Intel looks to boost performance of Atom netbooks

From InfoWorld: Intel's plan to improve its Atom processor line, including the launch of a dual-core version this quarter, could help sustain demand for mobile products including netbooks.

After close to two years of accelerated growth, the initial euphoria around netbooks is subsiding. According to a study released by IDC on Thursday, Intel's Atom processor for netbooks represented 20 percent of Intel's mobile PC processor shipments during the first quarter, down from 24 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini recently said that netbooks seemed to be settling in at about 20 percent of mobile form factors. Otellini was positive about the company's Atom business, saying he expects significant growth in the netbook market this year. Netbooks are priced between $200 to $500 and are designed for Web browsing and basic productivity applications.

Intel is working to innovate on its netbook chips in order to sustain demand, Otellini said. The company will be introducing new chips later this year as it tries to improve the performance of the inexpensive, low-power chips.

Otellini said that Intel was on track to introduce a dual-core Atom processor this quarter. He was vague on details, however, and did not specify whether the upcoming dual-core Atom would be for netbooks or small desktops. Intel already offers dual-core Atoms for entry-level desktops, and a dual-core chip could provide a much-needed speed boost to netbooks, which have been described as underperforming at times.

View: Article @ Source Site