Atom

Intel buys Linux developer Opened Hand

Paul Mah — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:38:50 -0400

In yet another sign of the growing interest in operating systems tailored for mobile devices, Intel has acquired startup Linux developer Opened Hand. Opened Hand is a London-based firm that has created fundamental software for companies such as Nokia and the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC). The Opened Hand team will be tasked with helping Intel develop its Moblin Software Platform. Moblin is an open-source software stack designed specifically to integrate Intel's own Atom processors with Mobile Internet Devices (MID), netbooks and embedded systems. Existing projects such as Clutter and Matchbox will continue to be led by Opened Hand employees.

For more about Intel's acquisition:
- check out this PCWorld article

Intel Classmate to get touch capability

Paul Mah — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:04:31 -0400

The Intel Classmate notebook for students will see a makeover that will add touch-screen and tablet capabilities to this low cost device. In addition, the new generation of the Intel Classmate will also come standard with single-core Atom processor. While the updated Classmates will retain the clamshell design of the original, it will be possible to fold it into a tablet. Students can use a stylus to write on the touch-screen, where a feature called "palm rejection" ensures that users who lean on the laptop with their hands will still be able to write without impediment. The Intel Classmate PC sells for between $200 and $500 in some retail stores.

To look at the original reference:
- check out this eWeek article

Netbook prices set to fall

Paul Mah — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:03:20 -0400

Acer has slashed the prices of its Aspire netbook from $399 to $349. In addition, its Linpus Linux Lite will also see its price drop from $379 to $329. Netbooks, a new category of affordable, low-powered computing platforms, was a major topic at the recent Intel Developer's Conference (IDF), where Intel reaffirmed its commitment to netbooks. Post-IDF, industry speculation is that netbooks are headed over a price cliff because of the sudden realization by manufacturers of the number of competitors they faced. Richard Doherty, research director for Envisioneering--an electronics market research firm--remarked about the recent IDF conference, "Dozens and dozens of netbooks were shown." Certainly, netbook makers would have come to the conclusion that they will need to be more aggressive in terms of pricing. Good news for consumers, I suppose.

To read more about netbooks:
- check out this blog from the New York Times

New Atom chips due as early as next month

Paul Mah — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:52:00 -0400

If everything goes according to plan, Intel will launch its first dual-core Atom processor next month. This revelation was made by an Intel employee to a CNET reporter, even as senior vice president Pat Gelsinger delivered his Intel Developer Forum (IDF) keynote speech yesterday. Indeed, IDF saw Intel showcasing a plethora of Atom-based devices on operating systems ranging from Vista and XP, to Linux.

A Calpella system also was demonstrated, which is the mobile implementation of Intel's new Nehalem architecture. Due to appear late next year, the Calpella likely will feature a "turbo mode" technology that will dynamically switch off underutilized cores on a processor to conserve power. The idea is that two fully utilized cores is a better situation than running four cores inefficiently. It is fully built into the processor and requires no "operating system intervention."

For more on the story:
- check out this article from CNET News

Lenovo joins netbook fray with Ideapad S10

Paul Mah — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:27:03 -0400

Lenovo has announced its entry into the increasing popular netbook market with the Ideapad S10. This new netbook will sport a 10.2-inch screen and a keyboard that is 85 percent of full size. More interestingly, it will run Intel's new Atom N270 processor, as well as packing 2GB of RAM and a standard 5,400 rpm hard disk under its hood. In addition, it will have an ExpressCard slot for WAN connectivity, two USB ports, a built-in webcam, a headphone jack, and a 4-in-1 card reader. Battery will come in the form of either a 3-cell or a 6-cell pack. Running on Windows XP, the Ideapad S10 is expected to be available in October and will be priced at $399 and $499 depending on size of hard drive.

For more on the Lenovo Ideapad S10:
- check out the article from The Inquirer

Canonical showcases UBuntu Netbook Remix distribution

Paul Mah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:46:27 -0400

Canonical, the commercial sponsor of well-known Linux distribution Ubuntu, will be demonstrating a reworked version of Ubuntu specially catered to netbooks at Computex this week. Based on the standard Ubuntu Desktop Edition, the Ubuntu Netbook Remix is optimized for Intel's range of Atom processors. It also features a launcher that allows users to get on-line and access their favorite applications more quickly.

A number of OEMs already are expected to deliver devices running on the operating system by the later part of 2008. Remix will not be available as a free download though, according to marketing manager Gerry Carr. Instead, it will only be offered direct to prospective netbook vendors.

For more about Ubuntu Netbook Remix:
- check out the Canonical press release

Intel shows off new Atom processors

Paul Mah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:42:54 -0400

Intel has announced the availability of two Atom processors at the Computex 2008 conference in Taiwan this week. The Atom N270 processor is targeted at low-cost notebooks, while the Atom 230 is aimed at small desktops. Both processors feature 1.6GHz clock speeds and a 533MHz front side bus. Built on Intel's 45-nanometer manufacturing process, they are capable of supporting both Linux and Windows XP operating system.

Intel expects growth of the netbook and nettop market to exceed that of traditional desktops and even laptops. This will come about as households in emerging markets snap-up the cheaper offering, and households in mature markets acquire additional netbooks so that there potentially will be one device per person.

For more on Intel's Atom processors:
- check out this Computerworld article

Intel's Atom faces strong demand

Mehan Jayasuriya — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:41:51 -0400

How do you know that your product is a hit? I'd say, if you're looking at a supply shortage before you've even launched, that's probably a pretty good sign. Apparently, demand from manufacturers for Intel's forthcoming Atom mobile chipset is so high, supplies are expected to be low until Q3 this year. Get ready for a deluge of UMPCs and MIDs, folks. Article