Sony Electronics, a maker of high-end personal computers, may be preparing a laptop based on the recently announced Via OpenBook platform as well as Via C7-M central processing units, which may be virtually the first affordable mobile computer from Sony could signal a change in the company’s strategy.

Contract notebook manufacturer Quanta Computer demonstrated at WiMAX Expo exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, its Via OpenBook prototype laptop. According to IDG News Service, a check of the laptop’s properties revealed that the laptop is based on Via C7-M 1.60GHz central processing unit and listed Sony Electronics as the manufacturer. An executive of Quanta reportedly declined to comment on the reason why Sony was listed as the maker of the machine, which leads to believe that the Japanese electronics conglomerate had decided to adopt Via processors and OpenBook platform.

Quanta is the world’s largest contract manufacturer of mobile computer which ships systems to such well-known suppliers as Dell or HP. Apparently, Sony is also one of the clients of Quanta.

Via OpenBook platform is mainly aimed at entry-level personal computers, such as Asustek Computer’s Asus Eee PC, MicroStar International’s Wind or HP’s 2133 Mini-Note, all of which retail for well under $1000. Meanwhile, the most affordable Sony Vaio machine available in the USA begins at $1039.

Earlier this year an executive from Sony called affordable systems like Eee PC as a “race to bottom”, claiming that they were not enough innovative. Therefore, a Via OpenBook design from Sony would mean a shift in the company’s strategy with intention to offer entry-level system at below $1000 price-point. At higher price-points systems based on unpopular processors from Via Technologies will hardly become popular.

Via OpenBook platform is based on Via C7-M ultra low voltage 1.60GHz microprocessor with 800MHz processor system bus, Via VX800 chipset with built-in DirectX 9.0-supporting S3 Chrome 9 graphics core and single-channel DDR2 memory controller as well as 8.9” display with 1024x600 resolution. The reference design of Via OpenBook includes up to 2GB of memory; 80GB hard drive; Gigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi local wireless network controller; a plethora of wireless wide area network options including WIMAX, HSDPA and EV-DO/W-CDMA; 2MP webcam; card-reader; 4 cell battery and so on. Via claims that reference OpenBook weighs under 1Kg.

The demonstrated system from Quanta sported 1GB of memory, 60GB hard disk drive as well as WiMAX support.

Sony did not comment on the news-story.