Intel vows Atom made just for tablets

Intel as part of the same conference that unveiled ultra-low voltage 32nm processors also promised it would have processors optimized just for tablets. The company's Client VP Mooly Eden wouldn't detail the chips but said they would make a debut at the Computex show, which starts June 1. It's presumed this would be a variant of the Atom Z600 with energy and speed tuned for hardware larger than phones or MIDs (mobile Internet devices).

The semiconductor firm has been fighting for acceptance in the tablet arena as its processors so far have been too power-hungry and occasionally too slow compared to ARM. HP's Windows 7 slate would use a conventional Atom processor, albeit and older model, and if shipped would have just five hours of use where a thinner iPad often lasts over twice as long in a thinner body. Until the Z600, Intel's choice of integrated graphics has usually precluded HD video playback and 3D gaming that are both possible on ARM hardware, whether Apple's or dual-core Tegra tablets. The discrepancy may have been enough for HP to cancel its Windows slate, although rumors have since hinted this might not be true.

Atom is thought to be getting its best chance at tablets in 2011, when 32nm and smaller manufacturing processes can keep its energy use and size down to ARM levels. [via Carrypad]

By Electronista Staff