Viewsonic Gets on the NVIDIA ION Bandwagon

Viewsonic looks to expand is product portfolio outside the displays and monitors segment, reaching new markets with the introduction of a new Ion-based nettop, two compact desktops and two netbooks. The new Viewsonic VOT 130/132 nettop packs a simple design that looks no larger than a VHS cassette, featuring all the connectivity options of a small-sized computer system. The machine is available in two configuration options, enabling users to choose from either a typical Intel-based nettop or an NVIDIA ION-powered system.

According to the specifications of the Viewsonic VOT 130, users will be provided with an Atom N270 processor, coupled with the Intel GMA950 graphics chipset, 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive, basically everything you can expect from one of those small-sized nettops. The VOT 132 comes with a dual-core 1.6GHz Atom 330 processor paired with the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics chipset, up to 3GB of RAM and a larger 250GB hard-drive, a noticeable improvement over the standard nettop specifications.

The two nettops will also feature WiFi b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity and a DVD burner, although there's no sign of an optical drive in the available pictures of the product. There are six USB 2.0 ports, a DVI connector, Ethernet for LAN connectivity and also HDMI, only available on the NVIDIA ION-based VOT 132 nettop. As far as pricing is concerned, the Intel-based system will be a more affordable alternative, at US$333, while the VOT 132, with its NVIDIA ION chipset and higher-performance specifications will be available for US$514.

Viewsonic also unveiled the VOT 120 and 121 nettops, featuring the Atom N270 and 1.3GHz SU2700 processors, respectively. Built on the GS40 graphics chipset, the two systems will be equipped with 2GB of RAM and 160GB HDD, featuring an eSATA port on the VOT 120 and a multi-format card reader on the VOT 121. Price wise, these systems will be available for US$301 and US$423, respectively.

For increased performance, Viewsonic also unveiled the VOT 530 and VOT 550 nettops, boasting Intel's 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, 4GB of RAM, the integrated GMA 4500MHD graphics, 320GB HDD and optional Blu-ray and media center remote. There's also WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, with prices expected to be around $821 and $1123, respectively.

Also making a dive into the netbook market, Viewsonic plans the VNB 100 and VNB 101, featuring Intel's Atom N270 and N280 processors, respectively. These are 10.2-inch netbooks, running on 1024 x 600 with GMA950 graphics. There's 2GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, Bluetooth 2.0 and WiFi b/g, with prices and availability details yet to become available.