Nvidia has introduced its GeForce 400M series of graphics processing units (GPUs) to power Optimus and 3D Vision features in upcoming Notebooks. These notebooks are expected to be launched during the holiday season and will be marketed by vendors including Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo, Samsung and Toshiba.

The company said the GeForce GTX 470M and GTX 460M are meant for enthusiastic users. Meanwhile, GeForce GT 445M, GT 435M, GT 425M, GT 420M and GT 415M are aimed at performance-oriented users.

A critical component of the GeForce 400M Series is support for Nvidia Optimus technology, which claims to enable “extra-long battery life” by automatically switching on and off the GPU so that it runs only when needed. The company informed the GeForce 400M series is the first lineup of notebook processors designed with the company’s Fermi architecture and built from the ground-up for Microsoft DirectX 11. The technology reportedly delivers an HD experience, extensive Web browsing, improved 3D viewing and gaming experience. The company expects its ‘Graphics Plus’ features to further add to the viewing experience.

The company specifically noted that notebook models featuring the GeForce 400M series and Nvidia 3D Vision glasses will be available soon after launch, including the Acer Aspire 5745DG with GeForce GT 425M and the Asus G53Jw with GeForce GTX 460M.

NVIDIA GeForce GPUs Graphics Plus Features

• NVIDIA 3D Vision support, for eye-popping immersive 3D environments.
• PhysX support, for experiencing games with realistic physics effects.
• CUDA support, for GPU computing applications.
• NVIDIA Verde notebook drivers, for system stability and optimal performance.
• Support for NVIDIA 3DTV Play software, for connecting 3D Vision-based notebooks and desktops to a 3D TV.