Samsung's NC20 Netbook Will Officially Include VIA Nano Platform

while eagerly waiting for the NC20 to be released, Via has confirmed that Samsung’s 12.1-inch netbook will be using its latest Nano platform inside. This announcement comes after various rumors which already stated the same news, but this one gives us the official seal that we’ve all been waiting for. According to Via, the new Samsung NC20 will pack a 12.1? LED WXGA display (1280 x 800), together with a 1.3GHz VIA Nano ULV U2250 processor (800MHz FSB), 1GB of RAM, and a 160GB hard-drive. Additionally, the NC20 will offer a 1.3 Mega pixels webcam, 10/100 ethernet LAN port, a 3-in-1 memory card reader, WiFi/Bluetooth 2.0+EDR connectivities and a 6-cell battery, providing up to 6.5hrs of continuous work. Still, no word on price or availability, although we do know that a white version is already up for a pre-order in the UK, priced at $565. Checkout the full PR release after the break.

Update1: Checkout the first preview from LaptopMag in here.

Update2: April 3rd 2009 – Looks like Samsung’s NC20 is up and available for purchase at NewEgg, with the aforementioned Via Nano U2250 1.3GHz processor and the Chrome9 integrated graphics – all priced at $549.99.

Update3: It is now available on Samsung’s official page.

[VIA]

Press Release:

Samsung Adopts VIA Nano Processor for the Samsung NC20 12.1? Mini-Notebook

VIA Nano processor platform enables the Samsung NC20 to deliver superior performance and battery life in a sleek 12.1? mini-notebook form factor

Taipei, Taiwan, 27 February 2009 – VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced that Samsung has adopted the VIA Nano processor in the new Samsung NC20 mini-notebook.

Combining the power efficient 1.3+GHz VIA Nano™ processor with the highly-integrated VIA VX800 system media processor, the Samsung NC20 also features a stunning 1280×800 12.1? display, ensuring an outstanding video experience and enabling a full-size 12? notebook keyboard with optimized 18.5mm key spacing and larger touchpad in a highly portable device that weighs just 1.52kg.

Mobility is enhanced by 802.11b/g and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a six-cell battery that provides up to 6.5 hours of use independent of any power supply, while storage options include either a solid state disk or a SATA hard disk drive. Other features include an integrated 1.3 mega pixel digital motion camera, 3-in-1 memory card reader and three built-in USB ports.

“We are delighted that Samsung has adopted the VIA Nano processor for the Samsung NC20,” said Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “This is a truly ground-breaking product that sets the new industry standard for consumer mini-notes and clearly demonstrates the advanced performance of our VIA Nano processor platform.”

Samsung NC20 Mini-Notebook Specifications
Screen: 12.1? LED WXGA (1280 x 800)
CPU: VIA Nano™ ULV Processor U2250 (1.3+GHz, 800MHz)
Chipset: VIA VX800 Unified Digital Media IGP Chipset
Graphics: Integrated VIA Chrome9™ with DirectX 9.0 3D graphics support and hardware video acceleration
OS: Microsoft?R Windows?R XP Home Edition
Memory: 1GB DDR2 (1*SODMM)
Storage: 160GB HDD (9.5mmH 2.5”HDD, SATA)
Webcam: 1.3 Mega pixels web camera
LAN: 10/100Mbps LAN
Wireless: Atheros 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth: 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
I/O Ports: USB2.0 x 3, Ethernet LAN, 3-in-1 card reader
Battery: 6 cells Li-ion Battery Standard
Dimensions: 292.4mm x 217mm x 30.7mm
Weight: 1.52kg
Special
Features: 6.5 hours battery life
Colours: White

About the VIA Nano Processor Platform
The first 64-bit, superscalar processors in VIA’s x86 platform portfolio, VIA Nano processors have been specifically designed to revitalize traditional desktop and notebook PC markets, delivering truly optimized performance and security for the most demanding computing, entertainment and connectivity applications. The VIA Nano processor is coupled with the VIA VX800 system media processor with support for full Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0 3D graphics, high definition video and audio playback, and up to 4GB of DDR2 system memory.

The VIA Nano processor family leverages advanced 65 nanometer process technology for enhanced power efficiency, and augments that with aggressive power and thermal management features within the compact 21mm x 21mm nanoBGA2 package for an idle power as low as 100mW (0.1W), extending the reach of power efficient green and silent PCs, thin and light notebooks and mini-notes around the world. For further information on the VIA Nano processor family, please visit the VIA website at:
http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/processors/nano/

About VIA Technologies, Inc.
VIA Technologies, Inc is the foremost fabless supplier of power efficient x86 processor platforms that are driving system innovation in the PC, client, ultra mobile and embedded markets. Combining energy-saving processors with digital media chipsets and advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon enables a broad spectrum of computing and communication platforms, including its widely acclaimed ultra compact mainboards. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA’s global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world’s top OEMs and system integrators. www.via.com.tw