VIA NetNotes can playback 1080p videos

VIA has recently released its NetNote Turnkey Systems, which are netbook PCs ranging in size from 10.2 to 12.1 inches. Unlike mostnetbooks, however, the NetNotes are said to be capable of flawless 1080p HD video playback thanks to hardware video decoding in the VX855 graphics chipset. The actual CPUs can come from VIA's C7-M ULV or Nano families. The C7-Ms are the simpler processors and can be had with clock speeds that range from 1GHz to 1.6GHz. They consume between 3.5W and 8W of power.

The 64-bit VIA Nanos are based on a smaller and more advanced 65nm architecture, have an 800MHz front side bus and carry 1MB of L2 cache. Clock speeds also range higher, from 1 to 1.8GHz. The VX855 media processor found in the NetNotes can accelerate H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and VC-1 HD video formats.

Unique features in the NetNotes include an integrated MP3 player that doesn't require the regular OS to boot, an extendable antenna that can receive digital satellite and terrestrial transmitters and an FM transmitter that can send audio output to nearby FM radio tuners.

Despite the HD playback capabilities, the 10.2-inch LED screen has a 1024x600 resolution, while the 12.1-inch screen has a 1366x768 resolution. RAM in either is fixed at 2GB, Windows XP is preloaded onto the 160GB or 320GB hard drives, and there is the option of a 1.8-inch solid state drive of unstated capacity. Windows Vista and various Linux distributions are an option on the systems. Wi-Fi, a 0.3-megapixel camera and two USB ports are standard fare, while EVDO-based 3G is an option for primarily US-bound netbooks. A three-cell battery is standard, while a six-cell is optional.

The reference systems can be rebranded and marketed by other manufacturers, though VIA has not revealed raw pricing or ship dates.

By Electronista Staff