Nvidia ION platform gets Microsoft Vista certification

DirectX 10-enabled, 1080p Vista netbooks and nettops from $299 incoming

Nvidia ION platform gets Vista certification

11 February 2009 16:15 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Nvidia's ION platform has been certified for Windows Vista Home Premium.

A combination of Intel's Atom processor and Nvidia's GeForce 9400M GPU on a single Pico-ITXe motherboard, Nvidia claims ION delivers "an outstanding computing experience on small, low power PCs".

The boast is that with Nvidia ION and "premium" versions of Microsoft Windows, small form factor notebook and desktop PCs will get "rich" media capabilities and full graphics support for the first time.

Microsoft has okayed the platform to deliver 1080p video including from Blu-ray discs, support for Microsoft's DirectX 10 gaming and support for Vista's Aero Glass and Flip3D.

Nvidia says it is now working with Microsoft, PC manufacturers, software developers, and Windows eco-system partners to bring ION-based PCs to market by summer of 2009.

ION-based mini-notebooks and compact desktop PCs are due to launch at price points as as low as $299.