Intel offers Atom processor-based platform for netbooks

Intel today announced the availability of the latest mobile Intel Atom processor-based platform, earlier named Cedar Trail. According to the company, by early 2012, major OEMs, including Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Toshiba, will offer netbooks based on the new platform.

This comes as the third update to the popular Atom processor platform, with which Intel is looking to re-invigorate the netbook platform.

Intel has opted for a dedicated media engine that supports 1080p high-definition playback of videos and Blu-Ray content plus additional digital display, and output options, including HDMI and DisplayPort.

The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3600/3650 combined with the integrated memory controller is expected to considerably enhance video and gaming experience.

The integrated approach of including the GPU in the CPU, has been explored by AMD in its launch of its Fusion platform which it launched earlier this year. According to Intel, systems based on the new Intel Atom processors may have up to 10 hours of battery life as also weeks of standby, to make for all-day use between charges. Further, Intel has enhanced processor and overall system performance while at the same time reducing power consumption up to 20 per cent as against the last generation of Atom processors.

The platform comes with Intel Wireless Display and Intel Wireless Music, two new features that will allow users to share videos or photos wirelessly from their netbooks to a television, or stream music through their home stereo speakers.