battery life, manufacturers could be convinced that it will sell more.
It's too early to tell.

Why choose the Nano version of the Lenovo IdeaPad S12

I have written here before several times that the VIA Nano version of the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 is cheaper than the Atom version. But aside from price, is there a good reason to choose it? An UberTechGuy - the nick name he calls himself, not my nickname for him - did choose the Nano version and here's why:

"I looked at all of the netbooks on the market and settled on the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 with the VIA Nano ULV 2250 (1.30GHz 800MHz 1MB) processor. Why VIA instead of Intel Atom? I liked the fact that it would address 3 GB of memory (RAM), had a very fast front-side BUS (quick communication between the processor and the rest of the system) and 1MB of video memory (fast video). Also, the reviews and benchmarks (speed tests) were very good. I should note that the VIA is a 64-bit processor."

Put your pedal to the, er ... OLPC

I'm not sure if this model OLPC netbook is the VIA based version or not, but look, it has ever lasting power - or at least as long as your legs can take you!

"There are already hand cranks available that let you charge up an XO Laptop while you’re not using it. But now the folks at OLPC Afghanistan have built a machine prototype that lets you charge the laptop while you’re using it by connecting a hand crank to a pedal. In other words, you can sit at a desk and pedal away to generate electricity while your hands are free to actually use the computer." - Liliputing

Asus Eee clone with VIA Nano

China, there is a growing business of manufacturers who take a design from a major manufacturer and copy it, altering it a bit but keeping the look fairly similar. In this case the EEE 1002HA Asus netbook design has been copied, but on the inside is a VIA Nano processor instead of an Atom.

"The VIA NANO runs at a clock speed of 1.3GHz. VIA’s new VX855 chipset allows one to enjoy 1080p videos on the tiny 10-inch screen of this cloned netbook and that too with jus 20-30% CPU utilization." - Gadgetmix

Samsung NC20 recommended as great budget buy

Yet another doom and gloom introduction to a netbook review ... there is an economic crisis - like we did know that already - and netbooks are a good option. Netbook PC has specifically recommended the VIA Nano based Samsun NC20. After detailing the specs they say:
"I know all this is not enough for you to make up your mind. It is the performance that matters. This Samsung mini notebook stands out here as well. The Samsung NC20-21GBK Netbook is equipped with a powerful yet energy-efficient VIA Nano processor, which uses 65 nanometer process technology. You can be guaranteed of a performance that is way better than other notebooks available in the market today."

HP 2133 gets new lease on life

The HP 2133 Mini-note was a major design coupe for VIA, being a big brand name manufacturer. It was also one of the first netbooks with a high res screen. If you bought one, you may look back on your purchase now with a tinge of regret because unlike many newer netbooks, the HP 2133 Mini-note can only manage 480p. Well, here's a fix, a way to boost the HD resolution by installing a Braodcomm Crystal HD Enhanced Media Accelorator.

"With the Broadcom card installed, he was able to watch 720p and 1080p video on his netbook. It’s also worth pointing out that the HP 2133 was one of the first netbooks with a high resolution display to hit the streets. It has an 8.9 inch, 1280 x 720 pixel screen.
He even found that he could play Blu-Ray video as long as he paused for a few seconds to let the video buffer first." - Liliputing.com

3G plus netbook at bargain price

I haven't seen mobile communications or 3G service providers in Australia sell contracts with netbooks. Smartphones, absolutely, but nothing larger as yet. In Taiwan, the Kinpo NO3V 11.6" netbook is available with a 2 year 3G contract. The specs read like a familiar recipe: VIA Nano 1.3GHz, VX800 single chip solution, 160GB HDD, webcam, Ethernet, car reader, USB, etc. With the two year contract the price is really a great deal - $US285 (approx). Here's a video review of the Kinpo:

Lenovo varieties

Everyone is always mentioning how the Lenovo S12 has two flavors: Intel Atom or VIA Nano. The Nano is cheaper. Why?
"The VIA has a slower clockspeed (1.3-GHz vs. the Atom’s 1.6-GHz) but in every other respect that matters it’s a more powerful chip: It’s got a faster bus (800-GHz vs. 533-Mhz) and twice the cache (1MB vs. 512KB). It’s also a 64-bit processor, although like most netbooks, the S12 I used ran the decidedly 32-bit Windows XP. (I don’t know if Lenovo intends to offer a version of the Nano-equipped S12 that runs a 64-bit version of Windows 7; it could be pretty darn cool.)" - Technologizer.
Then again, apparently the battery life is a little less - but that's what you get for more performance I guess.

