Intel this week has taken the wraps off its new netbook processor, the Atom N550, which boats a dual-core design that enables the diminutive PC form factors to avoid processor bottlenecks that previously hindered performance.
That change could help netbooks — which offer heightened portability in return for generally sluggish performance — more closely approximate the kinds of performance seen on more expensive notebooks and desktop PCs, which have long benefited from multicore CPUs.
Not surprisingly, then, a slew of PC manufacturers have lined up to offer netbooks based on the design.
But Intel also benefits in another way: The launch brings it up to parity with AMD, which beat its larger rival to the punch with a dual-core, netbook-friendly processor of its own. Datamation takes a look.
Seeking to keep its dominant position in the netbook market, Intel announced Monday that its new mobile dual-core Atom processors have hit the streets in a dozen new netbook models from various manufacturers.
The new dual-core Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) Atom N550, which supports DDR3 memory, powers netbooks from manufacturers including Acer, Asus, Fujitsu, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, MSI and Toshiba.