14 DAY TRIAL // In a rather surprising move, the Sunnyvale, California-based chip maker AMD announced the availability of a new platform, specifically built to accommodate the requirements of ultrathin notebooks. The new platform, previously codenamed “Yukon,” is based on a new Athlon Neo processor, which, combined with the ATI Radeon X1250 integrated graphics and the optional ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 discrete graphics, can enable system builders to provide their customers with true HD entertainment, within an ultraportable form factor. The new platform is expected to be showcased at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, due to debut on January 8.
“Before today, there was a compromise associated with selecting a highly portable notebook, forcing consumers to choose either the full PC experience of an ultraportable at a high price or the limited PC experience of a mininotebook at a low price,” said Chris Cloran, corporate vice president, client division, AMD. “In introducing the AMD ultrathin notebook platform, AMD enables balanced PC performance, including the option of advanced graphics and video for true HD entertainment, all in an affordable, ultrathin notebook, bringing consumers uncompromised mobility.”
With the launch, AMD is now offering a new platform that can be used by PC makers in portable computer systems that provide a balance between portability and on-the-go performance. PC users will be capable of taking advantage of the features that are enabled by AMD's latest product, including a true High Definition entertainment experience. The new platform has already been enabled on one of HP's latest portable computer systems, the Pavilion dv2, a lightweight portable system that provides a 12.1-inch LED BrightView display.
According to the chip maker, the new platform is capable of enabling smooth 1080p HD playback, but also of providing users with a robust casual gaming experience, thanks to the optional ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 Premium graphics.
Despite no direct indication, the new AMD platform could be considered the chip maker's alternative to the now famous Intel Atom platform, designed specifically for low-power, Internet-capable computer systems, such as netbooks. However, the specifications on the new Athlon New processors are somewhat higher than those on the Atom CPUs. First of all, the Athlon Neo is built using a 65nm process technology, whereas the Atom sports a 45nm fabrication process. The thermal envelop of the Neo is also higher, which will take its toll on the battery of your system. Still, the performance capability of the Neo and Radeon 3000 series GPUs will probably turn some heads.
