NVIDIA reported revenue of $1.0 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 ended May 2, 2010, up 2 percent from the prior quarter and up 51 percent from $664.2 million in the same period a year earlier. On a GAAP basis, the company recorded net income of $137.6 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2011. That compares with $131.1 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in the previous quarter and a net loss of $201.3 million, or $0.37 per share, in the same period a year earlier.

Gross margin increased to 45.6 percent for the first quarter fiscal 2011 from 44.7 percent in the previous quarter and 28.6 percent in the same period a year earlier.

• Revenue grew 2 percent quarter-on-quarter to $1.0 billion
• GAAP net income increased to $137.6 million, or $0.23 per diluted share
• GAAP gross margin improved to 45.6 percent

In ASUS' latest entry into its EeeBox series of nettops, the company adds support for USB 3.0, with the unit featuring two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports. The EeeBox EB1501U is about the shape and size of any variant in its series. It uses first-generation NVIDIA ION platform, with Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor, 2 GB of DDR2 memory, GeForce 9400M graphics, 320 GB hard drive, slot-in DVD writer, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and a USB 3.0 controller. Other connectivity features include eSATA, USB 2.0, and display connectivity including HDMI and D-Sub.

ASUS' Eee Box EB1501 nettop released late last year got a Blu-ray variant with the EB1501-B0367. This variant has a slot-in Blu-ray drive, and is geared to be an aesthetic HTPC companion when paired with an external HDD. The Eee Box EB1501 is based on the NVIDIA ION platform, it which makes use of an Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor along with NVIDIA ION chipset. The chipset embeds GeForce 9400M graphics, which accelerates HD video, and can handle Blu-ray playback, and 1080p displays. Other specifications include 320 GB of storage, 2 GB of DDR2 memory, HDMI and D-Sub for display connectivity, WiFi, and Windows 7 Home Premium OS. It is expected to be priced at $620.

To build on the popularity of its NVIDIA ION based nettops, ASRock plans to release a new Intel Atom + NVIDIA ION motherboard based on the mini-ITX form factor, in 2010. The motherboard will be one of the first of its kind, with a stronger memory sub-system. The NVIDIA ION chipset will drive dual-channel DDR3 1066 MHz memory. The board makes use of dual-core Atom 330 processor which is passively cooled, while the NVIDIA ION chipset is cooled actively. The chipset embeds DirectX 10 compliant NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics. It gives out four internal SATA 3 Gb/s ports and two Power-eSATA (eSATA+USB combo) ports making use of all its ATA channels. The lone expansion slot is a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (full-bandwidth).

ASRock-exclusive features include Dura-Cap Japanese solid-state capacitors, Instant Boot, Instant Flash, OC DNA, and Night LED. Connectivity includes 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF driven by VIA VT2020 CODEC, gigabit Ethernet, six external and four internal USB 2.0 ports, and display connectivity which includes DVI-D, D-Sub, and HDMI. While the motherboard supports up to 4 GB of memory, the graphics processor supports full-HD display resolutions including smooth playback of HD video. It passes Windows 7 compatibility. ASRock is yet to reveal pricing and availability.

ASRock's ION NetTop series, thanks to its specifications, apparently has what it takes to be a home theater PC in itself. It already has a Blu-ray drive equipped model, the ION 330-BD to its credit. To further project it as a home theater product, its makers have decided to carve out two more variants: the ION 330HT, and ION 330HT-BD. What set these apart from the non-HT models, is the provision of the Windows MCE remote. The rest of the specifications remain the same. Also planned is the ION 330Pro, a lite version of the original ION 330.

Packed in its compact chassis measuring 195mm (W) x 70mm (H) x 186mm (L), is a full-fledged system based on the NVIDIA ION platform. It is powered by the Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor, and the ION chipset, which embeds an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics. It is aided by 2 GB of DDR2 800 memory, and offers 500 GB of storage. On the connectivity front, it has gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi. While a standard DVD writer is available on the ION 330HT, the ION 330HT-BD has a Blu-ray Combo drive. ASRock also carved out the ION 330Pro, a lite version that is aimed to provide the bare essentials. It lacks the WiFi controller. The pricing and availability of these three models are yet to be known.

