INTEL TO SUSPEND THE SALE OF Z-SERIES ATOM PROCESSORS TO NETBOOK MAKERS

Intel may suspend the sale of Atom Z processors to netbook makers. Does this mean that Intel intends to stop the production of Z-series processors at all? Well, not really. The Z-series processors are used outside the netbook market too and Intel intends to keep it the same way at least for the time being.

The Intel Z-series processors run on the Menlow platform and Intel plans to continue this platform alongside the new Moorestown platform. The reason behind this decision is that Moorestown won’t initially support Windows products. The Windows-based ultra mobile market is growing rapidly and Intel wants to have an offering for this segment. It is, however, possible for the PineTrail platform to replace the Menlow platform as both are close in architecture, power requirements and size. In that case, PineTrail and not Menlow could be the platform used in Windows-based ultra mobile devices. Windows-capable Moorestown processors are also expected to arrive in 2010.

So will Intel do away with the Menlow platform? Well, it is still too early to predict but one can’t rule out the possibility either.

DELL ANNOUNCES Z-SERIES LAPTOPS WITH CULV PROCESSORS

Dell has announced the launch of two Z series notebooks – the 14z and 15z. They will be powered by ultra low power Core 2 Duo processors which will improve their battery life.

Both notebooks are based on Intel 4-series chipset with GMA X4500MHD onboard graphics. The highest configuration on these notebooks will have an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 1.40 GHz CPU. Up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM can be installed. The maximum hard disk capacity is 500 GB.

Other features include Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, 1.3 MP Webcam, and a 7-in-1 card reader. Two battery options are available – 4-cell and 6-cell. The 4-cell battery is expected to give 4 hours of uptime whereas the expected battery life with the 6-cell battery is 8 hours. Dell also provides the option of express charge batteries with these notebooks. These batteries can charge up to 80% of their capacity within one hour. Prices start at $599 with the highest configuration reaching as high as $1,034.

INTEL TO DISCONTINUE Z-SERIES ATOM PROCESSORS FOR NETBOOKS

According to media reports, Intel has stopped accepting orders for its Z-series Atom processors. Originally meant for use in the Mobile Internet Devices (MID), the Z-series processors are now commonly used in netbooks like Eee PC T91, Sony VAIO P and Dell Mini 12.

Intel plans to completely stop the supply of Z-series chips to netbook manufacturers by the end of this year. The chipmaker will still fulfill orders already placed by Acer, Asustek and MSI. Meanwhile, Intel’s new generation of Atom chips are scheduled for release later this year. These new chips are part of the Pine Trail platform.