Nettop follows netbook

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I was recently offered a one-hour exclusive interview with Intel Corporation right after the launch of the Intel Atom processor.

"Why launch the new Atom when it has been around since Computex in June, and so many different netbook models based on this processor are already in the hands of consumers?", was the first question I asked Ajay Mathur, Intel's regional marketing manager for Southeast Asia. Budi Wahyu Jati, the country manager for Indonesia, was also there to accompany him.

Intel’s downsized Atom processors come in three different types. The chips are smaller than a thumbnail but contain 47 million transistors. (JP/Zatni Arbi)

It turns out that Intel has three different Atom processors -- the Atom 230 series for desktop computers called "nettop", the Atom 270 series for the "netbook", and the Atom Z5 series for mobile Internet devices.

Why nettop instead of desktop? It is easy to confuse a powerful desktop based on the Intel Core and the Intel Atom processors.

"We need to make the differences crystal clear to the consumers," said Budi.

So, what are these differences he was alluding to?

Technically, the main difference is this: The netbook processor has five levels of performance. Depending on the type of task the computer has to do, the power can be lowered and raised one level to conserve battery power such as Hp DP390A battery, Compaq PP2100 battery, Compaq Presario R3000 battery(Compaq r3000 battery), Compaq Presario X6000 battery, Hp Pavilion ZV5000 battery(Hp zv5000 battery), Hp Pavilion ZV6000 battery(Hp zv6000 battery), Hp Pavilion DV1000 battery(Hp dv1000 battery), Hp PF723A battery.

The Atom processor for nettop has only two levels, as there is no battery juice to worry about. However, both of these processor types are very energy efficient, as it is produced using a 45 nm fabrication. The chip itself is smaller than a thumbnail, but it contains 47 million transistors.

"If you have one or two desktops, the savings on energy costs may not be significant," Ajay said.

"But, if you have hundreds of PCs being used only for ordinary tasks, such as text document creation, spreadsheet calculation and presentation, then the cost savings as opposed to the full-featured PCs will multiply," he added.

We then discussed the netbook versus notebook and the nettop versus desktop computers. Both the nettop and netbook have Internet-readiness and affordability as their strong point. In the case of the netbook, the list also includes portability.

"If you want to run resource-hungry programs such as Photoshop and AutoCad, the netbook or nettop simply cannot cut it. You'll have to use a notebook or a workstation," said Ajay.

This should address the woes that a lot of computer users have had for so many years. There is no more reason for them to complain that they only use a fraction of their notebook's capability to perform their daily work.

The Mobile Internet Device (MID) may be a bit confusing. Why would we need another Internet-oriented device if we already have a laptop and a smartphone with us? The only explanation I have is that the MID is for those who think the netbook is still too bulky.

"If you go to a wedding party, you would not entertain the idea of bringing your netbook," responded Ajay, "It is on these occasions that the MID will come handy."

Another interesting piece of news that came out during the press conference that preceded my interview was that a growing number of local computer manufacturers were ready with their nettop.

"Many of these local nettop manufacturers are outside Jakarta," said Budi. There are now nettops produced in Makassar, Surabaya and even Kediri.

A nettop does not necessarily have to be small in size. Mugen, our long-time local brand, displayed a nettop built with a mid-sized casing during the launch event.

And, judging from the success of the low cost netbooks, we can forecast a rosy future for the nettop as well. The move toward Green IT environment, the skyrocketing cost of energy and power, and the realization that your computer does not have to be able to do everything (including cook your dinner) are just some of the factors that are driving their popularity.

By the way, Intel is not the only chipmaker that designs and manufactures processors for small notebooks. It has a competitor called Via Technologies. Via has also been making processors for Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC). These are the processors used by HP in its 2133 Mini-Note and Ion (a local brand by Metrodata).

In my informal test of an Ion UMPC, the unit operated smoothly without a glitch. However, a lot of consumers feel more comfortable using the processors from Goliath.

At any rate, hopefully now you know when to buy a netbook instead of a notebook. Or, similarly, when you should buy a nettop instead of a desktop.