Apple gave its flagship desktop computer, the iMac a healthy specifications update that warps the iMac right back into competing with the PCs of this generation. The update involves introducing two new models, a 21.5-inch one, and another massive 27-inch model, to replace the existing 20 and 24-inch offerings, respectively. The major update aims to achieve giving the iMac a true widescreen display that is at least full HD capable, powerful hardware including the advent of quad-core processors to the iMac, and a host of changes to the hardware and peripherals. Prices start at $1199.

To begin with, the 21.5-inch model features a 16:9 full HD display with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the 27-inch model comes with 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution. The displays on both use IPS panels that provide a viewing angle as wide as 178°, with high color fidelity. The displays use LED backlit for uniform, instant-on illumination. Such technologies we previously found on Apple's high-end Cinema displays. Both feature enclosures that are distinctively "wide-screen", and slim at that. Both feature all-aluminum backs.

Acer's flagship nettop, the Aspire Revo, received a specs update with the company embracing Windows 7 Home Premium as the operating system the unit ships with. As part of the latest press release where Acer unveiled AspireRevo R3610-U9012 to the US market, Acer detailed a list of hardware updates alongside changing the operating system. It includes WiFi 802.11b/g/n, 2 GB of DDR2 memory (the older version had 1 GB), and dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor. Standard specifications include NVIDIA ION platform technology, which integrates NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, a HDMI port, six USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA port, gigabit Ethernet, 160 GB of storage, media card reader, and wireless keyboard and mouse. The new AspireRevo R3610-U9012 sells for $330 in the US.

ASUS is preparing an addition to its EeeBox family of nettops with the EeeBox EB1501. The new EeeBox is based on the NVIDIA ION platform, and is powered by an Intel Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor, aided by NVIDIA ION chipset, 4 GB of DDR2 800 MHz memory, and a GeForce 9400M graphics processor embedded in the chipset, which makes it full HD capable. On the storage front, is a 250 GB hard drive, and a slot-in DVD writer. The front-bezel holds this, alongside a 5-in-1 card reader, a couple of USB 2.0 ports, and audio connectors.

The rear panel holds four more USB 2.0 ports, D-Sub and HDMI for display connectivity, gigabit Ethernet, an antenna for the 802.11b/g/n WLAN, and eSATA. The EeBox EB1501 comes with Windows 7 Home Basic pre-installed, and is expected to be launched at the earliest after October 22. It is expected to be priced around 400 EUR.

LG Electronics unveiled the company's first nettop, based on the NVIDIA ION platform. Measuring roughly 1l in volume, the LG XPION X30 resembles similar offerings from Medion, Gateway, and Acer. The unit weighs under 1.1 kg (2.42 lbs). Under its hood is an Intel Atom 230 single-core processor running at 1.6 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics integrated into the ION chipset, 2 GB of memory, and 250 GB storage. It comes with Windows Vista Home Basic pre-loaded and comes with an attachment that lets the unit latch onto some monitors probably using the VESA wall-mount, so it could be neatly tucked away to save space. It is expected to hit retail tomorrow.

NVIDIA Partner Point of View today announced its new line of compact desktop PCs targeted at home users. The Mobii Family PC is an implementation of the company's recently announced motherboards based on the NVIDIA ION platform, powered by Intel Atom dual-core processors. It aims to provide essential features with good levels of multimedia performance, with power consumption well below 100W.

The Mobii Family PC comes in a somewhat cubical chassis with just enough room for the mini-ITX ION motherboard, a couple of hard drives including an exposed 3.5" drive bay, and one exposed 5.25" bay. Under the hood is an ION motherboard with either single-core Atom 230 or dual-core Atom 330 (both clocked at 1.6 GHz), 1 or 2 GB of dual-channel DDR2 memory, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with HDMI output, 320 GB HDD, and either an 8X DVD-RW or a Blu-ray DVD-RW combo drive. The chassis comes in two colour schemes. Its pricing is yet to be known.

