Things to Look For Before Buying an Atom-based Computer

Intel has recently launched the Atom processor for low-cost netbooks. While

machines based on this processor provide good value for money for basic business

apps, they are not meant for users who run resource hungry apps such as

animation software or games. Let's look at what you need to keep in mind before

purchasing such a system

Most laptops today are loaded with a number of features and are almost as

powerful as their desktop counterparts, but for some cost is still a hindrance.

There are a number of people out there who just want to access Internet or use

basic productivity applications while on the go, but buying a laptop is an

expensive proposition. Also a smaller device is what some of the users, such as

students, require so that it can be carried easily to colleges or schools in

their backpacks. One of the options in the ultra small category is UMPCs

(ultra-mobile PCs), however, they cost a bomb. Also a number of people are

willing to trade high-end features of a notebook with a smaller form factor that

runs basic productivity apps.

This year Intel launched a new line of processors under the brand name Atom,

targeted to run devices such as netbooks, nettops and smart phones. Almost

everyone these days knows what smartphones are but netbooks and nettops are

comparatively newer in terms of awareness. As the name suggests, netbooks and

nettops both are nothing else but notebooks and desktops which are meant for

Internet browsing and running your basic productivity applications. Ever since

the launch of this new processor, we have been eagerly waiting to get our hands

on computers powered by this new microprocessor.

The new platform



Atom is the smallest processor ever made by Intel till now and is designed on a
45 nm CMOS process. It's a low cost processor with lower clock speeds but

powerful enough to run the new wave of MIDs smoothly. It is an ideal processor

of choice of processor for these devices due to its lower power consumption

which results in increased battery life. Though it's based on an entirely new

architecture, Atom has been developed for low power consumption while

maintaining compatibility with Intel's core micro architecture instruction set.

It also features multiple threads for better performance and increased system

responsiveness. Devices running on these processors are good enough to keep you

connected while on the go, run your basic productivity apps and have

capabilities to run entertainment features. Atom will also be the processor

featured on the new mobile platform for such devices called the Intel Centrino

Atom.

Internet connectivity options



It is a thing of the past when the only way to access the Internet required

you to stay glued to your desk. With more than a few options available now to

reach the web while you're on the move, one doesn't want to buy a machine that

would cripple you from using them. Like laptops these new age MIDs also provide

users with the convenience of being able to access mail and browse the Internet

while on the move or when at one of the many WiFi hotspots. Available netbooks

are equipped with WiFi for Wireless and onboard modems or LAN card for wired

Internet access. Nettops come equipped with WiFi so you don't have to get into

the tangle of wires while connecting to the Internet.

Operating System



Nettops and Netbooks usually come pre-loaded with Windows XP (obviously they had
too!). If you still want Vista, then think of running Vista on your old Pentium

4 or Celeron processor and you should get the answer. These devices are

primarily designed to enable users to browse Internet and run basic productivity

applications and in no way should they be thought of as high performance laptops

or desktops.

Hard disk drives



Like any other laptop or desktop, storage capacity plays an important role as
the requirements are always likely to increase rather than the other way around.

Storage up to a modest 160 GB is what's mostly available and if you want you can

connect an external drive through the USB.

RAM capacity



The main reason why Vista is not recommended on these systems is that the
hardware is not powerful enough to do so. Therefore a 1GB DDR2 RAM should do the

job of running XP smoothly and that's what a number of devices come loaded with.

Optical drives



A number of products based on Atom miss out on an optical drive and there is
more than one reason for this phenomenon. First, the devices are designed to

deliver optimum battery performance and second is their form factor. Both

require the device to have as less hardware as possible. If an optical drive is

essential then an external DVD-RW drive can be connected to the computer through

a USB port and would cost you an extra 2k — 5k.

Webcam



A webcam enables you to complete your Internet experience as video conferencing
becomes possible. Apart from video chat, you can simply click pictures or make

video clips when needed or when you're too bored. Netbooks available in the

market generally have a webcam on board while you can connect an external one to

a nettop.

Connectivity ports



There can be more than a few connectivity ports in a laptop or desktop computer
but due to space and power constraints that's not the case for these devices.

Therefore, when buying one should keep in mind what all ports the device has. A

netbook should be equipped with at least 3 USB 2.0 ports, a VGA out, Ethernet,

microphone in and headphone out ports.

On the other hand, a nettop if not equipped with PS/2, should atleast have

4-5 USB 2.0 ports as a keyboard and a mouse might also be required to be

connected at the same time.

Screen size and weight



This criteria is not completely applicable to nettops as the screen size is
generally as big as you want and the size of the CPU shouldn't matter much.

Netbooks on the other hand generally come in smaller screen sizes of around

10” or so. The smaller screen is one of the main reasons for the small size of

the complete device plus lower power consumption.

Easy on your pocket



The price of these devices remains a big attraction for people looking to run
basic productivity apps considering their form factor is similar to the Lenovo

X300 or a Macbook Air which cost several times more than these. The lower cost

processor being the chief reason for this. Other things which contribute to

their low MRPs is the absence of features such as an optical drive and extra

connectivity ports. Devices available based on the Atom processor are

competitively priced between 15k to 30k.

Battery backup



The Atom is a small processor designed for lower power consumptions for a

new generation of mobile Internet devices. A nettop fitted with a smaller 3 cell

battery is capable of delivering backup equivalent to mainstream laptops with

bigger 6 cell batteries.