Beyond the sheer "wow" factor of such a powerful system in a diminutive body, the Artigo is a fine example of how PCs can become greener. For one thing, it's got a remarkably lower power draw: According to Via, a complete system would consume around 15 watts in idle, while the mainboard itself consumes a maximum of only 20 watts under full load. Beyond the sheer “wow” factor of such a powerful system in a diminutive body, the Artigo is a fine example of how PCs can become greener. For one thing, it’s got a remarkably lower power draw: According to Via, a complete system would consume around 15 watts in idle, while the mainboard itself consumes a maximum of only 20 watts under full load.Moreover, a tiny system like this requires fewer materials, which means less waste. That’s a double green whammy.In terms of specs, the system is powered by the 1GHz Via C7 processor, according to Via, and supports up to 1GB of DDR2 533 SO-DIMM system memory. The Via EPIA PX mainboard is based on the single-chip Via VX700 system media processor, and packs a Via UniChrome Pro II IGP 3D/2D graphics core, MPEG-2/-4, and WMV9 hardware decoding acceleration and display flexibility. There’s also onboard Via VT1708A HD audio codec. Moreover, the machine delivers broadband networking through its 10/100 Fast Ethernet port. The VGA port in the rear of the system supports all regular monitors. The Via Artigo Builder Kit will be available starting Dec. 14 — just in time to get one last green-hued stocking-stuffer. Recommended retail price is $300. Ted Samson is a senior analyst at InfoWorld and writer of the Sustainable IT blog. Subscribe to his free weekly Green Tech newsletter. Technology Industry