Via opens up its subnotebook design
Published: 29 May 2008 16:14 BST
Chip designer Via Technologies unveiled its OpenBook Mini-Note reference design on Monday, in a move that throws some open source into its core business of developing chips for mobile devices.
The OpenBook design aims to aid PC makers in creating ultra-small notebooks based on Via's Ultra Mobility Platform. Last year, the company released its Via NanoBook reference design, a prototype designed to compete against rivals in the small-computer market but at a lower cost.
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"By making the CAD files of the external panels for the OpenBook available for download, Via has simplified design customisation," the company said. "You can now download these open-source files from the [Via] website and individualise the look and feel of your OpenBook devices."
Via, in providing the source files for download, aims to make it easier for laptop manufacturers to add Wi-Fi, WiMax or 3G-based connectivity to laptops based on the company's designs.
With its Via OpenBook design, the Taiwanese company is hoping to ride potential growth in the mini-notebook market, which currently ranks in the small niche category. But, as 3G becomes more pervasive and users become more adept at using smaller devices to carry out computing and communications functions, demand for mini-notebooks may rise.
Credit: Via opens up its mini-notebook design from CNET News.com
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