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Intel Corporation is widely considered to be the technological giant regarding computer processors. However, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) plans on challenging Intel’s consistent dominance in the market.

With the recently announced development of the new “Fusion” chip designed for netbooks, we are led to believe AMD plans on making its mark by targeting the “portable computer” community.

The new chip offers a relatively normal TDP of 10- 15 watts as well as decent graphics performance without requiring a separate GPU. Most importantly, this chip will fit in a netbook with a screen less than 12 inches long.

Nigel Dessau, AMD’s senior vice president, said “It will have a good processor integrated with graphics, so you won’t need the Ion graphics to give it half-decent performance… If we’d had a part, we’d have been in this space. We didn’t have a part so we went and worked on a part for the thin and light space. The plan is to come to market next year with a Fusion part that fits it nicely in a netbook type thing.”
The Fusion chip will be available sometime next year, so unfortunately, we can only speculate on its performance now.

Via Nexus404.

It was announced last month that Nokia and Intel were going on a joint venture to create an open-source Linux based mobile platform.  This effort, dubbed “MeeGo”, would be a combination of Intel’s Moblin OS, shipped on various netbooks, and Nokia’s Maemo platform, at the heart of the N900 Phone.  It is to be used on all sorts of products with both ARM and x86 architectures. By the end of this month, the companies hope to be able to release the source code to the public.

MeeGo is arguably the first truly open developed mobile OS.  Intel and Nokia are asking the Linux Foundation to watch over the development process, in order to dispel worries of corporatism and encourage 3rd-party involvement.  The first step will be to reconcile the differences between Moblin and Maemo.  Fortunately, they both have the same technical core, but ideological differences on direction and methodology will need to be addressed before MeeGo has a shot of becoming a coherent platform.

Nokia plans on supporting N900 users to MeeGo, at least initially.  This will allow a bounty of Linux enthusiasts to jump into the development cycle at the early stage. MeeGo will also stay in line with the fundamental Linux kernel build cycle, meaning it will eventually stand in stark contrast to Google’s Android platform.  Android uses a heavily modified Linux kernel, and is showing signs of diverging from the development tree entirely.

There are other major differences between Android and MeeGo.  Google, while making Android’s source code public, had a tightly closed development cycle, dumping onto developers massive amount of code with every release.  Intel and Nokia seem to be taking the more traditional route of Linux development; like Canonical’s methodology with Ubuntu, they will try to get 3rd party involvement from Linux and MeeGo users to help direct efforts.  Google now has real competition for the open source community’s blessing.

Via Ars Technica

Netbook buyers and enthusiasts should be happy to know that this coming Monday Intel will be releasing the Atom N470 Processor, which will be Intel’s most powerful chip yet for netbooks. The processor will enhance both the performance speed of the machine and longevity of the battery.

The chip will run at a speed of 1.83GHz and integrate a graphics processor and memory controller. These features will give netbooks superior graphics and processing performance compared to their predecessors. The fact that the new chips are also more efficient could result in an increase for some netbooks’ battery life performance. The chip’s integration also results in a decrease of size, which could allow smaller and lighter netbooks to be made.

Though this new chip is a great step, there are still strides to be made in the effort to increase efficiency and utility. For example, Nvidia graphics processors and Atom CPU will be coupled together to bring better high-definition video to some netbooks in early March, and it’s this kind of innovation that will drive the industry forward.

Via PCWorld.

People do a lot of work on their computers, and that means that a lot of sensitive information ends up being stored on them. People want at least basic security on their laptops and netbooks.

Secuware now offers C4KNetbook, a utility written from the ground up to enable transparent hard disk encryption on netbook-level processors. This particular encryption emphasizes processor I/O, which UK distributor Security IP claims will leave the machine performing at pre-encryption levels. However, it’s still FIPS 140-2 certified  – a standard for government and industry required encryption.

