Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2012/05/22/chip_maker_via_outs_49_dollar_raspberry_pi_alike/

VIA outs $49 Raspberry Pi-alike

'Bicycle for your mind', apparently

By Tony Smith

Posted in Personal Tech, 22nd May 2012 14:47 GMT

El Reg hasn't written about VIA for yonks, but it's one of the original x86 CPU makers, thanks to its purchase of processor design firm Centaur in 1999. VIA has long pitched low-cost, low-power CPUs, and now it's trying to do so again, this time with ARM technology, in a bid to take a bite out of Raspberry Pi.

VIA APC

Banana Pi, anyone?

Enter the VIA APC, a $49 (£30) ultra-compact board - VIA's calling the form-factor "Neo ITX" - intended to run Android.

VIA APC

But the scheme's the same: to encourage hobbyists and enthusiasts, VIA said it has "designed APC to be a bicycle for your mind".

The 170 x 85mm APC sports an 800MHz ARM 11 CPU - VIA's own WonderMedia 8750 - 512MB of DDR 3 and 2GB of Flash. It can do 720p video through HDMI, but it has VGA too, plus 10/100 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio I/O and four USB ports. It has a Micro SD slot for storage expansion.

VIA APC

The gadget goes on sale early in July, VIA said, but it's promising to start taking orders soon. Presumably, it's hoping to win over folks who are still waiting for a real Pi. ®