Netbooks have emerged as a popular option for executives who need simple access to Internet applications. However, one limitation with these systems has been their graphic capabilities. Aware of that shortcoming, Intel has developed a graphically enhanced netbook microprocessor, and devices relying on it may start to arrive in a few months.Though they have only been available for a few years, Netbooks have become quite popular. Intel claims to have shipped more than 40 million Atom netbook chips to its OEMs. In fact, the netbook ramp up has been faster than that of Apple's iPhone and Nintendos Wii. Yet netbook graphics have been criticized as cumbersome and slow. The Intel Atom N450 microprocessor integrates graphics and a memory controller into the CPU. Previously, the Intel graphics and the memory controller resided outside the CPU. The change should enable systems to process multimedia information faster and free up bandwidth so the processor can communicate with other components.

In addition to that improvement, the single-core Atom N450 chip is 60 percent smaller than existing Atom processors, and consumes 5.5 watts of power, close to 20 percent less power than previous models. The processor works with Linux and Microsofts Windows 7 and Windows XP operating systems. Intel expects hardware vendors to have netbooks based on the Atom ready for display in January, which means that shipments could begin in as little as a few months.

Laptops were once the only option for nomad executives. Smartphones have been gaining more capabilities and now are able to serve as laptop replacements. In addition, netbooks have become quite popular, and tablets are stating to create a buzz. With the enhancements made to Intels Atom microprocessor, it seems that netbooks will gain a share of this emerging market.