Speculation a month or so back that Intel will soon be releasing a dual-core Atom processor failed to be followed by the anticipated announcement. Now we know why: shortages of the single-core version.

So maintain motherboard-maker moles cited by DigiTimes. They claim that the two-core Atom - model number 330 - was due to go into mass production next month.

Now, we'll have to wait until September at the earliest.

The reason has been the shortage of single-core Atom 230s, which Register Hardware reviewed this week. Intel has clearly focused production on the current model, presumably to meet demand.

According to the insiders, Intel's due to update its customers on its planse for the dual-core Atom in August, but if demand for the 230 is strong - all those Asian PC makers preparing ultra-compact desktops - it's not hard to imagine Intel holding fire on the 330 to give the 230 a longer shelf-life.

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