VIA Technologies has unveiled an ultra-mobile PC reference design weighing just 850g with a battery life of up to 5 hours. Shipping models based on the design are expected in the second half of 2007, the firm said.

Called the Nanobook, the system is styled as a mini laptop with a 7in display, full keyboard, up to 1GB memory, 30GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet. It is based on VIA's own 1.2GHz C7-M ultra low voltage processor and capable of running Windows XP or Vista.

With its small size and low weight, the Nanobook could prove attractive to travelling business users needing a highly portable PC capable of handling full-blown Windows applications.

VIA will not make the Nanobook itself, but said that third-party vendors have pledged to build models based on its reference platform. One such vendor is Packard Bell, which will introduce a model called EasyNote XS into Europe.

“The EasyNote XS is a ground breaking new device that combines the functionality of a PC with the convenience of a handheld. We are very excited about the potential of this new category of Ultra Mobile Device in the market,” said Packard Bell Asia Pacific vice president Roger Yuen.