Intel’s Atom CPU mates up with Nvida’s GeForce 9400M GPU in the 11.6 inch Mini 311, which is set for an October release running Windows 7.
Netbooks are certainly punching above their weight. The creators of the first low-cost laptops, with their little screens and oh-so-modest hardware spec, probably never dreamt the category would one day sport dedicated graphics from Nvidia.
But that’s the secret sauce in HP’s Mini 311, unveilled this evening at HP’s
Spring 2009 laptop launch in Singapore and making its US debut in October for US$400 as part of the first wave of Windows 7 netbooks.
While relying on Intel’s trusty Atom N270 CPU, the Mini 311 gets is graphics muscle from an Nvidia GPU – specifically the GeForce 9400M.
This unique Intel/Nvidia pairing is what Nvidia calls its Ion platform, and it’s supposed to be capable of handling smooth 720p HD video, and possibly even 1080p outputted through the HDMI port.
The Mini 311 also sports a slightly larger than normal screen at 11.6 inches, due to the HD (1366 x 768) resolution. A screen size above 10.1 inches disqualifies the Mini 311 from taking advantage of Microsoft’s discounted Windows 7 Starter Edition license, so we expect to see it running Windows 7 Home Basic or possibly even Windows 7 Home Premium.
HP says it will advise on local pricing and availability around the middle of next month.