Now, most people won’t be rushing to the stores to pick up a copy of C4KNetbook (Approx. $70 on a one-off basis) any time soon, but public sector organizations might be lining up to get their hands on it in the near future. Most of their workers really only require a machine that will allow them to run email and maybe another business application or two, and laptops cost two to three times more than netbooks.

The information many companies deal in, however, is usually quite sensitive, so portables must often be FIPS-140-2 compliant. Unfortunately, C4KNetbook only runs on Intel Atom Processors right now, so it could be a while before we see large scale security-modules for netbooks.

Via PC World

After a long wait, it seems that the marriage of AMD and ATI has finally conceived a child worthy of their merger.  The Llano platform is AMD’s answer to Intel’s integrated graphics, and it has successfully turned heads. AMD doesn’t call the Llano a CPU or GPU, but rather some peculiar marketing term dubbed the “Applications Processing Unit” or APU.  It may not be the catchiest phrase, but we all know what it really is and it actually could give the Intel IGP a legitimate challenge.

On the CPU side, the Llano will have a quad core on a 32 nm die. Each core will have 1 MB of L2 cache, and AMD is most likely targeting under 3 GHz for clock speed.  Tag that along with with a fully DirectX 11 capable GPU (details not yet revealed) cast on the same die as the CPU with parallel vector hardware, and you get a potential Intel laptop killer.

Sampling will occur in the second half of the year and OEMs will get access in 2011.

Via Ars Technica

AMD has begun to make comeback in the CPU market, according to a study today by market research firm IDC.  AMD recorded major gains beginning in the first quarter of ‘09 and has aggressively made inroads into the notebook market.

It expanded from a 10.2% share to 12.7% from Q4 ‘08 to Q4 ‘09, gnawing down Intel from 89.1% to 87.3%.  This is likely the result of the Turion II X2 and Athlon line, but Intel still seems to sit on top of the mobile market.  Only time will tell as both companies scramble for dominance over CPU and integrated GPU chips in laptops and netbooks.

Overall, 2009 has been a largely successful year for chipmakers, who shipped 31.3% more processors in Q4 ‘09 compared to Q4 ‘08.  Processing lightweight VIA was the exception, shrinking from 0.4% to 0.1% over the past year.  A major area of growth was mobile PCs (including of course netbooks), rising  by 11.7% over the same period.  The IDC remains optimistic for the coming year, forecasting a 15.1% growth in CPUs sold.

Via PC World.

The Intel Classmate PC is getting some updates, including new Pine Trail CPUs and a sleek redesign by Intel. Designated the Convertible Classmate, Intel’s school-centric netbook currently features a 10.1-inch swiveling touchscreen.

The new Atom CPUs are 60% smaller and 20% more efficient than the old versions. The netbook will also feature optional 3G and WiMax connectivity. Larger screen sizes could be in the works for the Intel Classmate PC.

The Classmate PC began in 2007 as a response to and competitor to the OLPC XO netbook. It was redesigned once in September 2008, but this time around, the netbook could feature better graphics and 720p video.

Intel says Argentina is going to buy 250,000 Classmate PC netbooks later this year, to be delivered to 1500 schools by the UN. Brazil and Turkey have purchased Classmate PCs as well.

Via PCWorld, image via CrunchGear.

Intel did something right this quarter, despite industry-wide cutbacks following the recession. This quarter was one of Intels’ best ever, as the company saw 65% profit margins and spent more than $7 billion on new US chip plants.

Strong netbook sales were responsible for much of Intel’s success. Other companies delayed investments and product lines while Intel delivered its all-new Pine Trail processors. Netbooks were such a big boon for Intel this year because they didn’t seem to cannibalize processor sales or sales of more powerful computers.

Intel is expecting slightly contracted margins of around 61% in 2010.

Via WallStreetJournal.

Apple is expected to update its MacBook laptop line in the near future to include Intel’s new Core i5 processors. These processors, called “Arrandale,” are i3 and i5 CPUs that include new graphics silicon. Before this, Intel graphics were located in a separate chipset. The benefits of amending the setup are many; putting graphics with the CPU gives better battery life and performance, and the new processors are faster than the old Core 2 ones.

