12.1” VIA NetNote Reference Design Teardown and Review

VIA’s 12.1” NetNote reference design which includes a VIA Nano processor and VX855 chipset capable of 1080P HD video has been put through it’s paces and ripped apart for all to see over at PCHome.net. We’ve yet to see any netbooks out in the market (outside of China) using this combo.

They loved the big screen, keyboard and touchpad but the plastic parts of the notebook were rather flimsy. Performance wise the VIA NetNote beats any netbook with integrated graphics in the graphics department. The battery lasted 5 hours which doesn’t sound too great, though I don’t know how they tested the battery.

There were also two new features they enoyed as well: The NetNote becomes a MP3 player even when the device is shut down and comes with a handy remote for controlling music. The last addition was an integrated digital TV tuner.

This might be a better alternative to your average Atom netbook but in the large form factor (11” - 13”) it doesn’t seem as compelling as the Intel CULV processor.

Source: Shanzai.com