NetbookTech

Intel pumps up the speed of the Atom Pinetrail platform with today’s introduction of the Atom N470 processor. Clocked at 1.83GHz, the Atom N470 becomes the highest clocked Atom processor for netbooks yet.

The N470 comes with 512k of L2 cache, DDR2-667 support, and of course, integrated graphics built directly into the CPU.

Intel expects major OEMs to introduce systems based around the new processor over the coming months.

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Dropped by the Intel table over at the Digital Experience tonight and snapped up some still shots of new netbooks and MIDs on display. I don’t have details on these systems but they’re really not anything new to frequent netbook news readers out there. These systems are all based on the new Pine Trail platform so expect the Atom N450 (or even the new N470 processor). We’ll be dropping by the Intel booth at CES Day 1 tomorrow so stay tuned for even more info. Enjoy the following pics.

Hoping to capitalize on the incredible growth of the netbook platform, Intel has released the beta version of their Intel Atom Developer Program Software Development Kit (SDK) for both the Microsoft Windows and Moblin Operating Systems. With the SDK, independent software vendors (ISVs) and individual developers can design, develop, and submit applications for Intel-based netbooks to a future-planned App Store – similar to Apple’s App Store for the iPhone.

The notion of an Application Store specific to the netbook platform is certainly a compelling idea especially when you consider the number of netbook units sold is expected to reach 50 million by the end of this year. Just consider the thought of selling apps to even 10 percent of that audience.

So why would Intel encourage app development specific to netbooks?

1. Deliver apps that take advantage of the constrained form factor and limited resources of a netbook. These applications would take into consideration the limited display resolutions of netbooks, the smaller keyboards, the limited computing power, and of course battery efficiency of these systems.
2. To further lock in the Atom processor platform as the platform of choice for netbooks. Think back to the old days where Intel convinced software developers to optimize their apps specific to the MMX instruction set.
3. Help create additional revenue streams for ISVs and independent developers to capitalize on the incredible growth of the netbook market

The beta version of the SDK is available for C and C++ developers on the Microsoft Windows OS and for C developers on the Moblin OS. With the beta, developers will be able to submit their applications for validation, and once validated, begin to take advantage of the program’s “revenue-generating opportunities” next year.

To help encourage developer interest in the program, Intel will be offering incentives for developers to begin submitting apps by offering a chance to win prizes such as a smart car or a vacation package.

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Missed this one last week but the Moblin steering committee released Moblin v.2.1 for Intel Atom processor-based netbooks and nettop systems. Features in the latest release of Moblin include the following (courtesy of the Moblin.org website here):

• New Internet browser which “far exceeds” the previous browser performance and adds plug-in support and add-ons
• 3G data support using Ericsson MBM 3G modems
• Moblin Application Installer is integrated. Application selection comes from the Moblin Garage
• Clutter 1.0 animation framework
• Bluetooth device support. Device discovery and pairing is now supported via a new panel in the toolbar. Moblin now supports Bluetooth audio devices, input devices, OBEX file transfer, and using a Bluetooth  phone as a 3G modem
• New version of ConnMan which now supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and 3G
• Support for nettop systems
• Improvements to Instant Messaging
• Input method support now included across the system
• Localized in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Swedish, Finnish, Korean, Japanese, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional
• Includes updated versions of key technology components including Linux kernel version 2.6.31, Intel Linux graphics driver 2.9, X server 1.6.4, and Mesa 7.6.

If you’re curious about one person’s experience in getting Moblin 2.1 up and running on a netbook, head over to the Intel Atom Developer Program and check out Gina Bovara’s posting on installing Moblin 2.1 on an ASUS Eee PC 1005HA netbook.  Here’s a quick blurb from that posting:

“I have entered the world of Moblin with my Asus Eee 1005HA netbook, and I am loving it so far! I’ve been move productive on the go this week and I am having a lot of fun doing it!”

We tried out Moblin 2.0 beta when it was first released earlier this year. While it was certainly promising, it was still a bit too raw and buggy for our liking. We’ll have to give 2.1 a spin and see how this version fares!

You can download the images by going to this link over at the Moblin.org website.

