Netbook graphics are inherently weak, especially with Intel’s much-derided integrated graphics. But the new Nvidia Ion—like its predecessor—lets even a wimpy netbook Hulk out to play DX10 games and 1080p videos. It’s your netbook, on steroids.

The new, souped-up Ion uses Nvidia’s Optimus technology to retain your netbook’s solid battery life, claiming up to 10 hours (though that obviously depends on what tasks you’re doing). Where Intel’s GMA 3150 can’t handle a benchmark like 3D Mark Vantage, the current generation Ion does so with aplomb. Twice as well, in fact, as the first Ion. It also offers 4x faster video enhancement and 7x faster video compression versus Intel’s integrated solution.

One thing to keep in mind: there are two Ions coming to the market, and the performance being quoted only applies to the 16-core iteration that’ll appear in 12-inch netbooks and desktop all-in-ones. The new 8-core Ion, which will show up in 10-inch netbooks like the Acer Aspire One 532G, was actually outperformed by the first-generation Ion in a benchmark test from late February.

Still, there’s no question that any Ion is a step up from the graphics your netbook currently offers, and while there haven’t been many hardware announcements yet, there should be over 30 next-gen Ion designs—ranging from netbooks to all-in-ones to nettops—by this summer. You should expect the same $50 premium that you currently pay for an Ion netbook, but for all the added functionality it may well be worth it. [Nvidia]

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