Dual-core Atom for netbooks finally breaks cover

“Intel announced a dual-core Atom CPU for netbooks and says
devices based on it will begin shipping this week. The 1.5GHz N550
will offer a “more responsive experience” in products from Acer,
Asus, Fujitsu, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, MSI, and Toshiba, the chipmaker
says.

“Intel has offered a dual-core Atom for desktop PCs ever since
the September 2008 release of the D330. It has been coy about
producing a mobile version, however, perhaps because of fears that
such a CPU could cannibalize sales of its 32nm, Core-based CULV
chips. (The CULVs are intended for thin-and-light laptops that cost
more than netbooks, but typically offer extended battery life and
better performance.)

“The latest in Intel’s Pine Trail series of Atoms — also known
as “Pineview” when their companion I/O controllers are taken into
account — the dual-core N550 was first tipped in May by Fudzilla
writer Fuad Abazovic, as we reported at the time. Intel did not
mention this CPU, however, when it announced the DDR3-ready, single
core N455 and N475 Atoms in June, nor when it released the D425 and
D525, aimed at networked storage devices, last week.”

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