原创 Exploring Via Tech's $49 Android PC

Taiwanese chipset vendor Via Technologies Inc. is touting a $49 PC system that runs Google Inc.'s Android operating system. It is scheduled to start shipping in July.

Like the Raspberry Pi—the $25 single board computer developed in the UK—Via's APC Android PC System comes in the form of a motherboard that can be connected to a TV or monitor. The system also features a custom build of Android that has been optimized for keyboard and mouse input, and comes with a browser and a selection of preinstalled apps, according to a statement released by Via last May 22.

APC is powered by an ARM11-based processor from WonderMedia, Via's low-cost processor subsidiary. The system integrates memory, storage and a full set of consumer I/O features in a small footprint Neo-ITX motherboard, according to Via.

The APC motherboard measures 170 mm by 85 mm and can be housed in any standard Mini-ITX or microATX chassis, Via said. The company is targeting the system at both do-it-yourself computer enthusiasts and OEMs looking to get their systems to market quickly.

"Like a bicycle for your mind, APC will enable more people than ever before to explore the vast online universe," said Richard Brown, vice president of marketing at Via, in a statement.

Via claims APC consumes only 4 watts when operating at idle power and 13.5 watts at maximum load—10 times less than a standard PC system. It also offers hardware acceleration for demanding video formats, according to Via.

Key features of the APC, as listed by Via:
- Optimized Android OS
- HD TV support
- Hardware acceleration of the most demanding video formats
- VGA and HDMI display ports
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- One microSD slot
- One 10/100 Ethernet port
- Audio-out/ Mic-in
- VIA WonderMedia ARM 11 SoC
- 2GB NAND Flash
- 512 DDR3 SDRAM
- 15W power adapter

About the size of a banana

From the looks of it, the entire APC motherboard is about the size of a garden variety banana. Source: Via Technologies

Leveraging Mini-ITX infrastructure

Designed to leverage the Mini-ITX infrastructure, APC can be fitted into any existing Mini-ITX chassis on the market, according to Via. Source: Via Technologies

Small footprint Neo-ITX motherboard

Half the size of a standard Mini-ITX board, APC integrates memory, storage and a set of consumer I/O in a small footprint Neo-ITX motherboard, according to Via.
Source: Via Technologies

Wondermedia ARM SoC

APC features a Wondermedia ARM SoC, 2GB NAND flash and 512MB DDR3 DRAM. Source: Via Technologies