ASUS' swiftly growing ULPC lineup has a new member in the form of EeeTop ET200T all-in-one nettop PC. The most district features of this machine include its 20 inch touchscreen, and being based on the NVIDIA ION platform that breathes life into an otherwise potent Atom processor. The main unit takes care of its aesthetics with glossy, glassy piano-black looks. The touchscreen comes with a native resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels. A fixed 1.3 megapixel webcam neighbours it on the top. A low-noise keyboard and optical mouse are part of the package.

Under the hood are an Intel Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor, NVIDIA ION chipset that embeds GeForce 9400M graphics, 2 GB of dual-channel memory, a 5400 rpm 250 GB hard drive, and a slot-in DVD writer. Connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, and four USB 2.0 ports. Each unit comes with Windows Vista Home pre-installed, and a coupon that facilitates a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it's out. The ET2002T 20" releases in Europe soon, for under 600€.

ASUS finally decided to roll out an NVIDIA ION platform based mini-ITX motherboard, with the AT3N7A-I A330. As the name suggests, this motherboard embeds a dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor running at 1.60 GHz. With two DDR2 DIMM slots, the chipset supports dual-channel DDR2-800 memory. Located at the center of the board is a big, fan-heatsink that is common to the chipset and CPU. The chipset embeds GeForce 9400M mGPU, which connects to its displays using D-Sub and HDMI. Storage is care of three SATA II ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD support.

The lone expansion slot is a PCI. Connectivity options on this board include gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, eSATA, and ten USB 2.0 ports in all. Audio is handled by a VIA 8-channel HDA codec that also provides optical and co-axial SPDIF outputs. The AT3N7A-I A330 hits stores in this month, at an expected price of 112 Euro.

Valore Japan introduced the country's first nettop barebone equipped with a Blu Ray drive. Based on the NVIDIA ION platform, the Valore ION 330-DB packs Intel's Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor paired with the ION chipset with embedded GeForce 9400M graphics that makes it ready to serve as a compact HD-ready media center PC. Being a barebone, it requires you to separately purchase the memory (up to 4 GB of DDR2 800 MHz), and a 2.5 inch SATA hard drive or solid-state drive. Connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet and 6 USB 2.0 ports, while A/V IO includes HDMI out, and SPDIF digital audio. The star attraction of course is its Blu Ray drive + CD/DVD RW combo drive. Each of these go for 39800 JPY (297 Euro).

German PC maker Medion unveiled its first product based on NVIDIA's ION platform, the Akoya Mini E2076 D nettop. It is built inside a slim and compact chassis with piano-black finish, seated on a stand a-la LCD monitors. Measuring measures 150 x 170 x 20 mm, the Akoya Mini E2076 D packs a single-core or dual-core Intel Atom processor aided with the NVIDIA ION mGPU chipset with GeForce 9400M graphics. It makes use of 2 GB of DDR2 memory, and offers 320 GB of storage. Connectivity options include gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, and six USB 2.0 ports. Each of these comes with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed. Medion will start shipping these in September at a suggested retail price between 300 and 350 Euro.

Today's students and young professionals need a versatile notebook that can serve as their workhorse by day and entertainment center at night. The new Dell Studio 14z powered by the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor provides a perfect blend of performance and portability with graphics support for gaming, HD video, and creative self-expression.

The GeForce 9400M in the Dell Studio 14z delivers up to five times faster graphics performance than Centrino 2 notebooks to accelerate image editing, video playback, and video conversion. With vReveal, the Studio 14z can fix grainy, shaky video twice as fast as comparable notebooks, and then let you upload the video to YouTube in minutes.

After several technical hurdles and some controversy with Intel, NVIDIA was able to go ahead with its Ion platform initiative, where partners are allowed to use Intel Atom processors (both single and dual-core variants) with NVIDIA MCP79-class chipsets. The most distinct feature on offer is the powerful integrated GPU in the form of GeForce 9400M. NVIDIA partner Zotac is ready with two ULPC-friendly mini-ITX motherboards based on the platform, that promise features filled to their brims.

