Future Atom-based Netbooks Supposed to have 2GB of RAM

1st November, 2009 by Adina
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Intel and Microsoft have been accused for trying to limit the performance of low-cost ultraportables, such as netbooks, by imposing specifications determined rather by protection purposes than by technical reasons. Intel has always limited its Atom processors to 1GB of RAM, while Microsoft, during the Vista era, forced most PC builders to use this expensive and slower operating system.

Such actions have led to general criticism of ultraportables, such as netbooks and nettops, as being too small and too slow. Apple has taken this for an argument of not ever entering this low-priced market.

With the arrival of Intel’s Pine Trail platform early next year, Intel has decided to release the 1.83GHz Atom N470 which is reported to support 2GB of RAM. This fact can allow a step forward for an increased performance of small systems, the newest of them using more resource-demanding operating systems, Windows 7 being one of them. Intel’s intention is to equip systems with larger screens, more than 10 inches, and 2GB of RAM by using its CULV (Consumer ultra Low Voltage) processors.

Atom processors should all have a lower overall price for new systems. The 1.83GHz Atom, for example, even being a high-end processor, should be provided at a price of $350 for such systems, and maybe even lower, at $300. Other Intel processors should also show lower prices. The 1.66GHz Atom, even if still with 1GB of RAM, should not be over $250. The D410 and the D510 desktop Atom, that are equipping certain nettops and still remain tied to the 1GB of RAM, will also have lower prices so that those nettops do never cross the $300 limit.


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