Intel pitches low-cost PC platform at Eee PC rivals
'Shelton' not just a desktop platform
Expect a flood of Eee PC-style cheapo mini laptops in Q3 when Intel sends out its 45nm 'Diamondville' processor to computer makers. Diamondville plugs into 'Shelton', The chip giant's low-cost PC platform.
We first reported on Shelton and Diamondville back in November 2007, and then the emphasis was firmly on ultra-compact desktops. Now it seems Intel is also aiming the platform at laptops, computer manufacturer sources cited by DigiTimes claim.
That's not impossible. Shelton uses a variant of the 945G chipset - variously listed as the 945GSE and the 945GC - and together with the single-core Diamondville is intended for fanless systems. Diamondville is down as running its core at 1.6GHz and its frontside bus (FSB) at 533MHz. It consumes 3.5W, while the other system components take the overall platform power consumption to 8W.
Indeed, it's a very strong contender for the foundation of Asus' promised desktop Eee.
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COMMENTS
What to leave out?
1.8" drives are up to 160Gb and they're lower power than 2.5"
Do we actually need an onboard optical drive?
Do we actually need an external PCMCIA slot if there's enough USB and internal PC Card spaces?
I'd be happy with 1024 width which means a 10-12" display.
But mainly we need to get it all cheaper.
low cost?
Where to start.
1280x768 on a 12" screen? I used to be able to work with something like that around 10 years ago. Eyesight degrades with age you know. Personally, I reckon 1024 across is getting a shade too aggressive at 12", but it is at least usable.
Ditch the HDD to *save* money? Yeah, right. SSDs are sooo much cheaper, aren't they.
Grown up keyboard? On a *sub* notebook? I take it that you're expecting the Time Lords to design the casing then?
Ditch the touchpad? Yeah, 'cos using a mouse on your thigh is really handy and they're such fun to carry around.
Lose the DVD? ...and you've listed widescreen screen resolutions why exactly? Fun come O/S upgrade time as well.
No PC Card slot? Well, that just lost you the mobile, as in wireless on-the-move via the mobile networks, sales.
You haven't got the moon on a stick by any chance?
low cost subnotes ?
I want to see low cost subnotebooks with grown up keyboards and a 12" wide display (1024 x 600 or 1280 x 768). Save money by going Linux, ditching the DVD and HDD, get rid of useless touchpads, no PC Card slot, etc...
Picture
I want a picture of Andy Grove, naked and a-beachin', with that, ta!
