Netbook Crazy

Processor-maker Intel have confirmed the release of the new Atom N280 chip to manufacturers, thus greatly increasing the potential of many netbooks due to improvements over previous chips. The most noticeable feature is its newly energy efficient hardware adaptation to running high-definition content, drawing less power and thus improving battery life greatly. This is the major step up over previous versions of this netbook processor with other boosts being relatively minor such as a slightly faster clock speed and overall better power conservation. This contrasts greatly to Intel’s original plan for the Atom line which was to be a basic chip that could run word processing and minimal processor consumption applications. This tied in perfectly with the original Netbook concept but, with greater demands being placed on these devices in recent times, technological advancement was needed and Intel cam through. Netbook company Asus have confirmed that they intend to include this chip to power their newest Asus Eee netbook. This netbook will retail for just under $400, not a bad price considering the performance improvements and power efficiency that has enabled manufacturers to advertise a 9 and a half hour battery life – absolutely shocking, even for a netbook.

Intel have just begun shipping the N280 chips out early in February to awaiting customers.