The new i5 processors will have a feature called Turbo Boost that allow them to run faster if an application requires faster processing. Intel has not revealed when Apple will be using the new processors, or how Apple will use them. One possibility is that Apple will get them made to order, as they have in the past.

Intel also has managed to offer a standard processor in special packaging that allows it to be used in a one-inch laptop. These are the same processors that are used in thicker laptops, so performance is not compromised.

Finally, with the new Core i processors, Apple could possibly put a quad-core processor (the Core i7) into a 17-inch MacBook Pro.

Via CNET, image via Apple.

It is rumored that Asus will release a new gaming laptop early next year, which will allegedly use Intel’s powerful dual-core i5-430M Processor. Another supposed feature of the Asus laptop is an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 GPU that can surely handle the most advanced graphics.

The Asus X77 laptop’s features include:

• 1,600 x 900 17.3-inch LED screen
• ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 GPU with DDR3 Memory
• Two 500GB hard drives
• 4GB of RAM
• eSata Port
• HDMI Port

This new machine is a full-fledged gaming laptop that should run most of the latest games. The Asus X77 will be priced around $1435.

Via Engadget.

There’s no question that the Nvidia ION is a powerhouse – this little chip can get a netbook running a 1.6 GHz Intel chip to run HD video and allow for modestly intensive gaming. But is it worth the cost?

Intel netbook marketing director Anil Nanduri says no:

“To run multimedia you don’t need a huge graphics chip. And that’s what those third-party decoder solutions will show in the marketplace… We believe (Ion) adds unnecessary additional cost and the other trade-offs make it less desirable. Our customers have the option to design netbooks how they want to but ultimately the market is going to decide.”

Nanduri says there are better ways to crank multimedia power while saving energy on a smaller computer, because “netbooks are not meant for gaming.” Still, if you can game on a netbook, why not?

And gaming’s not the only thing an ION can do – even YouTube has HD options now, and netbook users are going to want in. At the end of the day, Nanduri’s comments may have some accuracy but seem to be motivated by competition rather than genuine concern.

Via TechSpot, image via Nvidia.

Dell’s 10-inch netbook has gotten an upgrade. The new Dell Mini 10 will implement Intel’s 1.66GHz Pineview Atom N450 processor, replacing the current Mini 10 and 10V which use Z520 and N270 processors.  The Mini 10 will be offered starting January 7^th with your choice of Windows 7 or Ubuntu Linux. In addition to the processor upgrade, the Mini 10 will change some features, adding in a new textured palm rest and scrapping the multi-gesture capabilities of the trackpad. However, the integrated trackpad buttons will remain.

A few optional features have also become available with this new model. They include 3G or GPS Bluetooth, Broadcom Crystal HD Solution software, and a built-in TV tuner. The battery can now also be upgraded to a 6-cell battery. Luckily, the base price of the netbook will remain the same at $299.

Image Via UberGizmo

Via TechTree

Olevia has released a new device for its netbook line, the P10. It holds all the specifications that are expected of any netbook, and adds nothing to differentiate itself from the masses. The only expected highlight of Olevia’s P10 netbook will be its slightly lower price range. This will be the netbooks sole advantage that may manage to attract customers to the product.

The netbook offers:

• 10.1-Inch Display
• Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz Processor
• 1GB RAM
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• Wi-Fi
• Linux or Windows Operating System

This isn’t Olevias first go-round in the netbook market, as it released the Yones X11A a few months back.

Image Via UberGizmo

Via UberGizmo

Intel is set to release its new “Arrandale” dual-core processor, which Apple may adopt for its MacBook Pro laptops. The new chip will debut at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) on January 7, 2010, offering improved speed, better graphics performance, and lower power consumption.

