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NVIDIA unveils $99 MID platform

by Scott Bicheno on 16 February 2009, 09:29

Tags: NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA)

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MID market

Having spent much of this year talking up its netbook offering, NVIDIA today has unveiled a new platform designed for another Intel inspired form factor - the mobile internet device (MID).

This new platform is based on the NVIDIA Tegra 600 series ‘computer-on-a-chip'. NVIDIA claims it will enable an ‘always on' MID to go for days between battery charges.

The MID is intended to reside somewhere between smartphones and netbooks in terms of size and usage model. Just as netbooks can vary widely in size and functionality, the definition of a MID remains vague. However it aspires to be a truly mobile device (which should mean it can fit in a pocket) with some PC-like functionality.

"Until now, consumers could get just another 'gadget' with limited functionality or a PC that's not 'always on'," said Michael Rayfield, GM of the mobile business unit at NVIDIA. "A Tegra-based platform combines the best of both worlds."

Here's what NVIDIA claims the new platform delivers:

  • 720p and 1080p video playback
  • Days of use between charges
  • Full Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity
  • Optimized hardware support for Web 2.0 applications for a true desktop-class internet experience
  • A complete software solution including Microsoft Windows Embedded CE OS, application viewers, full Internet browser, UI framework, board support package (BSP), software development kit (SDK), Web mail client, and more