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Intel Pushes 'Atom' Chips

Tiny microprocessors are intended for mobile Internet devices and low-end computers

By Laila Weir,  Newser User

Posted Mar 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST
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(Newser) – Intel will push its tinest new chips behind the brand name Atom in an effort to create demand for two emerging types of computing devices. The Atom line includes chips already announced by the company, reports the Wall Street Journal. One, formerly known as Silverthorne, is aimed at cellphone-sized devices that Intel calls “MIDs”—mobile mobile Internet devices.

The other, previously called Diamondville, is for low-end computers under $250. Intel’s branding initiatives usually offer marketing money to hardware partners, and often restrict them to using only Intel chips for various functions. The new chips are ultra-small; it's the first time the company has focused primarily on shrinking its processors, rather than creating more advanced—and more expensive—chips.

The Intel Classmate PC is seen in this undated photo provided by Intel Corp. Intel is pushing an emerging category, of small, cheap computers. (AP Photo/Intel Corp.)
The Intel Classmate PC is seen in this undated photo provided by Intel Corp. Intel is pushing an emerging category, of small, cheap computers. (AP Photo/Intel Corp.)   (Associated Press)
The Intel exhibit at the Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center is seen Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
The Intel exhibit at the Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center is seen Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)   (Associated Press)
Workers prepare to install a sign at the Intel booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in preparation for the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Workers prepare to install a sign at the Intel booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in preparation for the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae...   (Associated Press)
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About the Diamondville chip
Associated Press

About the Silverthorne chip
Associated Press

 
Intel • computer chip • microprocessors • mobile Internet • Silverthorne • Diamondville • low-end computers • Atom • MIDs

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