Windows 7 to revolutionise netbook design

Windows 7 is only a couple of months from launch now, and among all its other benefits it could spark a mini-revolution in the design and spec of the average netbook. How? Read on and we’ll tell you…

The fact that Windows 7 will be available as a free upgrade to anyone who buys (or has bought) a Windows Vista or XP-equipped netbook this summer means that a lot of people could be left running the spanking new OS on relatively old hardware. Not good.

Basically this has spurred hardware manufacturers to whip up the next generation of netbooks, specced up to run Windows 7. At last week’s Intel Technology Summit in San Francisco, Intel execs made some interesting predictions: on the tech front we’ll see Intel’s new Pine Trail Atom processor become the standard chip – as it delivers both CPU and graphics processing in a single piece of silicon and is more powerful than the current Atom processor.

Design-wise, Intel said we’ll see the emergence of a new class of premium netbook called the “ultrathin”. As the name suggests, ultrathins will be skinnier than most laptops and netbooks (less than an inch), and will sport 13.3-inch and possibly 15.6-inch screens. These models will use laminar cooling to stop them overheating and keep their outer skin from becoming uncomfortable on your lap, and Intel says that newly designed fans will also be used to get the hot air out. Power will also be managed more efficiently, boosting battery life.

October isn’t too far away, so we’ll soon see if Intel’s claims are on the money. If they are, the netbook (and ultrathin) market could be a very different place come Christmas 2009.

Out TBC | TBC | Microsoft (via CNET)