Taiwanese chip maker Via Technologies is going even smaller with its already minute motherboards. It's developing a new motherboard that's smaller than a credit card, the company said at Computex in Taiwan today.
The Via Mobile ITX motherboard measures a tiny 7.5 x 4.5 centimetres. But it still manages to cram in all the necessary components, such as memory, a chipset with integrated graphics and video capabilities, and a Via C7 processor.
Increasing demand
Consumers worried about smaller screens and keyboards, comparatively high prices, and other factors have typically stuck with regular notebooks. But the demand for mini-notebooks is starting to pick up, according to Brown.
"You've got to carry a notebook everywhere these days, even if you're taking the kids out," he said. "I look at it as extreme mobility."
Broadband is becoming more widespread, while blogging and online photo sites have changed the relationship many consumers have with their PCs. As a result some consumers will opt for the smaller version, Brown added.