Processors

HP eyes niche between netbooks and subnotebooks

Paul Mah — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:18:56 -0500

As if the explosion in the popularity of netbooks wasn't enough, Hewlett-Packard's new Pavilion dv2 is eying the niche between netbooks and ultraportables. The dv2 packs AMD's new Athlon Neo processor, a 1.6GHz chip that runs with a power envelope of just 15 watts, and is comparable to Intel's ULV Core 2 Duo processors powering most ultraportables today.

Factors differentiating the dv2 from conventional netbooks range from its discrete ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 graphics chip to its nice 12.1-inch LED display. Though its weight of 3.8 pounds is slightly heavier than the 2.5 and 3 pound ultraportables, the shocker is in its price. The dv2 starts out at a mere $699 and tops out at $899 for standard configurations. In addition, the dv2 will also come with the option for WWAN, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as standard.

To read more on the article:
- check out this article from CNET News

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

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

NVIDIA unveils new processor that packs a punch

Paul Mah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:44:02 -0400

NVIDIA has unveiled a new family of processors designed from the ground up for mobile gadgets. The Tegra is a computer-on-a-chip that is smaller than a dime with a power efficiency that NVIDIA claims to be 10 times better than existing products that run "compelling visual computing applications."

Other than an 800 MHz ARM CPU, the Tegra has an architecture featuring multiple specialized processors for specific tasks such as a HD video processor, an audio processor, and even an ultra-low power GeForce GPU. It also packs a display support for an impressive range of devices such as 1080p HDMI, WSXGA+ for both LCD and CRT as well as NTSC/PAL TV-output. The NVIDIA Tegra is expected to reach consumers by the end of the year.

For more on the patent:
- check out this NVIDIA press release