Even though Windows 7 is on its way, NVIDIA is focusing on the vast number netbook users still on XP by bringing the Ion graphics platform to that operating system.
The ION LE is identical to the existing NVIDIA 9400M mobile graphics Ion technology, but supports only up to DirectX 9 graphics rather than Vista's DirectX 10 or Windows 7's DirectX 11. Hopefully, this will augment the platform for better performance with XP.
Microsoft will only allow OEMs to install XP on lower-end netbooks for a year after the October release of Windows 7.
However, a vast majority of games and HD content still run on DirectX 9, at least according to NVIDIA senior product manager of GPUs Mat Wuebbling:
"For a $400 netbook, does [having] DirectX 11 really matter?"
Ion LE should provide the same performance and 1080p HD video as the Ion.
Via ComputerWorld, image via SlashGear.
Posts