Two happy Samsung NC20 owners?

The Samsung NC20 has a 12.1" screen so really, in my opinion, it's a notebook, not a netbook. Never the less it has been reviewed by two "customers" on the "Netbook Reviews by Comparison" website, where "users" post reviews of product. Funny thing is, I can't find a place to login and post a review. The site was started in August 2009 and is basically a cleverly laid out Wordpress blog, with handy links to "More Details" which takes you to Amazon to buy the product. The two reviews of the Samsung NC20, with VIA Nano processor, are mainly positive.

OLPC offers new VIA XO 1.5 laptops to developers

The laptops designed by the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) group have recently had an upgrade from the original AMD Geode processor to a VIA 1GHz C7-M. The specially developed Linux operating system is of course open source and so are the apps the little laptop runs. Before these units are offered to schools and governments around the world, OLPC are looking for developers to help create useful apps and tools. If you've got a good idea and the know-how, you can receive a sample XO 1.5 laptop to work on. - Liliputing

NetNote design wins announced - sort of

VIA issued a Press Release on Friday announcing some design wins with their VIA Surfboard NetNote Edition. The announcement was made at their Autumn Global Mobility Bazaar gathering in Shenzen China. The NetNote, as you may remember, is 10.2-12.1" notebook with a VIA Nano processor and the VX855 chip, capable of playing HD video. No details were released about the specifics of the design wins, like manufacturers and models, but they did release some details about features.
"Along with high bit-rate 1080p HD video playback capability, many of the NetNote systems also offer additional value with external MP3 control decks that can be operated without having to boot the OS, digital TV modules that receive CMMB standard digital video broadcasts from both satellite and terrestrial transmitters, and FM transmitter functionality that allows users to tune in car radios or cell phones to pick up broadcasts from NetNote devices."

Pink UMPC

I know this isn't a netbook but it's an ultra mobile device. It reminds me of the Samsung and Tablet Kiosk UMPCs from years back, except that it's pink with a Pierre Cardin style - apparently, I have a feeling it's not officially sanctioned!

"Pierre Cardin PC-729 features a seven inch screen resolution 800 x 480 WVGA touchscreen course (resistive), 1.2GHz VIA C7-M processor, excellent memory, 16GB SSD and price around 350 euros. Not bad when you consider that the RAM is 1GB, there’s accelerometer, Ethernet, three USB ports, Wifi, webcam and ability to integrate the card with GPS, Bluetooth and 3G. 3000 mAh battery, but lasts only 2.5 hours." - Techlocation.

GMB won't make money till 2010

Digitimes reports that VIA's Timothy Chen has admitted that their Global Mobility Bazaar (GMB) efforts are not expected to contribute to revenues until next year. "However, Chen said that the company has found the key to solving the problem and is currently working aggressively on improvements. Chen said he expects integration will be completed before the end of 2009."

The report from Digitimes includes a list of members of the GMB, representing a variety of types of manufacturers.

Linux to gain more foothold in mobile space?

As the year rolls on we're seeing more and more specs released for smartbooks. They're kind of like netbooks but even smaller and with crazy battery life - battery life like you're used to on a mobile phone in fact. I might have to change my blog name if they really can deliver what they promise. A lot of these smartbook designs use ARM processors and almost all of them run Linux. Both ARM and VIA joined the Linux foundation this month. Is the use of Linux on mobile devices about to increase with smartbooks?

"Two designers of low-power microprocessors – ARM and Via Technologies – this month joined the Linux Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to standardizing Linux operating system. Both companies said that see huge opportunities for Linux in mobile devices, but while ARM processors power the vast majority of mobile phones, chips from Via are only found in a few netbooks (which are sold only in China) and low-power desktop/embedded applications." - XBitLabs.

