Via Technology launches a NanoBook PC

Via Technology is the third player in the PC microprocessor market and they have announced the launch of their “NanoBook” reference design for a small personal computer.

The device uses plug-in USB modules which are around the size of the iPod nano media player to add extra functionality to the device.

It supports both Windows XP and Vista Basic operating system and the users can have access to a close-to-full-size keyboard.

Richard Brown, the vice president of marketing for Via said in a statement that they plan to sell the device for around USD 600 in the US market.

They are also going to sell it through European partner Packard Bell as the basis for EasyNote XS.

Brown added: “What we’re doing with Computex is how do we make the market, how do we expand the market for the UMPC, and bring it into the mainstream. In a way, this notebook is a BlackBerry on steroids.”

The device measures 230mm x 171mm x 29.4mm and weighs less than 850 g or 1.87 pounds. It features a widescreen 7-inch VGA touch panel.