There was a time when for the Intel platform, you could choose between motherboards based on chipsets from four or more vendors. With the weakening and discontinuation of chipset development for the Intel platform from the likes of VIA, and SiS, and NVIDIA facing a technical and legal blockade with further development of Intel chipsets with the latest Intel processors having integrated memory controllers and the Quickpath Interconnect system interface, consumer choice is reduced to platform core logic coming only from Intel, while motherboard vendors are able to use additives such as the NVIDIA nForce 200 PCI-Express bridge chip, or even the latest LucidLogix Hydra controller, among additional SATA, SAS and Ethernet controllers, to enhance the motherboards' feature-set beyond what the chipset can provide.

Following NVIDIA making the right noises about the future of its chipset division and development of chipsets that drive Socket LGA-1156 processors, it is becoming increasingly clear that its development has hit a possible legal or technical hurdle. Until those issues are ironed out completely, NVIDIA will not invest in further development of that chipset. In a statement, NVIDIA expressed its official position of its chipset division, and where things stand specific to the products it makes. Speaking of which, NVIDIA's chipset division currently sells chipsets for Intel's FSB-driven processors, AMD's latest processors, and the ION platform, which forms the foundation of a more capable ULPC platform based on the Intel Atom processor.

Combining a high-performance NVIDIA ION graphics processor with a choice of energy-efficient dual-core Intel Atom 330 or single-core Atom 230 processors, the ZOTAC MAG delivers an eco-friendly computing experience that still packs a performance punch in a compact 186mm x 189mm x 38mm package.

"As users start equipping every room in their house with computers for a true networked digital home experience, space and power conservation becomes an issue, especially for larger houses," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "With the ZOTAC MAG series, we're providing users with a system suitable anywhere inside a house. The compact size, performance and energy efficiency makes the ZOTAC MAG perfect for all computing uses."

"ZOTAC always listens to user requests for features. End users loved our ION ITX series motherboards, but some requested PCI Express expansion. We listened and thus the ZOTAC ION ITX F series was born," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "Our engineers managed to integrate PCI Express x16 expansion without sacrificing any of the award-winning features either."

The ZOTAC ION ITX-F series receives power from a high-performance NVIDIA ION graphics processor and energy-efficient dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor for a power packed combination that's ready to take on high-definition video playback and everyday computing tasks.

The term 'Hybrid' these days probably relates most to hybrid cars. DFI has taken the concept of two machines - a high-power one, and an energy-efficient one, to a whole new level with its Hybrid P45-ION-T2A2 socket LGA 775 motherboard. This motherboard literally packs two motherboards sharing a PCB: one P45+ICH10R based socket LGA-775 system, and another portion holding an Intel Atom processor powered by NVIDIA ION chipset. Each has its own memory and storage subsystems, and share the machine's IO (input devices and display) in a somewhat KVM-style. So even as the major system is busy playing games, transcoding media, or running other power-hungry tasks, the minor system is quietly running the downloads, playing music, etc. When the major system is not needed, the minor system provides enough juice for media consumption and internet browsing, and general productivity at a really low energy footprint. A pretty neat concept. DFI's engineers describe it further in this YouTube video.

LG Electronics unveiled the company's first nettop, based on the NVIDIA ION platform. Measuring roughly 1l in volume, the LG XPION X30 resembles similar offerings from Medion, Gateway, and Acer. The unit weighs under 1.1 kg (2.42 lbs). Under its hood is an Intel Atom 230 single-core processor running at 1.6 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics integrated into the ION chipset, 2 GB of memory, and 250 GB storage. It comes with Windows Vista Home Basic pre-loaded and comes with an attachment that lets the unit latch onto some monitors probably using the VESA wall-mount, so it could be neatly tucked away to save space. It is expected to hit retail tomorrow.

NVIDIA Partner Point of View today announced its new line of compact desktop PCs targeted at home users. The Mobii Family PC is an implementation of the company's recently announced motherboards based on the NVIDIA ION platform, powered by Intel Atom dual-core processors. It aims to provide essential features with good levels of multimedia performance, with power consumption well below 100W.

