Computer maker Hewlett-Packard has introduced a new desktop computer aimed exclusively at the Chinese market, the HP Compaq dx2020, and the system is notable not because it’s an HP product exclusively for the Chinese market, but because it isn’t driven by an Intel or AMD processor. Instead, the dx2020 marks the first time a major computer manufacturer is shipping a mass-market PC powered by a processor from Via Technologies.
“It is vital that companies across China, not just in the largest cities, gain access to the vast productivity, efficiency and online resource benefits of IT and the Internet,” said Wenchi Chen, Via’s president and CEO, in a statement. “The HP Compaq dx2020 represents a great opportunity for many more Chinese businesses of all sizes to upgrade their operations while minimizing their power costs and environmental impact, and we are delighted that HP have selected the VIA C7-D desktop processor to create this excellent value proposition.”
The dx2020 will sport a 1.5 GHz Via C7-D CPU and is built off Via’s CN700 Digital Media chipset. The C7-D sports a peak power consumption of just 20 watts, and claims to be the world’s first “carbon free” processor: for every C7-D sold, Via works with reforestation, alternative energy, and energy conservation group to offset the CO2 emissions caused by producing the electricity needed to power the processor over its estimated three-year life span.
HP has worked with Via in the past, including its products in “thin client” PCs primarily used as smart terminals in systems where applications and most processing happens on a central server. By embracing Via technology in a mass market, desktop product, HP is elevating Via’s profile and giving their products added credibility…although the company still has a long way to go if it wants to compete seriously with leading chipmakers AMD and Intel. Market analysis firm Mercury Research recently estimated Via’s share of the worldwide processor market to be between one and two percent.
