AMD APU Gaining Popularity Among the ODM Crowd
Not too long ago, we detailed AMD’s plans for its new Advanced Processing Unit, or APU. We saw it as a counter to Intel’s mobile platform. Now AMD is boasting that its APU is gaining ground and being used in leading ODMs’ (original device manufacturers) designs for high-definition systems. What does that mean for the channel? Check it out …
The AMD APU is a little powerhouse, supporting high-definition computing, low-power yet high battery-life configurations and slim form-factor PCs and netbooks. The APU in both the C and E series are being used by popular ODMs including MSI, Shuttle and Clevo. AMD is hoping its close work with these vendors will provide something unique to counter the ever-growing behemoth that is Intel.
Why should VARs care? Well, these little devices can make their way into digital signage platforms, allowing VARs to display any kind of content their customer wants without having to worry about building giant, expensive systems. AMD calls this its “APU-based all-on-board motherboard,” or a “plug-and-play AOB.” You can think of it as a headless netbook.
Recently, AMD folded embedded technologies into its parter program, so VARs should definitely take a deeper look into the potential creative applications of AMD’s solution.
DVI, HDMI and even Microsoft Direct X 11 is supported by these little guys, so the possibility for 3D digital signage is there, too. Even though the current list of supporters is small, this technology has a lot of potential, and we’ll be keeping our eye on AMD as we watch the company compete in this space.
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