Originally posted on March 19, 2009 @ 11:58 pm
Via Technologies recently released its new Surfboard design, this is a reference design for low cost netbooks. Via’s design will run directly against Nvidia’s own Ion platform.
The Surfboard, though containing an older C7-M ULV microprocessor, is also built around the VX855 unified chipset that Via also introduced last week. The VX855 has capabilities to play 1080p videos while only consuming less than 40 percent of the CPU. This HD playback capability is also one of the features of Nvidia’s Ion. Surfboard is planned to be used for netbooks with displays between 10 to 12 inches. Surfboard will also have support for Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi and 3G.