Intel & Nvidia’s Graphic war for next Netbooks
So far the success of the new Netbook due mainly to its low cost. The inexpensive and yet ubiquitous Intel Atom processor powers most Netbook today only delivers marginal graphic capability. So the manufacturers certainly are looking to deliver the next wave of devices with better components and hopefully better OS, namely Windows 7.
This week Nvidia has just released Windows 7 beta drivers for its "Ion" Netbook silicon, Nvidia demonstrated applications running on Windows 7. This chipset is built based on Nvidia’s GeForce 9400M graphics chipset which currently handles graphics tasks in Apple’s MacBook line.
Intel would not sleep on its laurel neither, the chipmaker upped the ante by shipping a new Atom N280 processor and chipset, which allows Atom system to run 720p high-definition video. Graphics silicon that can handle 720p video is considered a minimum requirement for larger mainstream laptops.
Granted, the target Netbook users are not hardcore gamer demanding the greatest 3D graphic rendering. More advanced graphic capability also diminishes greatly the battery life. But as I said, there are less and less differentiators that manufacturer can play in the $300-$400 range. The competition war can always pushes better technology such better graphic to consumer and keep the cost down. We will take what we can get. [Via CBS/Cnet]
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