Via Offers Reference Design for Mini-Notebooks

[magesh.p]

Via Technologies is offering an OpenBook reference design based around Via's C7-M ULV processor. Via's OpenBook has CAD files for turning out low-cost ultra-portable products and supports a range of Windows and Linux operating systems. OpenBook also offers designers wireless flexibility.

Via Technologies has unleashed a new OpenBook reference design for low-cost notebooks that will enable computer makers to bring low-cost ultra-portable products to market beginning in the third quarter.

The new design platform, based on Via's power Relevant Products/Services-efficient, cool-running C7-M microprocessor, offers designers an "open approach to case-design customization and wireless connectivity flexibility," said Vice President Richard Brown.

Fostering Innovation

OpenBook lives up to its "open" moniker by offering all the computer-assisted design (CAD) files required for turning out a finished mini-notebook Relevant Products/Services product. "Making the actual raw CAD files available under a Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 license is a brilliant first step that clearly and legally allows others to build upon Via's open innovation," said Jon Phillips, business and community manager for Creative Commons.

Designers will be able to modify Via's CAD designs to alter their final product's overall look and feel. Even better, having access to a pre-engineered clamshell form factor should help smaller startups -- and even ambitious entrepreneurs -- dramatically reduce the cost of creating a stylish design.

OpenBook is based around Via's C7-M ULV processor Relevant Products/Services, which features a maximum power draw of just 3.5 watts and is available in speeds of 1.0 to 1.6GHz. It also integrates three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, a four-in-one memory-card reader and a two megapixel dual-headed Web camera.

Via's platform supports a range of operating systems, including Windows Vista Basic, Windows XP and various Linux distributions. Moreover, the package is designed to be powered by a four-cell lithium-ion battery reportedly capable of delivering three hours of operation from a single charge.

Design Flexibility

Tipping the scales at 1kg, the final product will sport a 8.9-inch display with screen resolutions of up to 1024 x 600 pixels as well as support for high-performance 3D graphics through the company's VX800 chipset. Advanced acceleration is also on tap for a wide range of video formats, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV9, HDTV, VC1 and DiVX.

When it comes to wireless, OpenBook offers designers a high degree of flexibility. For example, the platform includes two internal modules that will allow mini-notebook makers to select from a variety of broadband options. The first module features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AGPS capabilities, while the second allows designers to select from fully supported WiMAX, HSDPA, EVDO and WCDMA options.

Via's previous NanoBook reference design, which was rolled out last year, served as the design impetus behind several mini-notebook products, including the EasyNote XS from Packard Bell. With OpenBook, the Taiwan-based company's principal goal remains essentially the same as it was last year -- to give aspiring mini-notebook makers sufficient reason to employ the company's processors and chipsets at a time when Intel Relevant Products/Services and Advanced Micro Devices all but control the market.

The bad news for Via is that it will have to contend with Intel's newly announced Atom processors, chipsets and design support, which are all squarely targeted at the same ultra-portable PC market niche.