VIA's ARTiGO A1100 PC Is Palm-Sized

Compact computing seems to have just taken on a whole new meaning. While most PC suppliers strive to somehow make more or less common products stand out amidst the crowds, VIA seems to be doing something completely different, namely make a whole new type of product by taking one trait of a “common” device to the extreme. Such moves are known to spawn unusual electronics with an unsure future but a definite ability to attract attention. In this case, VIA managed to put together a palm-sized barebone PC known as the ARTiGO A1100.

When looking at how small the new device is, measuring a measly 146 x 52 x 99 mm, consumers will most likely think that its capabilities are just as reduced. They might be in for a surprise, however. One possible use for the 1.2GHz Nano CPU-powered barebone is that of server, a role enabled by Gigabit Ethernet support and optional 802.11b/g WiFi. Another role the device can play is that of an HD video streamer, made possible by the Chrome9 integrated graphics, the 5.1-channel audio and the D-Sub and HDMI outputs. These same components can also facilitate surveillance applications.

“The VIA VX855 is specially designed to provide flawless hardware acceleration for the latest HD video codecs including H.264, WMV, VC-1 and MPEG 2/4 at high bitrates and display resolutions of up to 1080p with very low CPU utilization. The VIA Vinyl HD audio codec provides 6 channel DTS capable audio while an onboard HDMI port is included for seamless connection to the latest HDTV displays. These features combine to make the VIA ARTiGO A1100 an ideal for solution for a wide range of HD video and multimedia streaming applications,” states the official press announcement.

"The VIA ARTiGO A1100 redefines compact computing, bringing all the features of a regular desktop PC in a form factor that needs to be seen to be believed," said Daniel Wu, vice president, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies. "By harnessing our expertise in creating leading edge form factor systems, we're offering consumers something that absolutely breaks the mold."

VIA expects to start shipping the ARTiGO A1100 at the beginning of May, but end-users that want to get it at the earliest possible time will be pleased to know that the PC and hardware supplier is offering it now on pre-order, at a special discount price of $1199 (for up to 10 purchases).