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Manufacturers Exploring Intel Atom-Based Designs

Monday July 28, 2008 9:30 am PDT by Arnold Kim

Toshiba Atom-based prototype from PCAuthority

With persistent rumors of some sort of tablet-based Mac, it is interesting to see what other device manufacturers are working on in their labs. Toshiba revealed last week a prototype device which relies on an on-screen keyboard. The device resembles the Ultramobile PCs that never saw mainstream adoption. This prototype, however, uses Intel's new Atom processor, a 64GB Solid state drive and GPS. Toshiba admits that this version of the device is not commercially viable since it is "too small" but they are continuing to explore the technology.

Atom is Intel's new low-power processor line that was formerly known as Silverthorne. Intel hopes these processors will power a new line of mobile internet devices (MIDs). The Atom processor shares the instruction set as the Core 2 Duo so Mac OS X could theoretically run on these new processors unaltered. Intel is expected to be releasing a 1.6GHz dual-core version of its Atom processor on September 21st.

Apple has been rumored to be adopting Intel's Atom processor for "multiple products" in 2008.
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bobsaget611
46 months ago
this thing is ugly
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tjcampbell
46 months ago
Tacky.
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Yvan256
46 months ago
I've read about some people running Hackintoshes based on the Intel D945GCLF mini-ITX motherboard. The result is a really small and really quiet hackintosh with about the same power as a G4 Mac mini (or so they say).

Mac nano, anyone?
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mac jones
46 months ago
Well it's good to see your keeping the tablet dream alive

....... every single day. :rolleyes:
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illitrate23
46 months ago
while that design is "too small" i think that anything much bigger is going to be too big to be portable enough - you might just as well have a macbook instead
(that prototype looks like it's heavier than a MacBook Air too!)

I'm not sure there really is a market for these ultra-portables or tablets until they can be very light, very thin and either a folder or extenable screen
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steve jr.
46 months ago

"Toshiba admits that this version of the device is not commercially viable since it is "too small" but they are continuing to explore the technology."


HAHAHHAHAHAHA. I thought that was the point of mobile devices - small form factor. People are stupid.
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Apple Ink
46 months ago
I dont think Apple's interested in this! Its a strange hybrid product that tries to keep its feet in two boats but drowns! Its performance is sub-par and its TDP and power consumption is far too high!
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Beric
46 months ago
New MBP's please Apple. :D

And that thing is ugly! However, I wouldn't mind seeing a small, full-featured Mac. But as much as looks aren't that important to me, I can't stand that thing! :eek:
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wizard
46 months ago
Really I have to wonder when they call the device "to small". Obviously they don't understand portable. The espcially don't understand Internet device!!

Let's hope Apple understands.

Dave
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danielwsmithee
46 months ago
It is interesting that Toshiba thinks that UMPCs were not successful because they were "too small." If anything this thing is still too large to be successful. What really killed the UMPC was the crappy software that ran on it that was designed for a mouse and keyboard. Take an OS similar to the iPhone's with more features in ~7-10" form factor and you would have a pretty cool device. I don't know that it would be all that useful, but it would be an awesome toy.
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