Shuttle's just announced the SPA (Shuttle PCB Assembly) and Micro SPA notebook form factors to create a "new notebook ecosystem." The SPA currently covers 13-inch to 17-inch laptops while Micro SPA does 10 to 15 inches. This horizontal integration targets the small local OEMs as it would purportedly reduce production cost while simultaneously boosting green credit. Parts like fans, chassis and trackpad can be reused for new models or even just across one product generation -- you'll notice that all the ports and components are thus identically positioned, as pictured. While you question whether this will be just another another attempt headed to Mount Doom, Shuttle is confident as it's "standardizing the whole thing" rather than just one or two components. Word has it that several European vendors have already placed orders for a February launch, and US laptop fanatics will see SPA products in the following month. Anyone wishing to jump in can make minimum bulk orders of around 200 units and expect a two to three week production cycle in Shuttle's Taiwanese and Chinese factories. Press release after the break.
Gallery: Shuttle SPA and Micro SPA notebook form factor announcement at CES

Continue reading Shuttle SPA and Micro SPA notebook motherboard standards launched at CES
Shuttle SPA and Micro SPA notebook motherboard standards launched at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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