NVIDIA introduced next-gen ION netbook graphics processor

Today sees graphics giant NVIDIA introduce the next-generation ION netbook graphics processor.

So, what's the big deal about ION? Well, there are two reasons why ION will shake up the netbook market:

• ION will offer netbooks up to ten times the graphics performance compared to a standard netbook (the Intel GMA 3150 being the standard here)
• On top of that, the ION GPU offers up to 10 hours battery life

The idea behind ION is to bring rich HD media in games, movies, and Internet-based video to ultraportable devices, something that previously wasn't possible given the limitation of integrated Intel GPUs.

The new ION netbooks GPU also feature NVIDIA Optimus technology, which automatically selects the best graphics processor for running any given application. This allows the netbook to seamlessly hand over workload to either an NVIDIA discrete GPU or Intel integrated graphics. The result is great battery life and superior performance when you need it.

Some facts on the ION netbook GPU:

• It’s a discrete GPU (graphics processing unit) with dedicated memory that attaches to an Intel Atom Pine Trail CPU via PCI Express.
• It supports streaming HD video on sites like YouTube HD, and smooth gaming performance on titles like World of Warcraft and Spore. ION netbooks feature NVIDIA Optimus technology, which automatically assigns processing chores to the NVIDIA ION GPU or integrated graphics.
• Optimus powers down the GPU for basic tasks like web surfing, further extending battery life. When more graphics horsepower is needed for playing 3D games, running videos, or using GPU compute applications, Optimus automatically enables the ION GPU.
• It will be available starting in April with the Acer Aspire One 532G netbook.
• It accelerates a growing list of media-rich applications including Muvee Reveal for making home movies, Badaboom for media conversion, Total Media Theater and PowerDVD 9 for watching HD video or instantly upscaling standard definition video to near-HD quality.

NVIDIA has big plans for this technology:

More than 30 products featuring the new ION GPU are expected to launch by this summer including netbooks, small form factor desktops, “barebones” systems, motherboards, and discrete add-in cards. The Acer Aspire One 532G (10-inch) and ASUS 1201PN (12-inch) are expected to be the first new ION netbooks to be introduced. New all-in-one PCs powered by next-generation ION will include the ASUS EeeTop 2010PNT and Lenovo C200. Channel partners including AOpen, AsRock, Asus, Foxconn, Giada, J&W, Jetway, Pegatron, POV, Shuttle, and Zotac also plan to introduce new ION-based products soon.