The Mobii Family PC comes in a somewhat cubical chassis with just enough room for the mini-ITX ION motherboard, a couple of hard drives including an exposed 3.5" drive bay, and one exposed 5.25" bay. Under the hood is an ION motherboard with either single-core Atom 230 or dual-core Atom 330 (both clocked at 1.6 GHz), 1 or 2 GB of dual-channel DDR2 memory, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with HDMI output, 320 GB HDD, and either an 8X DVD-RW or a Blu-ray DVD-RW combo drive. The chassis comes in two colour schemes. Its pricing is yet to be known.

One of the first implementations of NVIDIA's ION platform, the Aspire Revo nettoop from Acer, is getting a timely update of its hardware specifications. Originally built with Intel Atom 230 single-core processor, the new variant uses the dual-core Atom 330 processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. Apart from this, the system memory gets a healthy boost, with 4 GB dual-channel DDR2-800 of total memory. Finally, there's the 320 GB hard drive, and standard features including NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, and Windows Vista Home Premium OS pre-installed. The new Aspire Revo is priced in Europe at 350€.

The new ASUS EeeTop PC ET20/22 Series is a range of touch-enabled, all-in-one PCs that provides users with the fundamentals of everyday computing and multimedia entertainment in an elegant space-saving design. Its forte lies in its ability to provide users with the ultimate home entertainment experience. The EeeTop PC ET22 and EeeTop PC ET20 feature a flushed 22-inch and 20-inch touch-enabled display respectively that provides high definition images through the use of state-of-the-art graphics processors. The resulting visual spectacle is complemented by a surround sound experience delivered by the Dual Hi-Fi speakers with SRS Premium Sound. The ASUS EeeTop ET20/22 Series also lets users communicate via the easy-to-use Eee Cam, while the Eee Bar gives them access to their commonly-used applications. Users can also organize their photographs with FotoFun, and leave notes for their family and friends with Eee Memo. Simply put, the new ASUS EeeTop PC ET20/22 Series is the ideal all-in-one communications and entertainment PC for the family.

Exactly a month after releasing GeForce 190.38 drivers, NVIDIA published GeForce 190.62, complete with WHQL-certification. Supported products include the entire range of NVIDIA GPUs from GeForce 6 series and upwards, and NVIDIA ION, ION LE platforms. This release includes a few significant changes, apart from the numerous bug-fixes as described in the Release Notes documents (for Windows 7, Vista, and XP). Included are:

• Support for Microsoft's new DirectX GPU Computing API: DirectCompute, complete with WHQL-certification
• PhysX system software updated to version 9.09.0814 WHQL
• Optimizations for Batman: Arkham Asylum and Darkest of Days

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 190.62 WHQL

ASUS' swiftly growing ULPC lineup has a new member in the form of EeeTop ET200T all-in-one nettop PC. The most district features of this machine include its 20 inch touchscreen, and being based on the NVIDIA ION platform that breathes life into an otherwise potent Atom processor. The main unit takes care of its aesthetics with glossy, glassy piano-black looks. The touchscreen comes with a native resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels. A fixed 1.3 megapixel webcam neighbours it on the top. A low-noise keyboard and optical mouse are part of the package.

Under the hood are an Intel Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor, NVIDIA ION chipset that embeds GeForce 9400M graphics, 2 GB of dual-channel memory, a 5400 rpm 250 GB hard drive, and a slot-in DVD writer. Connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, and four USB 2.0 ports. Each unit comes with Windows Vista Home pre-installed, and a coupon that facilitates a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it's out. The ET2002T 20" releases in Europe soon, for under 600€.

ASUS finally decided to roll out an NVIDIA ION platform based mini-ITX motherboard, with the AT3N7A-I A330. As the name suggests, this motherboard embeds a dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor running at 1.60 GHz. With two DDR2 DIMM slots, the chipset supports dual-channel DDR2-800 memory. Located at the center of the board is a big, fan-heatsink that is common to the chipset and CPU. The chipset embeds GeForce 9400M mGPU, which connects to its displays using D-Sub and HDMI. Storage is care of three SATA II ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD support.

The lone expansion slot is a PCI. Connectivity options on this board include gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, eSATA, and ten USB 2.0 ports in all. Audio is handled by a VIA 8-channel HDA codec that also provides optical and co-axial SPDIF outputs. The AT3N7A-I A330 hits stores in this month, at an expected price of 112 Euro.