NetNote name not liked but NetNote Surfboard design given thumbs up

Yesterday I questioned the usefulness of another name for another segment of the mobile space, when VIA announced a new NetNote platform. It seems I am not the only one wondering if we really need yet another name for a portable clamshell design. LegitReviews, although they like the NetNote platform, dubbing it a possible rival to NVIDIA's ION, they don't have positive comments for the NetNote name itself: " ... can Via really see the term 'netnote' taking off? Those delusional pills must be strong... "
CrunchGear seem to get the idea a bit more: "Netbooks are too underpowered, notebooks are too bulky and expensive – “SILENCE!” shouts VIA. All hail the new “NetNote” category, if you please. We’re basically talking netbooks with 10- to 12-inch screens that can handle 1080p HD video without breaking stride."
But the title of their article does hint at them being a little underwhelmed by all this segmentation of the market: "VIA searches for portable computing Goldilocks zone with ‘NetNote’ platform".
VIA may be splitting hairs with the new NetNote category but manufacturers need to. Consumers want specific features and they don't want to pay for what they don't want. So manufacturers are keen to get the balance right with different platforms.

ANOTHER category: NetNote

Sometimes it's useful to coin a new phrase, develop a new terminology, for a new segment in the IT market. Sometimes marketing peeps in companies just like to come up with new words. When I first saw the title of VIA's Press Release, "VIA Unviels SurfBoard Platforms and Turnkey Systems for New NetNote Category" I thought ... "Oh no! Here we go again! What is it this time? Smaller than a netbook? I thought that was a smartbook!?" But actually, there may be a plausible reason for the new NetNote term. Whether or not it'll become a mainstream term is far less likely, however.

Have you ever taken the back off a notebook or netbook? Underneath you'll find an odd shaped motherboard that has the graphics and processor embedded on it. For a quick and easy way for manufacturers to make a netbook, VIA launched the SurfBoard platform in March this year. It paired the then quite new VX855 media system processor with a C7-M. Today VIA has improved the specs by offering the Nano as an option as well, plus support for an HDMI port and 3G module options.


Rather than decreasing the size of the platform they're targetting, the NetNote SurfBoard platform is aimed at notebooks which are 10.1" - 12.1" and crucially, supporting 1080p HD video. They must also be ultra-portable (fat and heavy designs need not apply) and cheap (sorry, not a good marketing word, but that's the cold hard fact). So it's in those four factors where the distinction lies for VIA between a notebook and a NetNote: medium size screen, supports 1080p playback, light and thin, and affordable. That's not to say that there aren't notebooks that fit that description already, but they may not be VIA-based, so I guess there's the fifth distinction!


The Press Release goes on to highlight VIA’s GMB Alliance, which sees VIA working closely with Chinese manufacturers. VIA are holding another GMB event in China, Friday week, where they’ll be demonstrating the NetNote turnkey solution.

OLPC 1.5 with C7 processor spotted - and played with

We've known for a long while now that the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) netbooks would be getting a VIA processor with their next upgrade. The OLPC learning club in DC has one already and they've published a video comparing it to the previous version. The OLPC 1.0 has an AMD Geode 433MHz whilst the new OLPC 1.5 model has a VIA 1GHz which operates at variable speeds (presumably depending on the application/s being run). - Liliputing If you're wondering why they use a VIA C7-M instead of a Nano, it would be because of a cost vs performance consideration. OLPC netbooks are designed for educational needs of kids in third world countries.

eNote solution on video

VIA have a released a video on YouTube which has one of their marketing peeps explaining the new eNote Turnkey solution - the one announced last week that puts a VIA 1.3GHz Nano 11.6" notebook with a Sequans Communications chip bringing WiMAX, HSDPA and EVDO to the package.

VIA's new platform delivers new screen size and WiMAX

First there was NanoBook - 7" screen and Wi-Fi. Then there was OpenBook - 8.9". Now the screen size has gone up again, to 11.6" with eNote. According to all the PR years ago when NanoBook was first launched, the platforms would continue to miniturize. In terms of what consumers have demanded, however, it's the portatibility afforded by miniturization but with a bigger screen size. This is not lost on VIA with this latest platform they are calling a "turnkey solution". The hardware specs are just an upgraded version from previous platforms:

"Powered by the 1.3GHz VIA Nano processor and the VIA VX800 digital media IGP chipset, the eNote is a slim-line, 1.3kg, 11.6" form factor design that supports WXGA screen resolutions and high performance VIA Chrome9™ DirectX™ 9.0 3D graphics. Advanced video acceleration for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV9, VC1 and DiVX video formats, a VMR capable HD video processor and 8-channel HD audio make it a feature-rich thin and light platform."

