Miniaturization of hardware components that use less power the today's devices will be critical for the success of future ultra mobile PCs, short UMPCs. Via is taking the segment seriously and if first to offer a single-chipset solution - a package that combines northbridge and southbridge - that is targeted for use in UMPCs.
According to the manufacturer, the VX700 measures about 35mm x 35mm and saves about 42% of space over a comparable two-chip product. 2D and 3D graphics capability, video playback, HD audio, support for DDR and DDR2 memory as well as PATA/SATA drives are integrated.
The VX700is designed to be used in combination with Via's C7-M processor, which runs at speeds ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 GHz and, according to Via, do not consume more than 20 watts. Interestingly, Via does not claim that the chipset is "Vista ready" despite the fact that the second generation of UMPCs is rumored to run the tablet PC edition Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system.
