The number of portable computers that have an ultra light, small design is increasing by the day. With almost every manufacturer trying to release an Eee PC-like portable computer, the market is soon going to be saturated with these devices. This doesn't stop VIA, the Taiwanese manufacturer of integrated circuits and motherboard chipsets, to also try its luck on this overcrowded market.

The company set forth its version of what it considers to be the future of micro noteboooks with the OpenBook. This device is an 8.9-inch portable computer that appears to tread in the footsteps of the company's NanoBook of last year. The name comes from the device's unique open-source chassis. The design features of this micro notebook are what sets VIA's product apart from all of the other stock designs because this design allows third-party PC makers to bring their own touch to the exterior of the notebook, offering personalized versions of the OpenBook. This is also VIA's main hope in what concerns the product's success rate.

The company has built this notebook using its own technology, offering it the computing power of the ultra-low power 1.6GHz VIA C7-M chip. This chip is said to be faster than the ones used on previous system. OpenBook is built with a dedicated side video processor, which is said to allow the system to play HD movies from several formats at full speed. This means that the notebook might even be Windows Vista capable.

One of the main technical features of the product is related to its wireless capability. The company says that the basic version of the OpenBook includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support. With a second module, the product can provide WiMAX for Xohm and similar 4G wide-area networks, 3G over HSDPA for North America and Europe, and WCDMA-based 3G for Japan and Korea.

Extra features include a 2 megapixel webcam, which is a step higher than what the recent competitors have to offer. Eight-channel audio and a multi-format card reader will also be made available for this VIA OpenBook.