What makes it extra special is the partnership of Sequans Communications, which gives the eNote WiMAX support.

"The VIA eNote Turnkey Solution offers unrivaled broadband connectivity options though two internal modules, with the first one featuring WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional AGPS connections and the second one offering WiMAX, HSDPA, and EV-DO/W-CDMA options. Additionally, the device comes with three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, and audio-in/audio-out jacks as well as a 4-in-1 card reader (SD/SDIO/MMC/MS) and a 2 mega-pixel dual-headed web camera." - Press Release.

Lenovo now cheaper but offers more

Lenovo have launched a new version of their IdeaPad S12 notebook that has a VIA Nano processor. Not only that, the RAM has increased from 1GB to 2GB and the hard drive size is now 320GB instead of 160GB. And it's cheaper than the Atom version which has the smaller RAM and HDD. Does this mean that the VIA Nano processor is so much cheaper than the Atom that Lenovo were able to increase other specs? I'm not sure, but what a good deal! - Gadgetmix.

Not high marks - but cheap as!

The Sylvania Gnet 13001 is a re-hashed, re-positioned version of a netbook, once called a NanoBook, which was first available almost three years ago. Sales were confined to South East Asia but now it's available on Amazon and eBay for around $200, according to RateNetbooks.

"We have to be clear, that this laptop impresses in virtually no way other than the price. It is running a lightweight, non Windows OS and still features relatively poor performance."

That may sound harsh but it's fair. It is after all running a VIA C7-M processor, not the snappy power efficient VIA Nano. But $200 for some people makes this almost a consumable item or a toy for a child's present.

Lenovo's IdeaPad S12 with Nano out in Taiwan

Lenovo have released a version of their IdeaPad S12 with a VIA Nano processor. It's not clear yet whether it will be released outside of Taiwan.
"The Nano U2250 powered S12 with 2GB of memory should end up some 25 percent cheaper than the Intel-based version without an OS. This sounds like a pretty fair deal, as the Nano U2250 is a decent CPU and the rest of the spec will probably remain unchanged."-Fudzilla.

Larger than others

The Samsung NC20 which is usually referred to as a notebook and not a netbook, has a 12.1" screen and here's something I didn't know, the touch pad is larger than most as well.

"Another excellent feature of this laptop is that it actually has a larger touchpad compared to most of the netbooks. The full-size keyboard seems to be easy to use; however, there seem to be no quick launch buttons. This however is a common thing for most netbooks."-PCHijack.com

Samsung NC20 stands out

The Samsung NC20 is now available in Australia and PC Authority has taken a look to see how it stacks up against its biggest rival, the Dell Inspiron Mini 12. Like most reviewers, the screen quality and size and the keyboard are all great draw points, as is the performance and battery life.

"Whichever way you cut it, the NC20 blurs the line between ultraportable and netbook with impressive aplomb. The higher screen resolution is a significant step up and this, coupled with good performance and great battery life, makes the NC20 an ideal travelling companion. A netbook success for Samsung's first entry."

VIA: Second largest processor supplier

Oooh, what a headline! Now, no, VIA has not toppled AMD off the second spot on the shelf and they're not likely too soon, or maybe not in the desktop space but they're making huge headway in the netbook and notebook space. Lenovo has just placed a huge number of orders with Taiwanese manufacturers, including VIA. The US$3.255 billion dollars worth of orders this week included US$50 million with VIA, making VIA the second largest processor supplier for Lenovo, second only to Intel. One of Lenovo's IdeaPad S12 models features a VIA Nano processor. - TradingMarkets

More Shanzai-nanagans

The Asus Eee PCs have probably been a bit of a thorn in VIA's netbook side really. All that mighty Asus/Intel marketing, touting their little netbooks as revolutionary, while at the same time, VIA's NanoBook reference design churned out masses of similar devices in China. It's in the great PC manufacturing giant that is China that we find ourselves again today with news of an ironic turn of events, an Asus Eee PC clone which features a VIA Nano processor.