These new chips are supposed to improve on Intel’s already excellent Core 2 Duo line, which is used in Apple’s MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac. The Arrandale chips could appear in Apple’s products as soon as early 2010.

The Arrandale chips are supposed to have the major northbridge chipset memory controller components built in, unlike the Core 2 Duo chips.

Via AppleInsider.

ViewSonic has just announced the launch of its very first netbook, the VNB102 ViewBook. The company is better known for its production of computer monitors and has apparently decided to join the netbook bandwagon.

The VNB102 Viewbook will be officially released to consumers this Friday. The device isn’t innovative in any way, but it will be able to keep up with others in its rank.

Features Include:

• Intel Atom Processor
• 10-inch LCD Display
• 1 GB RAM
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• WiFi
• 3 USB Ports

The VNB102 ViewBook will have a $399 price-tag.

Via TFTS

Image Via TFTS

The insanely low prices that HP and Dell constantly churn out for their regularly sized laptops may be to blame for the slow growth of the ultra-thin laptop segment. According to Acer chairman J.T. Wang, this has caused consumers to steer clear from the thinner varieties in favor of lower prices. It has also lowered sales on Intel’s CULV processors, giving Intel less of an incentive to manufacture parts for the ultra-thin laptop market.

Ultra-thin laptops offer many advantages. These laptops are more powerful than netbooks, while being similarly portable and offering an incredibly long battery life. Consumers have showed interest in the ultra-thin segment, so now it’s up to manufacturers to market the product and offer deals to get the public to purchase these laptops.

Via PCWorld

Image via DotKam

After experiencing some problems with Intel’s Core i5 and i7 processors, which Apple currently uses in iMac desktops, the company may drop the processors altogether. Rumors are circulating that Apple will choose to stop purchasing the Intel Core i5 and i7 due to crashes and DOAs that have occurred while in use.

So what will happen next? Apple could switch over to Arrandale processors, but cannot do this until the chips are customized to their liking. If this occurs,  Nvidia and ATI would be given a momentous opportunity to work with Apple. It is also possible that Intel will scramble to serve Apple with customized i5 and i7’s in order to prevent losing one of their largest customers. After all, isn’t the customer always right?

Via Notebooks.

Considering netbooks’ swift growth, it seems logical to take advantage of the opportunity to delve into the world of netbook applications. There are endless possibilities for netbook applications thanks to the versatility and features of the netbook, possibilities that trump those of the iPod or iPhone.

Intel, along with a handful of netbook manufacturers, plans to launch a new netbook app site sometime next year. A specific release date is yet to be announced but it is known that developers are feverishly working on a multitude of applications. The program should be available soon after the New Year, just in time for those netbooks that many will be happily receiving this holiday season. Those unfortunate souls who will be purchasing netbooks later on next year likely won’t  even have to worry about downloading the program since Intel plans to join forces with a couple of PC manufacturers to pre-install the app service. Future owners will be able to purchase applications with their fresh out of the box netbook computers.

The future popularity of netbook apps is nearly a given. Intel already reports that its software developer network has already reached heights of 70,000 to 1,000,000 users per month.  The good news is that the application program isn’t specific to one operating system. Intel doesn’t plan to make the program compatible solely for the Atom CPU, hoping to tackle multiple platforms in the near future.

If the success of Apple’s iPhone and iPod applications are any kind of indicator for Intel’s netbook application site then Intel and its OEM partners should already be doing a victory dance.

Via CNet.

Intel’s new Pine Trail is making its way into netbooks soon. While details are always hard to come by, the Pine Trail CPU is set to crank netbook graphics like never before.

While VP Sean Maloney is quoted saying “Better battery life. But performance more than anything,” it would seem that we can expect some major improvements in other important areas on laptops in the future. Intel has held off on selling preconfigured HP Mini 5101 netbooks directly from the HP website, with new models regarding the new Pine Trail processors being prepared for release. While we won’t be seeing the Pine Trail before 2010, it’s always good to know whats ahead!

Via CNet