Intel Relaxes Netbook Restrictions

A netbook loses most of its appeal when prices soar near or above that of a traditional notebook, and to prevent that from happening, Intel put certain restrictions in place for any manufacturers hoping to score a discounted Atom platform. One of the biggest rules netbook makers had to follow was the 10.1-inch form factor, or at least they used to. According to reports, Intel is rethinking things going forward.

Intel's Next Generation Atom Processors to Use PowerVR Graphics

One thing today's batch of nettop and netbook Atom processors all have in common is that they use Intel graphics technology. That won't be the case with Cedarview, Intel's next generation of "full fat" Atom chips, with the Santa Clara chip maker instead choosing to tap into PowerVR's IP. That means the Atom processors of tomorrow will sport PowerVR's SGX545 graphics core.

VIA Reportedly Working on Quad-Core Chips for Late 2011 Release

Hey, look who's finally joining the quad-core party! It's VIA, who according to reports, is announcing a new chip aptly called "QuadCore." The new part is comprised of two Nano X2 chips slapped onto a single package for a low-cost, low-power processor that will debut sometime in late 2011.

Silvermont is Intel's New Atom Architecture Using 3D Transistors

Intel is reportedly working on a new Atom-based micro-architecture codenamed "Silvermont" set to ship in 2013. The new chip architecture is based on Intel's recently announced 3D transistors and is supposed to enable better integration, performance, and power efficiency. As with all upcoming Atom chips, Silvermont will be a system-on-a-chip (SoC) design.

MSI's CR460 Laptop Comes with Sandy Bridge, "Friendly Price"

There should be an actual rule, not just an unwritten one, that if a manufacturer pitches a new product as a bargain or, in this case, carrying a "friendly price," said company should, oh, maybe disclose that price? We're thinking out loud here, but that seems fair to us. In any event, MSI announced its new generation CR460 notebook, giving us the skinny on the display size, processor, storage, and everything in and around the laptop, that is except the price tag.

New Pentium Chips Punch Ticket on the Sandy Bridge Express

You didn't really think Intel would retire the Pentium brand, did you? Apparently that's just crazy talk, man! Nope, Intel isn't doing away with its aging Pentium nomenclature, and in fact is getting ready to launch a trio of new Pentium chips with Sandy Bridge DNA later this month, and perhaps as early as next week. Hit the jump to find out what you can expect from a modern day Pentium processor.

Ubuntu 11.04 Still Tripping Over Sandy Bridge

Much to the chagrin of Linux users, support for Intel's Sandy Bridge platform has been anything but stellar. Many hoped Canonical's Ubuntu 11.04 "Natty Narwhal" release would improve this rocky relationship between Linux and Intel's latest silicon, but according to reports, these new chips are still giving open-source users fits.