TAIPEI, Taiwan - Via Technologies Inc. here announced a new initiative aimed at helping system manufacturers build a new class of PC-like systems that sell for $199 and below. Disclosure of the initiative came on Monday, one day before the start of the Fall Intel Developer Forum in San Jose, which is hosted by Via's giant rival, Intel Corp.
Via's Information PC Platform Initiative will help OEMs develop systems that bridges the gap between full-function PCs and low-cost information appliances (IA), according to officials from the Taipei, Taiwan-based supplier of microprocessors and chip sets.
The company said it will disclose more details about its new initiative at the Via Technology Forum, which is scheduled to take place on Sept. 28 in Taipei.
With its initiative, Via hopes to enable Internet-access and other PC-like functions to the masses, said Wen-Chi Chen, president and chief executive of the company. "The Information PC is just such an initiative," Chen said. "It provides a new entry-level platform focused on delivering a powerfulInternet experience and computing experience for everyone."
Comprised of microprocessors and chip sets from Via, the Information PC will enable OEMs to develop products at prices below $400. At the heart of Via's Information PC Platform Initiative is the recently introduced Via Cyrix III processor and Via Apollo PM601 chip set, the company said.
Additional Information PC reference platforms are also under development, including systems built around Via's upcoming integrated processor, code-named Matthew.
"With the Information PC platform, our ultimate goal is to make PCs affordable enough for everyone who needs them," Chen said.
--Mark LaPedus reporting from San Mateo, Calif.
