Hewlett-Packard and Fujitsu are updating existing netbook models with new Atom processors that were announced last week by Intel at the Computex trade show.
The new Atom chips, the N455 and N475, run at the same speeds as their predecessors but include integrated DDR3-capable memory controllers, allowing data to be exchanged faster between the memory and CPU and boosting overall system performance.
HP is updating its Mini 210 netbook with the DDR3-capable chips, according to a brochure on its Web site.
The netbook has a 10.1-inch screen and 320GB of storage. It will come with up to 1GB of memory for the Windows XP version and 2GB with Windows 7. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the netbook can also be configured to include 3G mobile broadband, GPS and a video accelerator.
The laptop will offer up to nine-and-a-half hours of battery life, according to the brochure. HP did not return calls about availability or pricing. It is still offering netbooks with the older Atom processors, starting at US$279.99.
Fujitsu in Japan announced the MH380-1A laptop, which will include the Atom N475 processor, according to a page translated through Google Translate. The laptop will come with WiMax mobile broadband and include a 10.1-inch screen, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It will run the Windows 7 OS. The PC will start shipping on June 17. Pricing was not immediately available.