"Incidentally, the VIA Nano processor is touted to perform better than the Atom under selected circumstances, and when priced lower, it does make for an alluring replacement. No idea on whether the knockoff will sell similar to the Eee PC 1002HA's price range, but we're probably looking at something more wallet-friendly."

VIA Nano in Shanzai clone

A netbook that looks just like an Asus 1002H but isn't, features not only a VIA Nano processor but the VX855 chipset which makes it HD playback capable, unlike the real deal. Shanzai.com have a whole bunch of photos of the copy-cat and suggest that the VIA Surfboard platform is an attractive option for brand cloners in the China manufacturing scene, because of the 1080p support it provides.
"It's been a year now since VIA Technologies launched their GMB alliance, a project that brings together key manufacturing and infrastructure partners players in Shanzhen. The idea being that by working closely with the manufacturing base in China, VIA will see improved up take of its processors, luring the shanzhai crowd away from Intel. One of the tempters that VIA is using to achieve this is it's HD capable VIA VX855 chipset, featured on their surfboard reference design (below), a specially designed netbook mainboard that is being offered to partners in the GMB."

HP 2133 a "brilliant product and a top-buy"

It must be at least a year now since the HP 2133 Mini-Note was released. At least it feels like a year. It was the first really major netbook design, from a household brand name manufacturer, for VIA's C7-M processor. It's still impressing and making headlines.
"The 8.9″ WXGA display of this business notebook comes with a 1280 x 768 pixel resolution. The image quality is something that I can’t miss mentioning. The color is rich, the back-light even, and the contrast crisp; add all of this together you get an awesome picture quality. The display is scratch-resistant and also features a protective coating that keeps glare away."-bestminilaptopreviews

Lenovo IdeaPad S12: solid is the word

Netbooks are still often referred to a mini laptops and the word mini brings with it connotations of flimsiness, breakable even. People who've had a chance to play around with the Lenovo IdeaPad S12, which features a VIA Nano Processor, think it's pretty tough:
"If you are looking for a solid and a strong laptop, this is the right laptop you can opt for. It has a solid battery too. It has solid hinges. Everything is good on it. Even the frame of the laptop is good. So, it is a durable laptop. It is not easy to break it or cause it damage. Besides, there are white laptops which look good, but you will face some problems when it comes to cleaning because white laptops get dirty very quickly. Black laptops, on the other hand, are not that bad when it comes to cleaning since they don't get dirty very easily."-Ultimate Product Reviews.

VIA dominates netbook choice

It's a good thing to see that in a round up of netbooks being trialled by jkOnTheRun's daughter, the majority feature a VIA Nano processor. It seems that the netbooks he recommends usually feature the cool CPU.
"It was good to hear her thoughts on all of the netbooks. She ended her visit convinced that a $400 netbook is all she needs, and she’ll consider that next time she plans to purchase a laptop."

Wrong again: 12.1" it is!

I just finished blogging about how 10 inches is the new netbook norm. Nope!
"I finally got my netbook. In the end I went for the Samsung NC20. This is a ‘larger-screen netbook’ and it has a 12.1″ screen as opposed to the 9″ and 10″ screens more commonly found on netbooks."

The blogger is talking about the Samsung NC20, a netbook design which it seems is seeing no end to its popularity.
"If you want a very portable laptop for a reasonable price I can’t recommend the Samsung NC20 enough."

Remember the Sylvania g?

Before I talk about the VIA netbook in this blog I'm going to go off tangent for a little bit and talk about the blog itself. There are all sorts of reasons to blog and while some lucky and talented few have managed to grow their blogs into profitable websites, this blog network appears to be set up simply to make money. The content therefore isn't really all that focused, they just blog on things and include various links to ads. The netbook chosen for the blog is a case in point. The Sylvania g netbook is based on the VIA NanoBook reference design, which was released back in 2007. It features the older VIA C7-M processor and the now not-so-common 7 inch screen. The only reason why this netbook is featured on this "Blogging for Money Project" is for the possibility of commission on sales.

"Truly built for mobility, a built-in webcam and multimedia card reader are included. The g netbook features gOS that includes Google Apps for Linux, OpenOffice, Skype & more!Get yours and go mobile today! Order now!"

