Netbooks
What is a netbook? It is very simple to define as CNET called netbooks "nothing more
than smaller, cheaper notebooks." But there is also something else to be noted
such as processors used in netbook lineups. Whether the earlier Intel Celeron M
or latter Atom processor, these processors are only capable of some basic
computing even comparing with old Intel Pentium D processors. We often treat
Intel Pentium processor as castrated Intel core Duo, most of times; it comes
with low frequency and smaller L2 cache. Then Atom is the castrated Celeron M
with some architecture improvement. So you should not expect too much from these
processors but the key feature of Atom family is power-efficient. The most
frequently used Atom N280 or N 270 with TDP 4W is hardly beaten in
performance-per-watt category. Even the new released Intel Atom 330(Dual core)
only has 8W TDP; it is often used in Ion platform, which we will discuss later.
So netbooks with Atom processor always consume less power and this means long
battery life in real world, this great feature is of vital importance in this
crazy world where every one is pursuing some powerful hardware which always
means power hogger. I think only the electric bill can tell in the long run.
Moreover, most netbooks come with smaller LCD or LED which also extend battery
life. As for Screen size, 10.1 or 11.6" is the popular choice, most of them are
no larger than 11.6 or 12.1" due to limitations set by Microsoft and Intel. So if
vendors who wanna roll out some 12.1" netbooks have to use AMD neo or VIA Nano
processors.
Other features Intel Atom lacks further stunt its ability in
applications. That is, Only Atom 230 and 330 are activated x86-64. Other Atom implements the
x86 (IA-32) instruction set. moreover,
Atom CPU is often equipped with a cheaper, more power consuming chipset like Mobile Intel® 945GSE
Express Chipse with Intel® GMA 950 IGP.(The
Intel SCH US15W is validated with the Intel® Atom processor Z5xx series.)
this means this platform lack the ability to deal with graphic applications or
hd movie playbacks. then Intel shipped Atom 280 pairing of the GN40 chipset to address this
then still can't handle Blu-ray. That is why Nvidia Ion we early mentioned is so
compelling. An Intel Atom paring with 9400M graphics chip will do a great job even in some
games. And Samsung N 510 is the first Ion netbook.
If you just use it for
daily uses like surf internet emails etc then any netbook available in the
market will fit the bill but if you wanna squeeze more juice out of it, it is
always better to fork more bucks to get an Ion netbook while it hits the
shell.
As for which one to choose, I will say they are more
or less the same things, it won’t make much difference.