New Nvidia Ion small form-factor platform set to boost Mini-computers

Nvidia has displayed their new Ion platform for mini computers at the recent concluded CES.

The Ion platform

 Nvidia is definitely not unaware of the sharp rising demand of the Netbooks. They are also aware of the fact that the high-performance power-packed products that they are famous for, might add to the cost of these miniature machine, when a consumer buying a Netbook for example may not be even looking to utilize that performance. So the new Ion small-form factor PC platform is NVIDIA’s response to the increasingly popular market for low-power, low-cost computer systems.

But when one takes a closer look, this is nothing new actually; Intel’s highly successful Atom processor with an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics chip, delivering the performance capabilities that could easily rival those of some fully-fledged desktop computer systems.

The platform is expected to be used in some of the upcoming netbooks and laptops, boosting performance for those relatively cheap PCs.

Nvidia unveils the performance statistics of the Ion as follows:

For Netbooks, the new design possibilities that is portable and smaller than ever. With GeForce 9400 and Atom, create netbooks with features like:

• 10x faster graphics and video transcoding
• Full HD video decode and display
• ½ Size but the same battery life
• Windows Vista Premium and Windows 7 ready

For Notebooks, the company claims that it will go beyond today’s notebook limitations with increased graphics and computing power. GeForce 9400 combined with Atom gives you:

• 5x Faster Graphics and Video Transcoding
• >10” LCD Display
• 80% lower CPU Cost
• Low TDP for thin thermal solution

For Nettops, you can see the lowest priced fully capable PC in an insanely small form factor! GeForce 9400 and Atom make it possible to get these features and more in a .6L case:

• 10x faster graphics and video encoding
• Full HD Video
• Windows Vista Premium and Windows 7

As far as the All-in-one PCs are concerned, it should provide stunning new designs for all-in-one PCs. Experience the benefits born from the dynamic combination of GeForce 9400 and Atom:

• 10x faster graphics and video transcoding
• Full 1080p HD video
• 2560 x 1600 resolution