AOpen is ready with its LGA-775 ION ITX platform. The AOpen nMCP7AUt-V resembles most Atom-ION motherboards, but supports an LGA-775 (up to 95W TDP) Pentium, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad processor with its 2+1 phase power circuit. The ION chipset packs a GeForce 9400M class mGPU. AOpen overclocked this a little, 580/1500 MHz (core/shader, versus 580/1400 MHz reference). The chipset supports GeForce Boost, which allows a low-end discrete GeForce GPU to work in tandem with it, and save power. The chipset is actively cooled by a fan-heatsink. The board holds two SO-DIMM slots for dual-channel DDR2 800/667 MHz memory, commonly available as laptop memory.

The lone expansion slot is a PCI-Express 2.0 x16. Storage is care of three SATA II ports, with RAID 0,1,5, and JBOD modes. The GeForce mGPU connects to its display through DVI-D and HDMI connectors. Audio is care of a high-grade Realtek ALC889 HD audio CODEC. Apart from the 8 USB 2.0 ports on the rear-panel, four more are provided through internal headers. The AOpen nMCP7AUt-V is selling in Japan for 18,770 JPY (US $198).

Valore Japan introduced the country's first nettop barebone equipped with a Blu Ray drive. Based on the NVIDIA ION platform, the Valore ION 330-DB packs Intel's Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor paired with the ION chipset with embedded GeForce 9400M graphics that makes it ready to serve as a compact HD-ready media center PC. Being a barebone, it requires you to separately purchase the memory (up to 4 GB of DDR2 800 MHz), and a 2.5 inch SATA hard drive or solid-state drive. Connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet and 6 USB 2.0 ports, while A/V IO includes HDMI out, and SPDIF digital audio. The star attraction of course is its Blu Ray drive + CD/DVD RW combo drive. Each of these go for 39800 JPY (297 Euro).

Gateway is yet another in the league of hardware vendors interested in the NVIDIA ION platform. The Gateway QX2800 nettop resembles Acer's AspireRevo in more ways that one, topped with Gateway's own bunch of changes. Under the hood is Intel's Atom 330 dual-core processor, 2 GB of DDR2 800 MHz memory, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M mGPU, and a 500 GB hard drive.

Display outputs are care of DVI-D and HDMI. Apart from six USB 2.0 ports that provide virtually limitless removable storage options, the nettop features a 4-in-1 flash media card reader. Connectivity options include gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n). A six channel HD audio CODEC tops it up. The Gateway QX2800 comes with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed. It could be priced under 350 Euros.

German PC maker Medion unveiled its first product based on NVIDIA's ION platform, the Akoya Mini E2076 D nettop. It is built inside a slim and compact chassis with piano-black finish, seated on a stand a-la LCD monitors. Measuring measures 150 x 170 x 20 mm, the Akoya Mini E2076 D packs a single-core or dual-core Intel Atom processor aided with the NVIDIA ION mGPU chipset with GeForce 9400M graphics. It makes use of 2 GB of DDR2 memory, and offers 320 GB of storage. Connectivity options include gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, and six USB 2.0 ports. Each of these comes with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed. Medion will start shipping these in September at a suggested retail price between 300 and 350 Euro.

NVIDIA's GeForce 190.38 driver suite which arrived in beta form about a week ago, received its official status with WHQL-certification. The driver, like its beta version, introduces a list of changes as described in the release notes documents for for Windows 7, Vista, and XP, including a new release of the PhysX system software, version 9.09.0428. It supports the entire range of NVIDIA GPUs from GeForce 6 series and upwards, and NVIDIA ION, ION LE platforms. Important changes over the previous 186 series drivers include:

• Support for the OpenGL 3.1 API
• CUDA 2.3 support for improved performance in GPU Computing applications. See CUDA Zone for more details
• A new user-controlled power management setting for GeForce 9-series and later graphics cards. This option allows users to set a performance level for each DirectX or OpenGL application
• Includes several new control panel features and numerous bug fixes

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 190.38 WHQL for Windows 7/Vista 64-bit | Windows 7/Vista 32-bit | Windows XP 64-bit | Windows XP 32-bit

POINT OF VIEW, well known for its range of NVIDIA-based Graphics cards, is presenting today the first of its NVIDIA ION-powered mini notebooks: the Mobii ION 230. It has been one of the most asked questions in 2009: "When will you start implementing NVIDIA's ION technology in the Mobii netbooks?" The wait is now over and it's finally here! From the moment of its announcement, the ION/ATOM combo has been one of the most anticipated hardware because it offers full PC capabilities in small, low-power designs.

