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Computer maker Everex Systems, with Via Technologies, has launched the "world's most energy-efficient notebook" - and Wal-Mart plans to carry it for under $500.

Computer maker Everex Systems and Taiwanese chipmaker Via Technologies today announced what they're calling the "world's most energy efficient notebook" in the form of the Everex StepNote NC1500…and Wal-Mart is carrying it for under $498.

"Teaming up with VIA, Everex has been able to create an exciting new category of energy efficient portable computers," stated John Lin, Everex's VP of Sales, in a statement. "Unlike products which rely on costly, power hungry processors or potentially hazardous batteries, the ground-breaking design of the NC1500 provides consumers with a true, no-compromise alternative."

The StepNot C1500 is powered by the Via C7-M processor running at 1.5 GHz and sporting a peak power consumption of just 12 Watts, enabling as much as 20 percent longer battery life than comparable systems. The StepNote C1500 also sports a 15.4-inch 1,280 by 800 (WXGA) LCD display driven by Via's Unichrome Pro with Chromotion CE Video Display Engine, 512 MB of RAM, a 60 GB hard drive, a dual layer DVD drive, 100Base-T Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking, 2 USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, headphone/audio output, and buit-in mmic. The C1500 weighs in a 5.3 pounds, and measures 14.1 by 10.7 inches, with a depth ranging frm 0.9 to 1.5 inches. The systems come with Windows XP Home Edition.

"The latest notebook from Everex embodies the 'Simply Mobile' spirit of the Via C7-M processor in enabling truly portable computing," commented Epan Wu, Deputy Director of CPU Product Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "With the best performance-per-watt operation in the industry and innovative features such as Enhanced PowerSaver technology and the PadLock Security Engine, we're confident that the NC1500 will be a front runner in a market yearning for robust mobile solutions."