VIA unveils NetNotes

A mashup between the netbook and the traditional notebook

VIA NetNote Turnkey system

 VIA has just unveiled a new category of laptops called the NetNotes. The NetNotes, as VIA puts it, are a mashup between the netbook and the traditional notebook which means that while being portable and affordable these netbooks will still have proper functionality and HD video capabilities. These netbooks will have screen sizes ranging between 10.2-inches to 12.1-inches and will be able to support 1080p video playback.

Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. said "Light, snappy ultra mobile devices with notebook-level functionality are what consumers want and what the NetNote category of device provides."

The NetNotes are powered by the new VIA SurfBoard NetNote edition platforms that combine the highly-integrated VIA VX855 media system processor with a choice of VIA C7-M ULV or VIA Nano processors. This device comes with support for hardware acceleration of a broad variety of leading video standards including H.264, MPEG-2/4, VC-1 and WMV9. Moreover, the NetNotes come with a host of other advanced features including an optional HDMI port and a choice of integrated 3G connectivity modules. The new VIA NetNote platforms and systems will be on show at the next VIA Global Mobility Bazaar Alliance event to be held on Friday 25 September in Shenzhen, China.

Talking about the graphics and audio quality, the NetNotes are powered by VIA Chrome9 HCM integrated graphics processor unit and it supports HD audio through the VIA Vinyl 8-channel HD audio. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, and Bluetooth. 

Other interesting features of the NetNote is that it has an externally controlled MP3 player that doesn’t require the user to boot the OS. It also has an extendable aerial used to receive digital video broadcasts. Moreover, this device has the ability to act as an FM transmitter allowing users to tune in car radios or cell phones to pick up NetNote broadcasts.

The VIA NetNote Turnkey Systems will debut at ShenZhen TechForum Autumn 2009 next week, where the company will showcase around 35 designs together with pricing and availability information.