Atom 2 Launch
Intel officially launches Atom in the Philippines
In the fast-changing world of technology, everything is getting smaller. From desktop computers to laptops, from laptops to notebooks, from notebooks to netbooks.
Netbooks (ultraportable subnotebooks), along with nettops (mini desktop PCs), are compact mobile devices that everyone desires to have because it is smaller, lighter and simpler to use. Coined by Intel in 2007, this new category of simple, affordable devices is solely meant for networked data consumption.
Besides basic computing applications and simple multimedia functions (music and video playback), netbooks are also powerful enough to provide online games, social networking, e-mail, and even voice over IP calls—basically, things people do on the Internet.
With Intel’s dominance in the global computer market, many of today’s netbooks are now powered by Atom, the newest processor from the giant chipmaker. This new CPU is built with the world’s smallest transistors based on industry-leading 45nm high-k metal gate technology.
“Netbooks and nettops have received a strong positive reaction in the Philippines over the past couple of months,” said Navin Shenoy, general manager, Intel Asia-Pacific at the official Philippine launch of the Intel Atom on September 4.
“With more OEM and channel partners introducing Intel Atom-based netbook and nettop solutions in the Philippines, more Filipinos will benefit from access to the Internet. Intel is committed to bringing the benefits of the Internet to people in emerging markets worldwide,” Shenoy added.
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In addition, Intel is integrating Intel Solid-State Drive (SSD) as an option for Atom-based systems. Being a cost-effective storage solution, this technology is replacing traditional hard disk drives in netbook and nettop systems as it requires less power; thus, extending battery life and at the same time enhancing Intel’s computing platforms. Eventually, wider adoption to large-capacity solid-state memory will pave the way to lower SSD prices, for right now the flash disk technology is still a premium. A traditional 120GB hard disk drive is far cheaper than an 8GB SSD device.
Nevertheless, the Intel Atom is currently available in the Philippines on a variety of netbook models sold by Acer, Asus, Dell, Gigabyte, Lenovo, MSI, and Neo.
-- Camille Rose Ignacio and Judith M. Sanch, copyright © 2008 The Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/08/yehey/techtimes/20080908tech1.aspxl
