VIA NanoBook, an affordable UMPC...

...or "BlackBerry on steroids"

5 June 2007 16:43 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Another option for those wanting to get moving with the ultra-mobile computing platform was unveiled at Computex today.

The VIA NanoBook, described as a "BlackBerry on steroids" is a small UMPC that has the interesting (read: we'll wait and see) angle that you buy a basic version of the product and then can add features as you see fit via plug-in USB modules.

It will run either Windows XP (which should give it a battery life of around 5 hours) or basic Vista.

Extra modules available are likely to be a GPS receiver, VoIP functionality, TV tuner and 3G data card.

The NanoBook measures weighs less than 900g, measures 230 x 171 x 29.4mm has a 7-inch touchscreen display, it comes with either 30GB or 60GB hard drives, 802.11g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity.

Rumours have it that Packard Bell may manufacture the device. Retail price is said to be around $599 and it could be on sale in America later this year.