For the last year and change, Intel's Atom processors have basically been the first and last word in ultraportable CPUs. Today, VIA changes that with the launch of their new Nano 3000 series of processors (via Engadget). The Atom line is looking quite aged these days, but these six new Nano 3000 chips look much spiffier. Plus, they have a cool futuristic name. Nano 3000 sounds way cooler than Atom.

These CPUs run from 1 to 2 GHz in speed and each one packs an 800 MHz FSB, in addition to 64 bit support and Windows 7/Linux compatibility. The power ratings of this new line all measure in at about 20% more efficient than previous generation Nanos, and they also promise to have 1080p multimedia playback. Sign me the hell up for a netbook that packs one of these little darlings.

The first Nano 3000 samples are heading to manufacturers now, and production on the earliest all-in-ones and ultraportables to sport these new CPUs should start in Q1 of 2010. That means a whole new generation of tiny PCs, which is good news for every gadget nerd with an extra few hundred burning a hole in his wallet.