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Intel X25-M Solid State Drive owners listen up. Intel’s released a new Solid State Drive Toolbox with SSD Optimizer and firmware update for the X25-M Mainstream SATA SSDs.

Here are the detail from the press release:

“

Intel® Solid-State Drive Toolbox with Intel® SSD Optimizer Enables Users to Maximize SSD Performance over Time

SANTA CLARA, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Oct 26, 2009 On the heels of the Microsoft* Windows* 7 introduction, Intel Corporation today announced the availability of the Intel® Solid-State Drive (SSD) Toolbox, with Intel® SSD Optimizer and firmware update, for its 34nm Intel® X25-M Mainstream SATA SSDs. The latest tools are designed to help better manage and retain the out-of-box performance of Intel SSDs.

An SSD is built to replace a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) with added performance, lower power consumption and higher reliability. The Intel SSD Toolbox allows users to more effectively monitor and manage the SSD’s health. The firmware upgrade and Intel SSD Optimizer use the Windows* 7 ATA Data Set Management Command (known as Trim) to help keep the Intel SSD running at continued high performance. In addition, the SSD Toolbox and Optimizer also allow the respective enhancements to work with Windows* XP and Vista* operating systems.

“Fast and reliable access to data is critical for our SSD users,” said Pete Hazen, director of marketing, Intel NAND Solutions Group. “The latest firmware and toolbox upgrade for Intel 34nm SSD users provide a host of new management, information and diagnostic tools to help SSDs retain out-of-box performance. We are encouraging our 34nm customers to download the new firmware update today. Not only will Windows 7 users receive the performance enhancements of the Trim command, but so will our Windows XP and Vista users.”

For 34nm X25-M 160GB owners, the firmware update also offers a performance boost to sequential write speeds by delivering up to 100MB per second, a 40 percent performance improvement over the existing firmware version.

The Trim attribute of the ATA Data Set Management Command, often referred to as Trim, synchs the operating system’s view of deleted files with those that are deleted, but not erased on the drive. Trim tells the SSD which data blocks are no longer in use. This helps stabilize the performance and health of the SSD over time.

The Intel SSD Toolbox provides SSD management tools and information about the drive, including comparing Self-Monitoring and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) drive attributes to manufacturer threshold. It provides basic and full diagnostics, along with recommended actions. The Toolbox also features an easy-to-use graphical user interface that will allow end users to schedule and run the Trim command independent of the operating system. The company recommends users install the firmware update and toolbox, and run the Trim function daily to ensure best performance. The firmware upgrade can be found at www.intel.com/go/ssdfirmware and the Intel SSD Toolbox and Optimizer at www.intel.com/go/ssdtoolbox.

Intel’s award-winning X25-M SSD began shipping on 34nm in July. The multi-level cell (MLC) Intel® X25-M Mainstream SATA SSD is aimed at laptop and desktop PCs, and available in 80 Gigabyte (GB) and 160GB versions. SSDs are data storage devices found inside computers. Because SSDs have no moving parts they offer faster performance and greater energy efficiency and durability than traditional HDDs. A draw for gamers, media creators and technology enthusiasts, SSDs have also played a key role in the emergence of ultra-thin and light notebook PCs that are becoming increasingly popular due to their design, size and longer battery life. For more information on Intel SSDs visit www.intel.com/go/ssd.

Intel [NASDAQ:INTC], the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

for Intel Corporation
Deborah Paquin, 916-984-1921
dpaquin@strategiccom.biz
or
Claudine Mangano, 408-765-0146
claudine.a.mangano@intel.com

“

Ajay Mungara over at the Intel Atom Developer Program is asking netbook users two fairly basic questions- “What applications would you like to see on your netbook?” and “What is your typical usage of a netbook?”

Why is he asking these questions you might ask?

According to Mungara, users are expecting “demanding applications related to entertainment, productivity, communications, and security without compromising on either performance or usability.” The problem is, your typical netbook usage model fits somewhere between a mobile phone and a full fledged notebook which means many of today’s applications are far too demanding for a netbook system.

