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.