14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to future generations of processors, one wonders just how many benefits they will have over the existing ones, and it looks like the units Intel is set to release in September have more than just extra performance in store.
Normally, when a new generation of products is devised and unleashed, intent on replacing an aged one, they often stick to the same price point as well.
Then, there are those instances where making them cheaper would work best for everyone involved, like when it comes to the netbook market.
With how sales of entry-level mobile computers have been dropping, there came the need for a much lower average price.
This, of course, means that the hardware has to get more affordable as well, and Intel might have that covered if a report is anything to go by.
The Santa Clara, California-based company will deliver the Cedar Trail series of chips in September, set to be much cheaper than the existing Atom models.
While Atom N400 and N500 series go for $64-68 at the moment, the future ones will be 30% to 50% more affordable.
The fact that they will be based on the 32nm manufacturing process is the main reason for this, since a smaller node means a higher production capacity and, thus, less factory cost per chip.
For those that want more specifics, the Cedarview-M netbook chips and the Cedarview-D units will both be of the dual-core variety.
The Atom N2600 and N2800 for mobile applications will sell for $42 and $47, respectively, and will have a lower power draw, plus fanless construction.
There was no specific mention of the desktop models, but one can assume the prices won't be much different. Either way, Acer and ASUS both expect the processors to help them ship at least five million netbooks this year, tablet focus or no.