In this modern day of multi-threaded apps, quad core processors and high FSB speeds, it's nice to see that not every computing device in the world needs a $200 plus chip inside.

With that in mind, VIA has just announced the latest in their series of Eden ULV (ultra low voltage) CPU's.

 The 21mm by 21mm chip runs at a mere 500MHz core speed, but consumes only 1 Watt of power at full load. It still uses the company's V4 bus technology and nanoBGA2 socket design and will likely make in-roads towards the ultra mobile and portable computing market.

Several industrial PC (UPC) makers have already been quick to adopt the Eden line which has processors that run up to 1.5GHz with only 3.5 Watts of power draw. Perfect for low voltage applications or where the environment and heat must be taken into consideration. VIA along with Lanner (another Tawianese-based IPC manufacturer) have already adopted the Eden line and designed it into several network appliances and embedded board systems. Those devices are expected to hit store shelves (starting in Taiwan) later this month.

Related to this development, VIA has upped its efforts and focus on the UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) market with their VX800 chipset shipping to manufacturers before year's end. The VX800 is said to be Dirextx9 compatible and Vista capable. Ten manufacturers thus far have expressed interest in this chipset for their own mobile computing products.

That mobile computing market looks set to boom in the next few years.