Intel to phase out Atom 230 and 330

Intel phased-out the first generation Atom processors last year in December with the launch of pine trail processors. However, the production of the first generation Nettop processors was still kicking, until now. Intel has given a notice to its partners that it will be retiring the Atom 230 and Atom 330 in the Q2 2010. That said, the company will continue to offer Atom D410 and D510 processors to the OEMs and netbook manufactures which are NOT compatible with the DDR3 RAM modules.

ION-powered Active Zepto Nettop

Zepto is an ION-powered nettop from the land of Italy. Underneath, you will find the Atom 330 dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB (optional 320GB) hard disk. Like any other modern nettop, you get ION chipset, HDMI and DVI ports, DVD burner. We must say that we are impressed its specs as-well-as its sharp looks.

Note that RAM is upgradable to 2GB. There is no information on its price.

Asus EeeBox EB1501U and EB1012U make appearance on Asus’ website

Asus has now added the aforementioned Eee Boxes on their Global website. Both, EB1501U and EB1012U use Intel Atom dual core 330 processors (1.6GHz) and the fancy ION chipset. The EB1012U lacks built-in optical drive, being the only difference between the two.

There is no information on their price.

ECS MD120 Nettop – ION Nettop

Wish to own a bare-bones nettop? If yes, then this ION nettop may suit you perfectly. The ECS MD120 nettop comes equipped with a dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor and NVIDIA ION graphics. What you will NOT find in this nettop is an OS, RAM or hard disk. There is a space for DVD burner that you will have to get it yourself. You get a total of 6 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and DVI ports, 6-channel audio, D-Sub port and a multi-card reader. Measuring 10.6″ x 7.9″ x 2.4″, it has an attractive price tag too: $269+$10 for shipping. Available at NewEgg

Note of caution: There is not even built-in WiFi. You will have to add it yourself.

Commentary: It is axiomatic that it is meant for the modders and folks who like to hand-pick the stuff themselves. After all, the only thing you are getting here is a nettop cabinet with ION+Atom CPU

Harelon Swordfish Net 20 – Dual Core Atom, but no ION

Haleron has launched a new sporty netbook, Swordfish Net 20. Unlike most netbooks that we come across by everyday, it comes with high performance Intel Atom 330 Dual Core processor that is more commonly seen in nettops rather than netbooks. It has a standard 10.2-inch screen, 250GB HDD and 2GB RAM. It has also features Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port and Ethernet. It even features a 3G modem so that you remain connected wherever you go.

You can choose between Linux or Windows 7 operating system. It will be available in wide range of colors with the prices starting at $499.

[Official webpage]

Dual core Intel Atom 510 TDP uncovered – 13W which means it is STILL a power-sipping processor

The TDP (Thermal Design Power) for the new dual-core Atom D510 processor for nettops is 13W. For those who know the TDP of dual-core Atom 330 processor, it sounds a lot more. TDP of dual core Atom 330 is 8W, but that does not includes the TDP of its Intel 945GC chipset which is 6W. This brings us to a total of 14W (8W+6W).

The Atom 510 has Northbridge and graphic chipset integrated. The Northbridge (Intel 945SE) has 6W TDP and Southbridge needs additional 3.3W. So, if the NM10 Southbridge will require the same, 3-4W for its operation, the TDP of the dual core Atom 510 will end up at 16.3W which is similar to current dual core Atom 330 CPU, 14W (with Intel 945GC chipset)

Click on read more to learn more about TDP

FunTwist Fiono 330 – An ION-based Dual Core Atom Nettop

The FunTwist Fiono 330 nettop is a dual-core Atom based nettop that comes with Nvidia ION graphic chipset. There is an option to get one of these with no hard disk, RAM or OS. It is at 25,00 yen (US$ 276) in Japan.

You can configure it with upto 4GB RAM and choice of your hard disk.

[Funtwist Fiono]

Acer Aspire Revo 3600 Nettop sports Dual-Core Atom 330

Acer is soon going to unveil its Dual Core nettop, Aspire Revo 3600 at IFA. This model brings in a dual-core Atom 330 processor and 4GB RAM instead of the single-core Atom 230 and 2GB RAM. Instead of weak GMA 950 Intel Graphic Chipset, it packs in a mighty Nvidia’s ION chipset which should be able to play your HD movies just fine. It also has HDMI port and VESA mount.

There is no word on its price, release date or the OS which it will carry. However, we expect the OS to be nothing but Windows 7