Intel to relax netbook size restrictions, says report

Posted on 20 May 2010 at 09:26

The world of netbooks could be getting a shake-up following the news that Intel is looking to lift its display size restrictions.

Previously, the processor manufacturer has imposed strict limits on how its low-power Atom processors - found at the heart of almost every netbook currently on the market - can be used, with the most onerous condition being a rigid upper limit of 10.2in on the size of display that can be used in an Atom netbook.

The inability to create netbooks with larger screen sizes has caused a certain amount of stagnation in the market, with little innovation - and thus little to differentiate one manufacturer's product from another.

Thankfully, Intel appears to be coming to its senses on this issue: according to industry watcher DigiTimes - citing unnamed sources at notebook manufacturers - Intel's up-coming release of a dual-core Atom, the N550, later this year will bring with it a lifting of the screen size restriction.

While DigiTimes' sources make mention of 11.6in and 12.1in models in the pipeline, it's not yet known whether Intel's move represents a complete removal of the design restrictions it previously enforced on Atom-based deices or is simply an increase to its upper limit.

Either way, the news - which is as yet unconfirmed by Intel - will be welcomed by anyone looking for a netbook-style device with just that little bit more screen real estate than has currently been offered.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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