Directx 11, CUDA, and Flash 10.1 question

So I have been hearing about all this stuff about using the GPU to aid the CPU in tasks and what-not. My question is in regards to what is the difference between the Directx 11, CUDA, and Flash 10.1 in this instance. I ask because I am looking at getting a netbook(HP Mini 311) with the ION GPU and wonder if the CUDA this would work with ION and/or Directx 11 would work the it as well. I'd like to squeeze as much as possible out of those 2(Atom and ION) processors as possible.

Side note-Anyone know when the next round of processors that replace the Atom are coming out? I want to buy at the best possible time(processor wise) because I need a netbook for school in the spring.

 

Some links that answer your questions about the Atom replacements and GPGPU computing:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5404
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5395

Flash 10.1 likely uses either OpenCL (made by the company that implemented OpenGL) or DirectCompute for GPU acceleration.

 

So CUDA is software?

So DirectCompute and CUDA/STREAM are essentially the same thing? Would the ION be able to use both? Also, it seemed like CUDA runs only Nvidia software where it seems like DirectCompute would run with almost anything?

For the Atom, I have read that article but it never gave a time frame for roll-out. Would this happen before February? Thats my time limit on when I would need one.

On the Neos, when would those roll out? What kind of performance difference are we talking about between the old Atoms and the Neos?

 

I did just look at the road map and release dates. Intel is supposed to announce the next atom processors in December with availability in early January. http://www.liliputing.com/2009/09/intel-unveils-roadmap-for-upcoming-atom-chips.html

This may be pointless though as the CULVs become more prominent. Just hope they hurry up.

 

CUDA is Nvidia's software environment for enabling GPGPU computing. Stream is ATI's implementation of the same thing. Which technology you'd use depends entirely on your hardware since these are hardware-proprietary technologies.

DirectCompute appears to be Microsoft's implementation of implementing GPGPU computing into DirectX 11, on DX10 or DX11 hardware. It is used in Windows 7, but I'm not sure how open this API is to developers. I'm also not sure how it differs from CUDA or Stream from a technical point view since I'm not a programmer, but it seems clear that it can be used regardless of which brand of video card you bought.

Regarding the release dates for the Atom, I'm not sure what you mean. This platform doesn't seem to have a bright future. More promising low-power CPUs are AMD's Athlon Neo and Nvidia's upcoming Ion. For release dates on these products, Google is your friend.

Regarding the Neos, many of your questions can be answered by searching online. Performance tests comparing the Neo to the Atom are abundant:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10216940-1.html
http://www.techpinas.com/2009/01/benchmarks-amd-neo-vs-intel-atom_06.html
Keep in mind that AMD's Neo takes advantage of the rising trend towards GPGPU computing by being paired with decent IGPs. Intel seems to be a slow learner in terms of rolling of delivering decent performance on their IGPs.