Swordfish Netbook Uses two Atom Processors for Added Power
Everyone likes the low prices that netbooks command, but few appreciate the low performance they provide. The Intel Atom processor does a good job powering netbooks for standard tasks, but there are those who wish the Atom had a dual-core option. Colombian netbook maker Haleron feels that pain, and developed a netbook that harnesses two physical Atom processors to handle increased workloads.
The Swordfish Net N102 was developed by Haleron to make the two Atom processors work like more powerful dual-core processors. The two Atom N270 processors attack the performance issues while keeping the price point low.
A netbook with a single Atom chip “just could not support the multi-tasking needs of students and professionals,” it said. So it set out to build its own. It modified Intel’s 945 chipset to run the two processors, which took it about six months. The processors divide the workload, much like a dual-core processor does, the company said.
Haleron claims that even with two Atom processors onboard, the Swordfish can deliver 4.5 hours of typical runtime on the 6-cell battery. The special netbook is $449 while the 6-cell battery adds another $29.
Specs:
- Dual Processors Intel Atom N270 1.6G
- RAM :2G DDRII
- Bluetooth :2.0,100 Meters
- Built-in 3G Module: WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100
- Built-in Camera :1.3MP
- Display :10.2 Inch 1024*600WXGA
- HDD :160GB SATA HDD
- WIFI :Frequency 54M ,802.11 b/g
- Windows XP Home
- Microsoft Office
(via IDG News)
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The Atom DOES have a dual-core option. This makes absolutely no sense to me, it’s got to cost more to have two separate CPUs than to use the dual-core chip.
It does, but isn’t that currently only for nettops? In any case, I agree with you — no sense to me either. ;)
Let’s see, no WiFi N option, uses the somewhat older Bluetooth 2.0 rather than 2.1, and nothing that shows that the two CPUs actually perform all that well. I’d have to see some screaming numbers – or better yet some streaming 720P Flash Video – before I would believe this is better than going with the Nvidia Ion platform for most users.
Total waste – if performance were my concern for them I’d be banging on Intel’s door for – wait for it – Pinetrail. Seriously, these guys have no knowledge of Intel’s roadmap? Fine, even Medfield at 32nm may be out of reach right now, but Arrandale IS due out pretty soon.
On the other hand, if those two cpu’s were pinetrail chips… :)
This would’ve been cool 6 months ago