VIA Launches World’s Lowest Power consuming Mobile Processor range for Ultra Mobile Lifestyle Devices

VIA Launches World’s Lowest Power consuming Mobile Processor range for Ultra Mobile Lifestyle Devices

New Delhi March 11, 2006 – Chip Maker VIA Technologies today announced global launch of the VIA C7-M Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) mobile processor range with unprecedented power efficiency that enables an exciting range of ultra compact, ultra portable small factor lifestyle computing devices.

As users look for a new breed of devices that fuses communication, content support, and computing all in one easy to carry package, VIA C7-M ULV processors are enabling radically small form factor designs that still retain the performance and flexibility of a full Personal Computer. Working together with leading industry partners the VIA C7-M ULV processor is creating exciting opportunities for entertainment, productivity, and communication products with a portability never before thought possible.

“The VIA C7-M ULV processor is the result of a concerted design effort to create the world’s lowest power x86 processors that will enable a much needed class of mobile devices,” commented Epan Wu, Deputy Director, CPU Product Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “Featuring the best performance-per-watt operation in the industry, the VIA C7-M ULV processor delivers the performance needed to put a full PC into the palm of your hand.”

“As consumers lead increasingly mobile lifestyles, Ultra Mobile PCs will provide an exciting new solution that makes it easier to access digital content — such as movies and music — and connect to almost anyone, and accomplish virtually any task while on the go,” said Otto Berkes, general manager of the Mobile Platforms Division at Microsoft Corp. “The VIA C7-M ULV processor is enabling the production of smaller form factors that meet the needs of mobile consumers, while maintaining the functionality benefits of a full-sized Windows-based PC.”

Paving the road for a new range of VIA C7-M ULV processor devices is PBJ, Inc., a Japan-based OEM, with their compact “SmartCaddie” UMPC device that together with Microsoft® Windows® XP with Microsoft Touch Pack software is aimed at enabling a revolutionary entertainment experience in the home.

Based on the VIA CoolStream™ architecture, and manufactured using IBM’s 90nm SOI process, the VIA C7-M ULV processors are available at speeds from 1.0-1.5GHz with a maximum thermal design power (TDP) as low as 3.5 watts, and idle power as little as 0.1 watt ensuring unparalleled battery life. This is complemented by a low profile nanoBGA2 package measuring just 21mm x 21mm enabling designs with drastically reduced weight, size, and thickness. For more information on the VIA C7-M ULV processor, please visit the VIA website at: http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/processors/c7-m_ulv/