Intel may not have decided whether netbooks are for grownups or not. But there’s one thing that’s clear. As long as netbooks are selling like hotcakes, Intel wants to make sure computer makers are buying its netbook parts. DigiTimes reports that Intel’s latest move is to offer white-box computer makers in China access to a handful of kits they can use to build netbooks round the Intel Atom platform.

For the equivalent of about $256, vendors can get a kit with an Intel Atom N270 CPU, 945GSE chipset, 8.9 inch display, 512MB of memory, 8GB or 16GB SSD and Linux operating system. For a bit more money vendors will be able to get a larger 10.2 inch display and other additional features.

We’ll probably never see any of the computers based on these specific kits in the US, since these are specifically for the Chinese market. But that’s not to say that Intel couldn’t offer similar kits to western manufacturers in the future.

Support Liliputing

Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).

But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.

Contribute to our Patreon campaign

or...

Contribute via PayPal

* If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it.

Subscribe to Liliputing via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,545 other subscribers

4 replies on “Intel offering netbook packages to Chinese computer makers”

  1. Not to worry folks. For that price with those specs the Chinese companies will buy maybe 2-3 each, take them apart to see if they can learn anything, then build their own models with cheaper prices.

    1. Agreed. But they can’t replicate the Atom, and the longsoon won’t cut it. The same is probably true of the graphics and I/O subsystems, I’m not aware of a Chinese made chip that even meets the 945’s low standards.

      This is all about fostering an ecosystem that only Intel can provide. Not that they don’t already own the market…but why not get more money and mindshare while you’re at it?

      It’s the homogeneity of hardware that bugs me so freakin’ much….

  2. yup – the old acer one concept …. but expensive like hell. one must really be stupid as an oem to buy such stuff ….. and wanting to sell it for about $350 to make some small revenues

  3. Welcome to the PC as an absolute commodity item, normal as toasters and televisions.

    I’m more sad about this than anything…who stands out anymore? Who innovates? What if I want something more freaking powerful than a 945 chipset?!

    No, we won’t see these in the US. But what can I say, I think every geek should get a chance at the good stuff, no matter their home.

Comments are closed.