The Zotac IONITX-A-U and IONITX-B-E are powered by Intel Atom 330 dual-core or Atom N230 single-core processors respectively. The only other difference is that the former features an onboard DC-DC power supply. Both feature NVIDIA MCP79 chipset with onboard GeForce 9400M graphics, that comes with clock speeds of 450/1100 MHz (core/shader). Two 240-pin standard DDR2 DIMM slots support DDR2-667/800 MHz memory. There are three SATA II ports provided on the board, with the fourth one placed as an eSATA connector. RAID 0/1 modes are supported. Display outputs are taken care of by D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectors. The 8-channel audio also provides co-axial and optical SPDIF connections. Six USB 2.0 ports on the back, four through headers, a gigabit Ethernet and WiFi make for the rest of the concoction. It is indicated that the two will hit Japanese stores at prices of JPY 29980 (US$303) for the IONITX-A-U and JPY 19980 ($202) for the IONITX-B-E.

Apple today updated its Mac mini as well. Starting at $599, the new Mac mini is an innovative, tiny desktop that measures just 6.5 by 6.5 by 2 inches. Now it features a 2.0 GHz or 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA's GeForce 9400M all-in-one platform with up to 256 MB shared for the video unit, up to 4 GB of DDR3 SO-DIMM memory (2x slots), and up to 320 GB of storage using 5400 rpm SATA hard drive. Drawing less than 13 watts of power in idle, the new Mac mini is also the world's most energy efficient desktop. You can find it in stores now.

Amidst a virtual faceoff between Intel and NVIDIA over what the ideology behind a ULPC should be, NVIDIA's Ion platform gains another taker, the Acer Hornet. NVIDIA's Ion platform consists of a ULV/ULPC processor made by Intel (soon VIA), paired with NVIDIA's MCP79-derived core-logic that bundles NVIDIA's powerful integrated graphics, system management, features and energy efficiency that the company claims to dwarf anything Intel has to offer as far as platform technologies go.

Acer Hornet builds on the basic Ion nettop design. It uses an Intel Atom processor, paired with NVIDIA chipset. The main unit is designed in a way that allows it to be placed on a desk with a stand, or mounted on any display panel that supports the VESA wall-mount standard. It is expected to use a single-core or dual-core Intel Atom processor. It's MCP79-derived chipset features a GeForce 9400-class IGP that can provide smooth HD video playback, and also some light-gaming thrown in. Furthermore, it supports a certain motion-sensing game controller that lets you play certain Wii-style games. The same controller can be used as a pointing device (what Acer calls "air-mouse"), and also a media center remote control. We will know more in the weeks to come. Head over to DonanimHaber for more pictures.

ZOTAC International, an award-winning manufacturer of graphics cards and motherboards, today expands its product lineup with two new entry-level graphics cards - the new ZOTAC GeForce 9400GT Synergy Edition and GeForce 9400GT DDR2 1GB. Powered by a high-speed GeForce 9400GT graphics processor, the new ZOTAC GeForce 9400GT Synergy Edition and GeForce 9400GT DDR2 1GB deliver DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.1 and NVIDIA CUDA processing power to entry-level users. The new ZOTAC GeForce 9400GT Synergy Edition features a low-profile form factor, but offers performance similar to standard height ZOTAC GeForce 9400GT DDR2 graphics cards. The low profile form factor is ideal for small form factor systems with height limitations that prevent the installation of standard sized graphics cards. The ZOTAC GeForce 9400GT Synergy Edition ships as a standard height graphics card, however, two low-profile brackets are bundled to convert the card for use in low-profile systems.

The new ZOTAC GeForce 9400GT DDR2 1GB pairs the GeForce 9400GT graphics processor with 1GB of DDR2 video memory for high-performance in the latest DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.1 and CUDA games and applications.

