Generation Atom Netbook Processor

Rising prices and better alternatives may mean curtains for netbooks. The small portable computers were popular in 2009, but some industry watchers are convinced that their popularity is already waning. "The days of the netbook are over," said Stuart Miles, founder and editor of technology blog Pocket Lint. As prices edge upwards, net-using habits change and other gadgets take on their functions, netbooks will become far less popular, he thinks. "Technology has advanced so much that it's outmanoeuvred itself," he said. "You wouldn't go for something so basic Intel on Monday launched its next-generation Atom netbook processor, saying it will bring longer battery life and improved system performance to low-cost laptops. The single-core Atom N450 chip is 60 percent smaller than existing Atom processors, and consumes close to 20 percent less power, said Anil Nanduri, director of netbook marketing at Intel. The chip draws about 5.5 watts of power, according to an Intel specification sheet. The small footprint of the chip could also lead to new device