What is the difference between Intel Centrino and Intel atom? I am wanting to purchase a notebook. The one I am interested in has an Intel Atom CPU. Could you please explain this to me? Thanks.

Re: Define Intel Atom

The Intel atom processor is their (Intel's second?) processor (CPU) designed specifically for "Net Books" (I have an Asus EePC and it has the earlier Celeron processor).

Net books are the little brothers (or sisters) of notebooks but above the average PDA. So they're like a littler notebook. They are fine for email, browsing, word processing, and are cheap etc. but the processor is not best suited to graphics or multimedia as it is designed to be very power economical so the (little) battery will last OK.

I find they're great for small utility use and communicating, great to carry around but the batteries really don't last very long (from charge to charge).

The Centrino is not exactly just a processor but rather a processor standard for a range of CPUs which were designed for notebooks to be power efficient - they mostly are 'stepping' capable (they can change speed depending on the load requirements) and have good capabilities in multimedia, conectivity etc. etc. - all the goodies you look for in a notebooks.

Bit hard to define in a limited space - maybe do a web search for a better description. So if you want a fully capable notebook get a Centrino or if you want a little net book for convenience get an Atom 'powered' one. Personally I dislike notebooks although I have one and it has been very reliable - they're heavy to carry and the keys are all over the place while net books are just what you expected - something small and handy to use on the road or for communicating but with somewhat limited ability and speed.

Priebs

Re: Define Intel Atom

You should do a search and see what the experts have to say.

http://www.intel.com/products/processor/atom/index.htm

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-atom-efficiency,2069.html

But basically it is a low power consuming, purpose built processor for mobile devices, e.g., smart phones etc. AAs an after thought, they decided to try them in Notebooks. Great to extend the battery life of your Notebook. Great if you only browse the internet or view photos. Way too underpowered if you want to run almost any modern application such as "Photoshop" or "Nero". Cheaper to buy because it is slower than i86 and Intel are finding it hard to con anyone to buy it . My advice would be to rethink what you will want to do with your new notebook in the future. With the Atom Processor, you will be limiting your options quite a bit.

Ben