Pitting the VIA Nano against the Intel Atom

Paul Mah — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:38:47 -0400

The folks over at HotHardware managed to get their hands on a mini-ITX reference platform with a VIA's new Nano L2100 1.8GHz processor. For purposes of comparison, they pitted it with an Atom 230 processor clocked at 1.6GHz. HotHardware ran a battery of tests on both platforms (you can check out the full review if this is your cup of tea).

Bearing in mind the unavoidable differences in the processor speed, the VIA Nano appears to be a stronger performer across a variety of workloads. But with Intel's superior financial clout, the landscape could change relatively quickly, of course. In the meantime however, OEMs will do well to adopt the current generation of C7-based products to the pin-compatible VIA Nano for its superior performance. And yes, HP's popular Mini-Note 2133 does come to mind here.

For more on the story:
- check out this article from HotHardware

Via open sources laptop design

Paul Mah — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:09:20 -0400

In an unusual move, Via technologies has released the hardware design for a low-cost laptop under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 license. As can be expected, the design of the OpenBook laptop is based on Via's C7-M processor. It also sports an 8.9-inch screen with basic wireless modules for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

As long as the base design is attributed to Via, and changes to it are made available, the CAD files of the design can be freely downloaded, shared, and modified. The offered rationalization is that this will shorten the design time needed by system makers. However, the cynic cannot help but think that this is but a thinly veiled attempt to promote systems based on the Via-made C7 processor.

For more about Via's open source laptpop:
- check out the Computerworld article