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In the fast-changing world of technology, everything is getting
smaller. From desktop computers to laptops, from laptops to
notebooks, from notebooks to netbooks.
Netbooks (ultraportable subnotebooks), along
with nettops (mini desktop PCs), are compact mobile devices that
everyone desires to have because it is smaller, lighter and simpler
to use. Coined by Intel in 2007, this new category of simple,
affordable devices is solely meant for networked data consumption.
Besides basic computing applications and simple
multimedia functions (music and video playback), netbooks are also
powerful enough to provide online games, social networking, e-mail,
and even voice over IP calls—basically, things people do on the
Internet.
With Intel’s dominance in the global
computer market, many of today’s netbooks are now powered by Atom,
the newest processor from the giant chipmaker. This new CPU is built
with the world’s smallest transistors based on industry-leading
45nm high-k metal gate technology,
“Netbooks and nettops have received a
strong positive reaction in the Philippines over the past couple of
months,” said Navin Shenoy, general manager, Intel Asia-Pacific at
the official Philippine launch of the Intel Atom on September 4.
“With more OEM and channel partners
introducing Intel Atom-based netbook and nettop solutions in the
Philippines, more Filipinos will benefit from access to the
Internet. Intel is committed to bringing the benefits of the
Internet to people in emerging markets worldwide,” Shenoy added.
In addition, Intel is integrating Intel
Solid-State Drive (SSD) as an option for Atom-based systems. Being a
cost-effective storage solution, this technology is replacing
traditional hard disk drives in netbook and nettop systems as it
requires less power; thus, extending battery life and at the same
time enhancing Intel’s computing platforms. Eventually, wider
adoption to large-capacity solid-state memory will pave the way to
lower SSD prices, for right now the flash disk technology is still a
premium. A traditional 120GB hard disk drive is far cheaper than an
8GB SSD device.
Nevertheless, the Intel Atom is currently
available in the Philippines on a variety of netbook models sold by
Acer, Asus, Dell, Gigabyte, Lenovo, MSI, and Neo.
-- Camille Rose Ignacio and Judith M. Sancha
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