HP Negotiates With Intel To Ease Restrictions

HP executives are currently negotiating with Intel to relax its current restrictions that limit the use of Atom series processors only in netbook PCs with a maximum screen size of 10.2″, in view of HP hoping to use the same Atom processor in newer netbook models that feature a much larger display. HP’s 2009 roadmap has revealed that the company wants to roll out an 11.6″ model sometime in the second quarter of this year, while a 13.3″ model is tipped to be released this coming June, and both will have the Intel Atom processor running. It is expected for both parties to reach a conclusion by the end of this month, and HP’s sheer sales volume and brand image could probably cause Intel to grant their consent. Does this mean other netbook manufacturers will follow suit?