NVIDIA is seems to be recycling a broader range of existing GPUs with new branding that merely some mainstream GPUs such as the G92. According to a set of advertisements by a channel vendor, of Acer and Packard Bell PCs, they feature the GeForce G 100, GeForce GT 120 and GeForce GT 130. These graphics cards feature 512 MB, 1 GB and 1.5 GB of memory respectively and fill the entry-level graphics cards lineup.

From the information TechConnect Magazine gathered about these, they are rebranded variants of GeForce 9400, GeForce 9500 GT and GeForce 9600 GSO (aka GeForce 8800 GS). This new naming scheme will be operationalised by the end of this month, towards February, around the same time when another portion of graphics cards based on the G92 GPU get rebranded to the GeForce GTS series.

For good or for bad, it seems that DigiTimes was wrong on Intel and NVIDIA's plans about the future of netbooks. Recently DigiTimes reported that Intel is to forbid using of NVIDIA's brand new GeForce 9400 chipset also known as the Ion platform. Now, two days after the report, Intel spokesman said there is no such thing:

There is nothing preventing vendors from using the Ion platform. We sell Atom as a stand-alone processor, or as package with chipset,

said Bill Calder, an Intel spokesman, in an e-mail sent to InternetNews.com. It's the manufacturers of the netbooks who will decide whether or not to combo the Atom with NVIDIA's chipset and powerful graphics core.

NVIDIA is poised to energize the PC market by transforming Atom PCs into a premium experience found today in higher priced laptops and desktops. NVIDIA will supercharge the fastest-growing segments of the PC market - netbooks, small form factor and all-in-one PCs - by enabling these products to play rich media and popular games in high definition. At the same time, the Ion Platform will create new and exciting premium PCs that fit in the palm of your hand.

The formula is simple: Combine the highly rated GeForce 9400 GPU found in new desktop and notebook PCs with the Intel Atom CPU. This combination (code-named Ion Platform) enables the smallest premium PC experience available today, making it ideal for the exploding category of mini-notebooks and compact PCs.

ASRock has released its mainstream motherboard based on the NVIDIA nForce 740i SLI chipset, the N7AD-SLI. The motherboard supports Intel processors using the LGA 775 socket. The nForce 740i is a monolithic chipset based on the newer MCP79-D core. It sports GeForce 9400 class integrated graphics along with support for SLI. This particular motherboard does not feature automatic lane switching to dual PCI-E 2.0 x8, and hence relies on the provided lane switch card, for the user to manually set the second PCI-Express x16 slot active (electrically x8).

The N7AD-SLI offers a decent set of features for a mainstream motherboard. It supports DDR2-800 memory, features six SATA II ports, two Firewire and 10 USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA port and a high-grade Realtek ALC890 8+2 channel HD Audio CODEC, with a rated SNR of 110 dB and HDCP compliance. ASRock is brandishing an Instant-Boot feature that starts up the system (into the OS) in four seconds. This motherboard will reach retail channels soon, following which it will be priced.

ZOTAC International, a leading manufacturer of NVIDIA-based motherboards and graphics cards, today expands its Display Port-equipped graphics card lineup to include new affordable models - the ZOTAC GeForce 9400 GT DP and 9500 GT DP. The new ZOTAC GeForce 9400 GT DP and 9500 GT DP join the current ZOTAC GeForce 9600 GT DP for a complete lineup of affordable Display Port enabled graphics cards. The new ZOTAC GeForce 9400 GT DP and GeForce 9500 GT DP feature complete Display Port support for Display Port compatibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and XP operating systems. The two new ZOTAC Display Port equipped cards can also display pre-OS boot procedures, including the system BIOS, to Display Port displays for a seamless transition to Display Port technology.

NVIDIA Corporation today reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 ended October 26, 2008.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2009, revenue was $897.7 million compared to $1.12 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 20 percent. For the nine months ended October 26, 2008, revenue increased to $2.94 billion compared to $2.90 billion for the nine months ended October 28, 2007, an increase of 2 percent.