Acer Review, Asus Review – Netbook 10

Netbooks have conventionally been used for word processing and light Internet surfing.  But now, they are increasingly coming equipped with better processors, larger memory, and better graphic cards that continue to blur the line between netbooks and small notebooks.

Graphic makers in particular have slated 2009 as the year of netbook GPU innovation and are working on smaller, more powerful GPUs. Here are some things netbooks will soon be used for:

1.    3D Gaming
2.    Desktop publishing and photo editing
3.    Video editing
4.    HD video decoding
5.    Full installation of Windows Vista

Before I get into the various GPUs  available, here’s a little background information on netbook processors. While several processors exist, the Atom processor is the standard and netbooks from Asus, Acer and Samsung run on Atom. These netbooks also come with the generic Intel 945 graphics card, which is a lousy card when compared to notebooks.

Another common processor is the VIA Nano processor. The Nano is known for being energy efficient, and is currently powering the Samsung NC20 (available in the US in the next few weeks).

Overview of Graphic Cards Available

1.    Intel 945– The 945 is the standard graphics card and can be used for light computing. To perform more graphics intensive functions, you can use the GMA Booster App, which boosts netbook clock speed from 133MHz or 166Mhz to 400Mhz (same as on standard laptops).

The app eats up the battery life, so you probably want to use it if you have a six cell battery or are plugged in.

2.    NVIDIA Ion– NVIDIA has been working on the Ion GPU which promises great changes to the netbook industry and supports 3D gaming and HD video decoding. The Ion also reduces the number of chips in the Atom platform from 3 (Atom + 945GSE + I/O hub) to 2 (Atom + 9400M).

The NVIDIA 9400m GPU saves on space and power as it is placed on the computer motherboard itself instead of standing alone as a separate board. The 9400m faces the same problem of high power usage that is plaguing other advanced graphic chips, and NVIDIA is working on building a more energy efficient GPU.

The Asus N-10 is a good example of a netbook that compensates for high battery drain. The N10 uses hybrid graphics (Intel GPU + 9300m) and comes with a built in switch to activate/deactivate the graphics card. The only downfall is the price – over $700 at Amazon.

3.    VIA Trinity –VIA, the same company that creates the Nano processor is working on its Trinity platform to integrate a high power processor with a high power graphics unit. Trinity will be able to support Windows Vista, DirectX 10, and HD video decoding. You can read more about it here.

While the technology seems promising, netbook makers are more attracted to NVIDIA and Intel Atom based hardware. Only time will tell if VIA can gain a stronger share of the netbook market.

Two Companies to keep an eye out for

1.    S3 Chrome– Word on the street is that the S3 is working to tie in its Chrome graphics technology with a VIA Nano processor.  In theory, this graphics unit would support HD video, in addition to Windows and DirectX 10.1.

2.    AMD Yukon Platform -Another company to keep an eye out for is AMD which is working on ultra thin and ultraportable technologies for its line of notebooks. AMD is reluctant to enter the Intel-dominated netbook industry, and the AMD Yukon platform will lead to even smaller line of high powered notebooks., truly blurring the fine line that separates notebooks from netbooks.

The bottom line:If you have the money and if battery life is not a concern, your best bet right now is to get yourself the GMA Booster App or to invest in a netbook with the NVIDIA  Ion GPU.

On the other hand, if you’re a creative professional or gamer and the only thing stopping you from buying a netbook is the inferior graphics, you may find yourself considering a netbook by the end of the year.

Related posts:

1. The Netbook market – Some research
2. Red Netbook Guide – Red Netbooks that Sizzle
3. Green Netbook Guide – Green Netbooks that Soothe

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