Thus the best way around this is to modify or create key applications that users care about and optimize them for the Atom platform. Application optimizations often center around the following:

• The apps need to be usable on a small resolution displays
• They need to be fast performing on the Atom processor platform
• They should work well within memory constrained systems
• They should not occupy large amounts of disk space

Thus going back to the original question – what apps do you use frequently on your netbook? Let Intel know and who knows – maybe Intel or someone else out there will create and/or develop an Atom optimized version of the application.

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News.com reports that Intel is planning to accelerate the development of the Intel Atom processor. According to Sean Maloney, Intel executive vice president, the Atom processor will be updated more frequently – following a strategy similar to the “tick-tock” methodology used for Intel’s Core processor lineup.

Not familiar with “tick-tock” advancement process? It works like this. One year (tick cycle) Intel delivers a new manufacturing process for the current processor architecture. The following year (tock cycle), the company introduces new processor micro-architecture.

So why the acceleration?

Intel’s always walked a fine line with the Atom processor. The chip’s superb energy efficiency and good enough performance catapulted the processor to a dominant market share of the explosive netbook market. Yet the very same netbook market has proven to be a double-edged sword for Intel. Higher sales of netbook systems have resulted in lower sales for the rest of the mobile computing market – translating to lower demand for Intel’s higher gross margin mobile processors as more lower-margin Atom processors are sold. Not a good thing for Intel. 

As a result, Intel tried to downplay the Atom processor – making sure to relegate and market the processor as just powerful enough for “basic computing” and small mobile devices like smartphones, MIDs, etc. In addition, the company has been reticent to introduce advancements to the processor line. In the last two years, we’ve seen only a dual core desktop version and a bump up in speed with the Atom N280 processor (from 1.6GHz to 1.66GHz – yawn).

In the meantime, recognizing that consumer interest in mobile systems has shifted to inexpensive thin and light systems, Intel saw a need to accelerate development of consumer oriented “ultra-low voltage processors” of the Celeron and Core 2 processor lineups. The end result? New thin and light notebooks that were more powerful than netbooks while also commanding a slightly higher price point (while certainly lower than inexpensive ultra-light notebooks which run faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors).

A good containment plan for Intel right?

Unfortunately all the success the Atom processor has witnessed has resulted in competing chip manufacturers looking for a way to get into the market. This year alone we’ve seen new processors/plaforms from all the major players including AMD’s Neo processor, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor, ARM’s Cortex processor, and new VIA reference platforms built around C7-M and Nano processors – all in an effort to get a slice of the overall inexpensive mobile market. The message was clear to Intel – if they weren’t willing to improve the performance of low-end energy efficient processors, then the competition surely will.

As a result – we’re seeing a change in strategy for Intel. If the company wants to maintain its lead in all market segments – including the low-cost energy efficient netbook/MID market, then it needs to increase development of the Atom architecture. In the foreseeable future, we should see faster Atom processors as well as the upcoming Pine-trail architecture which integrates the GPU with the CPU.

What does this all mean to the consumer? More choices, faster systems, better battery life, and hopefully more inexpensive systems on the horizon. Good stuff!

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Could time be running out for the Atom N280 processor? According to vendor sources close to DigiTimes, Intel is contemplating phasing out the N280 processor and the GN40 chipset due to “low market demand”. This would essentially leave the netbook market to the popular Intel Atom N270 processor and the 945GSE chipset.

While the N280 is newer and slightly faster than the N270, it’s safe to assume that Intel has a large inventory of N270 processors (as opposed to the N280). Thus, phasing out the N280 would make natural sense – especially if the performance gains are minimal for the processor.

Then come September, Intel is expected to phase out the N270 in favor of the next generation Atom processor codenamed “Pineview” (with the chipset codenamed “Tiger Point”).

Check out the DigiTimes article for additional information about upcoming Intel mobile processor plans.

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IDC is out with the first quarter 2009 worldwide PC processor shipment numbers and the news is both good and bad for the industry as a whole. First the bad news – PC processor shipments fell “significantly” for the 2nd quarter in a row – even when you take into account the normal seasonal drop in processor shipments for this time of the year. Yet despite the gloomy numbers, IDC believes the market decline is indeed slowing. Oh yes.. and that’s the good news.

