Nvidia’s Ion 2 GPU spotted in Aspire One netbook

Acer has confirmed that its 10.1-inch Aspire One 532G will be the first netbook to feature Nvidia’s next-generation Ion 2 GPU.

According to Engadget’s Joanna Stern, the Pine Trail netbook has the same chassis as the 532h iteration, but is a “whole different” story inside.

“[The 532G’s] 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, GMA 3150 GPU graphics, 2GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive will be joined by a discrete Nvidia GPU,” wrote Stern.

“It will use NVIDIA’s new Optimus automatic switching technology, though it appears Acer is holding out for Nvidia to officially launch the platform at CeBit to reveal details of the GPU – but a GeForce G310 seems likely from the rumors.”

Meanwhile, Acer explained that Nvidia’s Ion 2 will allow the 532G to view HD content online, playback at 720p and connect through HDMI output to a secondary Hi-Def TV/LCD monitor for 1080p resolution.

Additional features are expected to include a 10 hour battery life, integrated Wi-Fi, 10.1″ HD LED backlit display and optional 3G.

The Aspire One 532G – which measures only 1″ thin and weighs about 1 kg – will start shipping at the end of Q1 2010.