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Chip giant Intel Corp. announced the availability of the latest mobile Intel Atom processor-based platform, formerly code-named Cedar Trail. Designed to provide small, compact, on-the-go computing with improved battery life, the latest platform adds several features to netbook computers and users looking for light productivity and Internet browsing.
Systems based on the new Atom processor-based platform will be available in early 2012 from OEMs including Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Toshiba.
The new design’s dedicated media engine enables full 1,080p high-definition playback of videos and Blu-ray content, and includes additional digital display and output options such as High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and DisplayPort. The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3600/3650, combined with the integrated memory controller, provides enhanced performance and system responsiveness, including an improvement in graphics performance up to two times, compared with the previous-generation platform.
Systems based on the new Intel Atom processors may have up to 10 hours of battery life and weeks of standby, which the company said would allow for all-day use between charges. Additionally, Intel claims to have increased processor and overall system performance while reducing power consumption up to 20 percent, compared with the previous platform.
The platform, based on Intel’s 32nm process technology, incorporates several new features, such as Intel Wireless Display and Intel Wireless Music. With these features and wireless-enabled devices, people can share videos or photos wirelessly from their netbooks to a television, or stream music through their home stereo speakers.
Additional features such as Smart Connect Technology allow users to have an instant Internet connection as soon as they open their netbook, and have email, Twitter and RSS feeds automatically updated, even in sleep mode. In addition, the company’s Rapid Start technology enables fast resume from standby mode and helps conserve battery life.
The dual-core Intel Atom processor N2600 and Atom processor N2800 are paired with the Intel NM10 Express Chipset, and feature a small-form-factor package size designed to save system board real estate and enable thinner netbook designs. In addition to the mobile processors, Intel offers the Atom processor D2500 and D2700 for entry-level desktop and all-in-one designs, as well as intelligent system solutions. The platform supports a range of operating systems including Windows, MeeGo and Tizen.
The Atom processors also provide a lower thermal design power (TDP) and power management features, such as Intel Deeper Sleep and SpeedStep Technology, which enable lower-power designs, making it well-suited for netbooks as well as intelligent systems, including health care equipment, retail systems and entry-level digital signage. Intelligent system designs are offered seven-year lifecycle support, as well as support for Windows Embedded Standard 7, Windows XP and XPe, Windows Embedded Compact, Yocto Project and Wind River VxWorks operating systems.