These small netbooks have now lost favor for models with 10+ inch screens and Nano processors. But in all honesty, if you really want mobility of the type that is very light and can fit into a small bag, these older designs are great.

HP 2133 Mini-note still impresses

The HP 2133 Mini-note has been around for a long time now but it's still getting great reviews. Come to think of it, has there been another netbook of the same size been released that is as classy as the 2133? It has a fantastic build quality and it hasn't been surpassed yet. This blogger agrees:

"The look of this thing is amazing. It's is completely aluminium finished, giving it a classy, futuristic look - no tacky plastic to be found here like so many other netbooks. When closed it closes right up like an oyster, almost seamlessly, meaning it looks great open or closed."

Very cool almost cartoon-like netbook

OK, here are some specs we've seen before, pretty standard stuff:

"Framemory netpad MPC1020-01 mini laptop comes with VIA C7-M 1.6GHZ, It’s very portable,. It only weighs 1kg with the 3-cell battery and easy to carry. Wireless supports Broadcom 802.11a/b/g, It’s designed to use a 10.2-inch screen, complete with a 1.3-megapixel webcam and mic. it’s works with 1GB DDRII memory and 120GB HDD."-fyi-online.net

As I said, nothing knocks my socks off there. But take a look at this little netbook!!!

It looks like a toy right? This one's definitely targetted at kids.

More on the Kinpo

More news is out about the Kinpo netbook set to hit the shelves in China very soon. The screen size is 11.6-inch. So is it a netbook or a notebook? I think anything below 12 inches is a netbook.
"Coming to provide users with an alternative to the increasingly popular Intel Atom-based netbooks, the new Kinpo N03 is equipped with one of VIA's latest CPUs, a Nano processor featuring a core speed of 1.2 or 1.3GHz."-Softpedia.

VIA Nano chosen for new WiMax equipped netbook in China

Kinpo has revealed a new 11.3 inch netbook that features a VIA Nano processor and built-in 3G/WiMax which matches the Chinese standards. The netbook will apparently be available with a wide variety of configurations, including a choice of Windows Xp or Vista, hard drive sizes and up to 2GB of RAM.

"The company's choice of a Via Nano microprocessor over Intel's popular Atom processor shows the battle between the two processor maker continues to rage in the netbook arena."-PCWorld.com.

The supreme netbook processor?

A lot of reviewers have already tested the VIA Nano processor against the Intel Atom, by testing the Samsung NC20 against the NC10. Now everyone is getting in a fluff about testing the two versions of the Lenovo IdeaPad S12.
"Up until now, I think we’d all agree that the INtel Atom is the processor of choice when it comes to netbooks. As it turns out, one of its biggest competitors could be a better performer for about the same price. That seems to be the case with the Lenovo IdeaPad S12, a netbook that comes with a VIA Nano processor."-MobileMag.com.
The VIA Nano processor is breaking down assumptions.

Crunchgear take alook at the Lenovo S12

Crunchgear give a short review and a long review. I'll just give you a snippet of the short one:
"The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 represents one of the first netbooks to feature VIA’s Nano platform as a configuration option. You’ll gain some extra horsepower over Intel’s Atom setup while saving about $70 off the total system price, making the Nano a good option for those of you who want to watch 720p video."
So the S12 is not only a great notebook but a good option for a portable hi-def video player? Awesome.

Lenovo IdeaPad S12 may hit the right in between spot

According to a review on TechWoa.com, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 is "neither a complete NoteBook nor a laptop". That may be just what consumers wants - the best of both worlds.

"Lenovo IdeaPad S12 has the option of having either a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 or Via Nano ULV processor with 1GB, 533MHz DDR2 RAM."

The review doesn't compare performance but it does note: "The Via Nano ULV processor is much cheaper than Atom."

It might be time to leave your Intel-powered comfort zone

Newsvine.com has published a review of the VIA-based Samsung NC20 notebook and they lead their introduction by pointing out that the unit doesn't have Intel inside. I think most people are out of that brand loyalty trap now aren't they, when it comes to processors? The NC20 has certainly helped VIA get a lot of good press, with a lot of reviewers comparing performance with Atom notebooks. Newsvine.com is no exception:

"However, it did better at video playback than an Asus EeePC 1000HE, a good Atom-powered unit, indicating that the Nano has a bit more oomph. The NC20 can even play a modest 3-D game like "World of Warcraft" if you can put up with some sluggishness."

