Rumor: Asus to launch AMD, ION 2 powered Eee PC models

Since launching the Eee PC 701 in November, 2007, Asus has used a number of different processors including Intel Celeron and Atom chips. What they all have in common is that all of these models have used Intel processors. Even the company’s recent Eee PC 1201N with NVIDIA graphics uses a dual core Atom CPU.

But DigiTimes reports that Asus will introduce a 12 inch Eee PC based on AMD’s Congo platform in February. The Congo platform is sort of AMD’s answer to Intel’s Atom or CULV processors. The platform is designed for thin and light notebooks and costs less than most AMD chips, while still offering higher performance graphics than you’ll get from most Intel Atom powered netbooks.

DigiTimes says that Asus will also launch a new Eee PC sporting NVIDIA ION 2 graphics in April. We’re still waiting for details about NVIDIA’s next-generation ION platform, but the current generation of ION-based computers bundles an Intel Atom processor with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics (instead of using Intel’s dedicated graphics solutions).

Because the Intel Atom Pine Trail platform combines graphics and CPU components onto a single chip, it’s likely that ION 2 will be more analogous to a discrete graphics solution. It’s not clear if this means that end users will be able to choose between using discrete or dedicated graphics dependind on whether they need more battery life or higher performance, or if ION 2-based systems will automatically use NVIDIA graphics instead of Intel graphics.

DigiTimes suggests that the AMD Congo-based Eee PC will sell for about $564 in Taiwan at launch, although the notebook will likely sell for less if and when it’s released in the US. No word on the price for the Eee PC with NVIDIA ION 2.

Posted on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010, 8:53 am by Brad Linder

http://home.comcast.net/~tomleem/ BigGoofyGuy

It would be neat – IMO – to see an AMD netbook; perhaps one that is 10 inchs. It would be nice to see Asus coming out with an AMD notebook. By having Intel and AMD notebooks promotes competition among CPU makers. Competition will mean lower prices and better/improved products. A runner that runs a race with just that runner has no incentive to try harder or better.
MonkeyKing1969

See if it were 11″ and less then 3.0 lbs then I'd be sold. I suppose that would be depending on if it would provide enough processing power to make the upgrade worth it. I can undersatnd where these 12″ models make sense, but I want portablity so I want as much size and weight shaved as possible. For me 11″ is the sweet spot.
Ian

will the AMD Congo be a dual core or single core? If it compares to the SU2300, this would be a good processor for the EeePC.
gman

I agree that 11″ is ultimately the sweet spot for portable computers. It's about time that AMD stepped up to the plate. This is great news for consumers. They may suck, but at the very least, they will make Intel blink and actually put some more effort into speeding up the Atom. AMD really is the key for us, the consumers, to get a high powered 12″ and under computer that can do it all. Yes, that includes playing games. Why should we expect any less from our technology? I don't. Yay for AMD and Asus. I love Asus because they aren't afraid of stepping on their other platforms. Rock on Asus. I can't wait to see what happens with these.
ninetynine

“The Congo platform is sort of AMD’s answer to Intel’s Atom or CULV processors. “

…Yeah, except bad. Running slower, hotter and with less battery life isn't really much of an answer. Better graphics I guess, for what its worth. Hasn't this netbook already been anounced as the 1201T?

Also Acer and MSI already have netbooks with AMD if anyone is interested.
ian

a dual core amd congo would be faster than the Atom, but slower than the core 2 (culv line). A slower battery life and hotter as the only con, unless it’s a 2nd or 3rd gen that makes less heat, would be desirable. It’s mainly that to get a decent notebook with great processing and graphics requires spending at least $650, and most netbooks cost $500. a powerful dual core processor and a good graphics card like AMD 4×00 or 5×00 will make a sub $500 netbook useful for more than just web-browsing and light multimedia.
ian

yeah but those are single core, not dual core
ian

or dual core ones, they're likely not under $500 with decent Radeon graphics. Acer has a 15.6 6lber (AS5536) and there's a 14″, but there's still a premium price for getting a smaller screen (11″ compared to 14″) with the same graphics.
ian

yeah but those are single core, not dual core
ian

or dual core ones, they're likely not under $500 with decent Radeon graphics. Acer has a 15.6 6lber (AS5536) and there's a 14″, but there's still a premium price for getting a smaller screen (11″ compared to 14″) with the same graphics.

Rumor: Asus to launch AMD, ION 2 powered Eee PC models

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