If you’re planning to buy a netbook I would suggest waiting for January next year at least. Intel just announced their next-generation Intel Atom (N450 for netbooks) processors codenamed Pine Trail today.
Although the Intel Atom N450 has a few improvements over the first generation Atom N270/280’s, it is still worth waiting for. It has the same speed at 1.66GHz but the graphics and memory controller are already embedded on the CPU die compared to the 3-chip solution of the old Intel Atom.
The new platform resulted in 20% lower power consumption and 60% reduction to package size which will lead to thinner and lighter netbooks with longer battery life. We will probably see 6 to 7-hour straight computing netbooks as the norm with the new Intel Atom.
The integrated graphics (GMA 3150) has been improved as well allowing your Atom-powered netbooks to support HD movies.
Even with the new platform, Intel doesn’t expect newer netbook price to increase. It is estimated that it will be in the $350 – $400 price range.
Official launch of Intel Atom N450 powered netbooks will be on January 4, 2010 so better hold on to your netbook budget. Can’t wait for some cheap thin netbooks myself.
If you’re planning to buy a netbook I would suggest waiting for January next year at least.
