The primary cause why we have seen such a pack of ‘cookie-cutter’ netbooks is due to hardware restrictions in place from both Intel and Microsoft. Both companies don’t want this ‘value’ segment consuming into profitable margins from their premium offerings.

The coming of Windows 7 has seen storage limitations upped by 160GB to 250GB, though most of these Windows 7 Starter models still only attach to 1GB RAM. This will change, yet, with the approaching 1.83GHz N470 Atom (Pineview) processors. Fudzilla is describing that Intel will be lifting the RAM limitations on netbooks using this central processing unit.

This relaxation will come after March 2010 just only for the N470 Atom and not for the slower 1.66GHz N450 Atom. The N470 Atom will attach to a NM10 southbridge also integrated graphics. Intel has directed to a price range of $299-$349 for these models, although I am sure they’ll be pricier than that. It’s also directed to computer storage of 160GB HDD or SSDs ‘tween 20-32GB. Somewhat cheekily it even recommends using Moblin Linux as the OS of choice (by the way moblin was developed by Intel.)

It remains a simple heart but the big difference ATOM processors that we know now it loads directly onto the same chip graphics chipset that we see in our current netbooks on a different chip.

In the picture above an MSI WIND U100 there are many:

1. ATOM N270 Processor
2. Southbridge ICHC7-M
3. The NorthBridge 945GSM

On the N470 you change the data: 3-chip processor / northbridge chipset with GMA950 graphics / southbridge to control the input / output card is going to a 2-chip solution.

Now on the chip ATOM N470 we will also manage the memory and the graphics previously reserved for the Northbridge. This system has a triple advantage for Intel. Firstly it reduces manufacturing costs since it could be that 2 chips to run a machine. Southbridge will continue to exist has a part to manage entries and exits from the map. This will make the whole more compact.

Then this solution is even less energy and give off less heat. This should increase the autonomy of machines substantially. The solution should N470 dissipate 6.5 watts in operation. The current expenditure 945GSE are about 6 watts all by himself which must be added the 2.5 watt processor for an ATOM N270 1.6Ghz.

Above all, this solution dramatically cut the grass under the feet to competitors wishing to offer a chipset for the Atom. We have seen that NVIDIA was gaining ground with the ION in recent weeks with the arrival of major players equipped netbooks and nettops this solution. Right out of the N470 and N450 (1.6Ghz), integration circuit ION will be impossible. Intel thus protects its market and they offer little to these new solutions at the same price as the current atomic, it seems clear that manufacturers wishing to incorporate in their netbooks ION will turn to other processor manufacturers. The graphics capabilities the integrated circuit at N470 is probably much better than the GMA 500 which currently our team netbooks, the application will not necessarily go to you for NVIDIA.

Far from one race to power these new processors combine simplicity, speed and autonomy: Good news for the vintage 2010.