Are PC Makers Shifting Away From Intel’s Atom?

Industry sources from Taiwan indicates that the demand for Intel’s Atom processor has been slowing despite the rush to build cheaper computers during the recession. Digitimes offers a few explanations:

• Celeron-based notebooks can compete in price with Atom-based computers
• Low end notebooks based on CULV processors (ultra low volate) are coming up this summer
• PC Makers are waiting for the upcoming dual-core Atom before resuming purchasing

There’s is definitely a market segment for CULV processors that are faster than Atom and use less power than other mobile CPUs (Core, Celeron), so in the $500-$800 range, expect to see less atom and more CULV. However, users who prefer longer battery life over speed will stick to an Atom-based platform.