Netbook Review UK

Nvidia Ion on a PCIe card?

The current generation of netbooks is mostly based on Intel’s Atom N270 or N280 processors.  For graphics, they are split into two groups, those utilizing Intel’s GMA 950 integrated graphics, and those that replace the Intel graphics chip with the more capable Nvidia Ion platform.  However, Intel’s next generation Pine Trail chips will have the processor and graphics capabilities bundled into one chip.  That would seem to make it much more difficult for netbook manufacturers to include Nvidia Ion with the new Intel PineTrail chips.

Blogeee.net reports that Nvidia’s solution may be to offer the next generation Ion 2 chips in the form of a PCI express card upgrade.  That would mean that one could upgrade the graphics in a netbook simply by slotting a card into an open slot.  It also opens up the possibility for switchable grahics – ie. using the built-in Intel Graphics for day to day use, then switching to the Nvidia Ion 2 chip for gaming or video use.

Wrapping up the rumour mill, there are also reports that Nvidia in planning to make the Ion 2 chip compatible with non-Intel chips – opening up the way for Ion powered ARM processored netbooks.