Via unveils $49 Android PC

 

 Via APC uses new Neo-ITX form factor, embedded memory and storage

VIA APC PC

Via's APC is intended for ultra small form factors, embedded devices and experimentation. May 23, 2012

 

The APC runs on a WonderMedia ARM processor, with integrated memory and storage, and a full set of consumer I/O ports.


The PC is built on the new Neo-ITX form factor motherboard, which at 17cm x 8.5cm, is half the size of the microATX form factor.


The APC comes with browser and a selection off apps pre-installed, with connectivity for standard mouse and keyboard, and TV or monitor.

The board includes integrated 2GB NAND Flash and 512 DDR3 SDRAM, and has VGA and HMDI display ports, four USB 2.0 ports, one microSD slot, one 10/100 Ethernet port and audio-out/ Mic-in. It also has low power consumption of just 4 watts idle and 13.5 watts maximum load, ten times less that of a standard PC system.

The APC runs an optimized version of Android tailored to the hardware, and even includes hardware acceleration to provide HD quality multimedia.

The company says the APC is likely to appeal to OEMs and systems integrators that are looking for small, low power low cost devices and to hobbyists looking for a platform for building PC mods on.

"APC brings the familiarity and convenience of Android to the PC at a $49 price point that will open up exciting new markets and applications," said Richard Brown, VP of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Like a bicycle for your mind, APC will enable more people than ever before to explore the vast online universe."