The Mobii ION 230 combines Intel's energy-efficient Atom 230 CPU with NVIDIA ION graphics to create a small, low-power notebook with amazing capabilities. The ION Graphics Processing Unit is DirectX 10 and Shader Model 4.0 enabled and powers a 10.2" 1024x600 LED LCD screen. With NVIDIA graphics technologies such as PurevideoHD and CUDA the possibilities are endless! Get the edge with hardware acceleration in applications and high definition video encoding and playback! Enjoy crystal clear 1080P HD video without hiccups or jaggies on one the smallest and most energy-efficient devices and push it out through the included HDMI port.

Inno3D's iChiLL range is going to have one more product to talk about soon, this will be an upcoming NVIDIA ION-based mini-ITX mainboard with a name that's yet to be discovered. The board was shown for the first time during this year's COMPUTEX. It follows NVIDIA's reference design and is expected to ship in two flavours - one featuring an integrated single-core Intel Atom N270 processor, and another sporting an integrated dual-core Intel Atom 330. The second heart of the board is NVIDIA's ION chipset which brings with it a GeForce 9400m integrated graphics, with a GPU clocked at 450 MHz and 16 stream processors clocked at 1100 MHz. The iChiLL board provides two DDR2 DIMM slots, supporting up to 8 GB of 667 MHz/800 MHz memory, and is bundled with a 90W external power supply. The board is yet to be priced.

MAINGEAR Computers, award-winning builders of high performance custom computers, is proud to announce the Pulse, a powerful, energy efficient small form factor PC based on NVIDIA ION graphics. The Pulse is the world's first ION PC that can be upgraded with a GeForce GPU, offering consumers the flexibility to choose an economical, low power ION solution or an energy efficient, high performance configuration with GeForce.

The ION configuration is available with Intel Core 2 45nm processors and a 80+ Certified 300 watt power supply that is 80%+ efficient. This configuration is the smallest, most energy efficient gaming PC on the market today.

We have seen plenty of ION nettop implementations around. The Acer Revo has been causing some waves in the recent past, but Sparkle has the best syste of the plattform around so far - in my humble opinion. The unit is modular and looks much like a small home stereo system. The actual PC is contained within the extremely compact middle module in the picture, while the bottom holds a hot swap bay for a 2.5 inch hard drive. The box up top contains a VFD. All of the modules are connectd to the main PC via USB.

Among the tons of new hardware stuff released these days, NVIDIA has managed to put a new BETA driver for download on its official webpage. The new GeForce/ION 186.08 BETA release supports the company's GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200-series desktop GPUs and ION GPUs. This driver package is reported to fix numerous bugs and install a newer version of PhysX System Software (version 9.09.0428). You can download the 186.08 BETA driver for your OS from here.

Lenovo today announced the IdeaPad S12, the company's first 12-inch netbook. The new netbook takes the best in connectivity, style and entertainment features in Lenovo's other netbooks and brings users the next level in netbook computing with improved usability and performance. These enhancements include a 12.1-inch screen, a 100 percent full-size keyboard and new graphics options with the NVIDIA ION platform.

"We've heard from consumers loud and clear about the need for affordable and extremely portable computing devices, and we've responded by introducing our third netbook with a completely new form factor, making mini-computing more usable and redefining value in today's market," said Dion Weisler, vice president, Business Operations, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. "We are pioneering new territory in the developing netbook arena by being the first vendor to give customers high quality video and entertainment capabilities in a netbook with optional NVIDIA ION graphics."

Acer's Aspire Revo has started appearing in UK. Etailer Play.com (UK) is currently offering the base Aspire Revo model for £149.99 with free delivery. Acer Aspire Revo is the first nettop to sport NVIDIA's ION platform - that comprises of a GeForce 9400M-class graphics coupled with an Intel Atom CPU, a combo that will run 1080p HD video without a problem. The model listed is equipped with a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N230 processor, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, an 8 GB solid-state drive, GeForce 9400M graphics and a Linux operating system. The small PC is also armed with HDMI and VGA outputs, eSATA port, 6x USB ports, a memory-card reader, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity, a wired keyboard and a mouse. All of the specs described above come in a compact 7.1 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches box. If you're willing to pay £249.99 you can get a more powerful version of the base model, with 2 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive and Microsoft's Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.