Cheap, tiny netbooks are about to get a little more powerful.
Intel this week confirmed it’s shipping a new version of its low-powered Atom processor designed for netbooks.
Dubbed the Atom N280, the processor’s most notable improvement will be seen in high-definition video playback. The N280 is paired with a GN40 chipset, which includes a hardware-based HD video decoder for viewing 720P HD video.
That seemingly minor upgrade could significantly change the netbook experience by making the devices competitive with much more expensive machines on video playback. A common complaint about netbooks is choppy video playback, and the N280 should address that issue. Heck, you might even consider buying one to use as a portable video player — a device between a video iPod and a full-sized notebook. (Think airplanes or family road trips.)
With the N280, the Atom processor is also receiving a minor speed boost: 1.66GHz compared to its predecessor, the 1.6GHz Atom N270.
Interestingly, Asus’s upcoming Eee 1000HE netbook is already going to include the N280. We received a test unit of the Eee 1000HE this week, and we can tell you the Atom N280 is making a pretty significant difference. The Eee 1000HE is leaving other netbooks we’ve tested in the dust, and video is noticeably smoother. Stay tuned for a review of that netbook next week.
Intel Now Shipping Atom N280 Processor [PC World]
Photo: Asus
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