Now onto numbers. IDC reports that overall worldwide PC processor shipments dropped –10.9% from Q4 of 2008 to Q1 of 2009. That’s not as bad as the previous quarterly drop (which was –17% from Q3 of ‘08 to Q4 of ‘08) but still not very pretty at all.

Now the relevant statistic to readers of NetbookTech has to do with Intel Atom processor shipment numbers. According to IDC, Intel shipments of the Atom processor declined –33% in Q1 2009 when compared to Q4 of 2008. Even more interesting is the fact that IDC estimates Atom processor shipments to constitute roughly 21 percent of Intel’s overall mobile PC processor shipments for the 1st quarter of this year. Yet despite this, the Atom processor makes up roughly 6.5 percent of overall mobile PC processor revenues during the same period of time.

What does this mean for Intel? The Atom processor might very well be cannibalizing higher end mobile processor sales which could end up eating away the bottom line for Intel.

Another side effect of slowing Atom processor shipments? A possibly large inventory of Atom-based systems (netbooks/nettops) which could very well be a boon for consumers. Why? Vendors will eventually need to clear out this inventory which ultimately means sale prices for netbooks and nettops – all very good news for consumers.

Check out IDC’s press release for additional information on both Intel and AMD and the industry as a whole.

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CNET’s News.com has an article that just might be of some interest to you netbook users out there. In the article entitled “Intel describes ‘ultra-thin’, Nehalem mobile strategy”, Brooke Crothers sits down and chats with Intel’s Director of Marketing for Mobile Products Group (MPG for you Intel folks out there) – Erik Reid. The basic gist – Intel is getting into ultra-thin, ultra-portable notebooks. Think MacBook Air, Voodoo Envy, Dell Adamo etc etc. These are systems that are aesthetically pleasing yet offer compelling performance to boot. One major difference from today’s crop of ultra-portables? Price – the company hopes to enable ultra-portables at “different price points” – presumably to make them more affordable and appealing to consumers.

Of course, this makes all the more sense when you consider the fact that mobile is HOT and that AMD Is also moving into this space with the Neo processor.

Here are some of the more interesting tidbits from the article

• Initial processors for the market segment will be a single core processor much like the current SU3500.
• Architectures could span Pentium to Core 2 to Nehalem
• First mobile Nehalem processor will be part of the Clarksdale family. Think quad core processors due out in the 2nd half of this year
• Mobile Nehalems will have similar features as desktop Core i7 except will run inside a 45 watt thermal envelope.
• Following Clarksdale will be Calpella platform with graphics integrated into the processor die. Calpella will also introduce 32m process.

So how does this all play into netbooks (we are after-all called NetbookTech right?). Well Intel spokesperson Bill Calder had some interesting comments to make about ULVs and their relationships with netbooks 

First off – it’s important to note that like AMD, Intel wants you to NOT associate ULV systems with netbooks. According to Calder, “Consumer ULVs are full-featured PCs Price points will overlap. You might have some premium Netbooks in price bands where you’ll see ULV.”

He continues..

“We don’t call it a Netbook if it’s more than 10.2 inch.”

Reid also offers up the notion that “Netbooks are companion devices, Reid said. A person with a notebook is adding to their purchase when they get a Netbook. There are relatively few cases in which the Netbook is being used as the primary device”

So where does this all take us you might ask? Here are some of my own predictions.

• The Netbook market cannot be dismissed entirely – it’s clear people want inexpensive systems that perform just well enough.
• However, don’t expect to see Intel nor AMD jump in with powerful processors for the low end market. It just doesn’t make sense for them nor the hardware manufacturers.
• However, you can be sure that both CPU manufacturers will attempt to further segment the mobile market with this ultra-thin, ULV market. It’ll have a higher price point yet offer compelling features that may make netbook followers jump ship (notably thin and lightweight form factors)
• However do expect third party CPU manufacturers such as VIA and Qualcomm to come in and attempt to steal some of the thunder of the low end market. The best thing that could happen to the consumer is additional competition because it shows AMD and Intel cannot simply ignore the low end netbook market.

All pure speculation on my part..