12 inch becomes the new netbook

Netbooks were small notebooks, so small in fact that they felt a bit like pretend notebooks when you picked them up. But 12 inches seems to be the new trend. A 12 inch version means that you don't need to squint or scroll so much and the keyboard size is better for adults. Digitimes reports that VIA chips are being sought after for new 12 inch designs:
"The new products will be marketed as netbooks, although they will feature screen sizes in excess of 12 inches. However, don't expect them to be as thin and stylish as CULV-based products, nor as powerful for that matter. On the upside, they could end up rather cheap, and offer punters a cost effective alternative to cramped netbooks or pricey thin-and-lights. " - Fudzilla.

HP 2133 tips

"I currently own two of these netbooks, one high resolution (1280x768) and one low resolution (1024x600), and they are both very good, very solid, and they run a variety of Linux distributions very well. The following are a few comments based on my experience with them:"

Well, I guess this guy should know what he's talking about then. If you own a HP 2133 Mini-Note, this might be worth a read.

The trend of 12" netbooks

Netbooks started off so small they felt like toy notebooks designed for hobbits. The trend now is to up the size to 12 inches. I’d recommend you read this post to have a quick look at all the available 12” netbooks.

Which netbooks offer the best Wi-Fi?

One of the primary features of netbooks are their portability and of course, most people use them when they are on the move. While on the move, users usually need to access Internet and in the case of netbooks, connectivity mainly comes in the form of Wi-Fi and hence, comparing Wi-Fi connectivity between netbooks is an important judgement criteria. Check out this article for some answers!

NC20 redefining the concept of portable computing

Most people prefer to use desktops when it comes to gaming or handling tedious multimedia designing. But for basic office work, Internet surfing or chatting with friends, a more portable version of bulky notebooks is the best option. Portability has definitely given an edge to netbooks but still the tiny screen doesn't always satisfy. Some manufacturers have addressed this problem, giving rise to a new breed of portable PCs which can comfortably fit into the category of notebook while still offering incredible portability. Read more.

Samsung NC20: an ideal choice

It's not only me who considers the Samsung NC20-21GBK the best small notebook out there. The author of bestnetbooknow.com, in a recent post has also recommended the VIA Nano powered Samsung NC20-21GBK as the best notebook to buy, even in this economic slowdown. Read more.

Get the most battery life out of your netbook

Anyone who has a notebookor a mini-notebook must be concerned about the most important mobility factor,the battery life of their portable computer. People make the choice to buy amini-notebook instead of larger notebooks because they need a computer on thego. But it’s not just the weight and size that makes a mini-notebook portable;it’s the ability for the device to operate without mains power for an extendedand useful period of time. In this article, I’ll give you some useful tips tosqueeze some extra juice out of your mini-notebook’sbattery.

Read more.

Tongfong S30A: The zero figure notebook

There’s no doubt that mini-notebooks have been given a new spice of life with the VIA Nano processor. Many mini-notebook manufacturers have gone for the VIA Nano because of its low power consumption. Be it Samsung, Lenovo or HP – they all have VIA Nano powered mini-notebooks. The opinion is unanimous – the VIA Nano is the ultimate processor when it comes to modern day mobile computing … and now that includes notebooks. The VIA Nano processor has shown up in one of the thinnest notebooks I have ever seen. The leading Chinese manufacturer, Tongfong, has put the VIA Nano processor in its flagship notebook, the S30A.

Read more.

VIA Nano can get you a bigger screen!

In this world of cutting technology, netbooks and mini-notebooks are getting remarkably popular. When people choose a model, it's often a toss-up between portability and display size. If you're worried by the Atom chip manufacturer’s confession that it won’t cope so well with screens larger than about 10 inches, don’t worry, VIA Nano powered netbooks are the ultimate solution. The latest example is the Samsung NC20, which supports resolutions up to 1280x800 on it's 12.1” screen. The VIA Nano has no problems with that!

Read more.