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March 2, 2008 6:00 PM PST

Intel chooses 'Atom' name for new chips

by Steven Musil
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Intel announced Sunday that is has chosen the name "Atom" for a new family of ultra-small chips.

The "Atom" moniker will be applied to a family of chips with two members that are expected to be released later this quarter. One--previously know as Silverthorne--is a low-power mobile processor destined for the next generation of mobile Internet devices. It incorporates a new low-power state, allowing it to essentially shut down in between processing tasks and limit power consumption.

The other, code-named Diamondville, is a single-core processor for ultra-low-cost laptops. Intel refers to the low-cost notebook design as "netbook" and estimates the pricing for these devices will go as low as $250. Diamondville is a tiny 45-nanometer processor that employs a simpler design than standard Intel processors,

Intel also rebranded its Menlow chip as the Centrino Atom--a low-power companion chip with integrated graphics, a wireless radio, as well as thinner and lighter designs.

Steven Musil is the night news editor at CNET News. Before joining CNET News in 2000, Steven spent 10 years at various Bay Area newspapers. E-mail Steven.
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The name simply sucks...
by slickuser March 2, 2008 6:58 PM PST
I'd have gone with "Centrino Mini"

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http://www.skulltrail.com
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The name is simple
by SpiritWater March 2, 2008 8:12 PM PST
Simple is good. The mass consumer market doesn't really care
what the names are of the chips in their products.

Does anyone really care what processor is in their smart phone,
game console, or home entertainment device?
Reply to this comment
What if
by morrie 52 March 3, 2008 4:22 AM PST
It crack's does it go NUCLEAR?
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