Taipei, Taiwan, 26 October 2006 -- VIA Technologies and Everex Systems unveiled the StepNote NC1500 notebook: the first Everex notebook to make use of the advanced VIA C7-M processor.

Employing a 15.4” widescreen display with DiamondBrite Technology, built-in wireless LAN and DVD burner, the US$498 computer utilizes the VIA C7-M processor to provide ultra-low power consumption, advanced security features and 1.5GHz performance at a mere 12W peak power.

“Teaming up with VIA, Everex has been able to create an exciting new category of energy efficient portable computers,” stated John Lin, Vice President of Sales for Everex. “Unlike products which rely on costly, power hungry processors or potentially hazardous batteries, the ground-breaking design of the NC1500 provides consumers with a true, no-compromise alternative.”

With a shared commitment to developing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly products, the results of the collaborative effort is expected to aid users in reducing their overall electricity usage, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership. According to the two organizations, utilization of VIA Enhanced PowerSaver™ technology and VIA TwinTurbo™ allow the laptop to dynamically transition between intermediate power states, providing users with 20% longer battery life than comparable systems.

“The latest notebook from Everex embodies the ‘Simply Mobile’ spirit of the VIA C7-M processor in enabling truly portable computing,” commented Epan Wu, Deputy Director of CPU Product Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “With the best performance-per-watt operation in the industry and innovative features such as Enhanced PowerSaver technology and the PadLock Security Engine, we’re confident that the NC1500 will be a front runner in a market yearning for robust mobile solutions.”

In addition to the model NC1500, Everex offers consumers a full line of desktop and notebook computers, available in over 2,900 Wal-Mart locations throughout the US.

StepNote NC1500 Key Features

Processor: 1.5GHz VIA C7- M processor
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2
Graphics: VIA UniChrome™ Pro with Chromotion CE Video Display Engine
Memory: 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2 Slots)
Hard Disk Drive: 60GB, 4200 PATA
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW with Dual Layer Support
Display: 15.4” TFT , 1280 x 800 (WXGA) with DiamondBrite Technology
LAN: 10/100 Ethernet
Wireless: IEEE 802.11b/g
I/O: (1) DB 15-Pin VGA, (3) USB 2.0 ports, (1) RJ45, (1) RJ-11, (1) Headphone/Line Out, (1) Microphone/ Line In
Battery: Lithium Ion
Dimensions: 14.1” x 10.7” x 0.9 – 1.5” (W x D x H)
Weight: 5.3lbs
UPC: 853031001405
MSRP: $498.00
*Specifications may be subject to change

To learn more about Everex and the new NC1500, visit www.everex.com/nc1500/. For information regarding the VIA C7-M processor, see: http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/processors/c7-m/