Intel Launches New Atom Chips

Not surprisingly, 2010 is shaping up to be a good year for potential netbook buyers. Intel has just launched its redesigned Atom chips and a slew of manufacturers will be offering new netbooks and nettops based on the chips. Intel puts the number at 80 new netbooks, and we expect to see a good portion of those within the next few weeks.

Previously known as Pine Trail, the new chips break ground by integrating the graphics on the main processor chip, thereby cutting 60 percent of the overall chip package size. Expect netbooks and nettops to get even lighter and slimmer as result. The new design is also expected to be more energy efficient, dropping consumption by as much as 20 percent and offering longer battery life. The lower consumption may also allow netbooks to run cool enough to leave out the fan.

The Pine Trail offerings come in four models, three processors: N410, N450 and N510 and the NM10 Express chipset. Manufacturers including Lenovo, MSI, Dell and Acer are expected to offer systems based on the chips. [via CNET and Computer World]