Intel to stop supply of Atom Z-series processors to netbook manufacturers

Intel to fulfill only those orders that have already been placed

There have been speculations and rumors in the air throughout this week. First, we heard that Asus and Acer will not release any new netbook model till Q1 2010. Secondly, we heard that Intel Pine Trail has been delayed. Finally, news came in that Intel Pine Trail is on track and is slated for a 2009 launch.

Now, a news report by Digitimes points out that, Intel has informed its customers that it will not accept any new orders for its Atom Z-series netbook processors. Intel is expected to completely stop the supply of Atom Z processors to the netbook market before the end of 2009. However, the company will still fulfill orders already placed by Acer, Asus, and MSI.

This means that Sony and Asus would have to hunt for other core components to run the Sony Vaio P and Asus Eee PC T91 respectively. This move has been made in order to better differentiate between netbooks and MIDs. The Z-series has fast become popular for non-MID devices, as it does not carry with it the same limitations on screen size, resolution, and other hardware specifications as Intel’s N-series netbook processors do.  This has allowed for the development of non-traditional form-factors such as the letterbox-aspect HD display of the VAIO P and the touchscreen-convertible of the T91.

Intel’s new Pine Trail Atom processor is also on the anvil and is said to arrive this year itself. This news has led to the rumor that after Pine Trail is launched Intel might phase out the Atom N270 and Atom N280 processors. We will have to just wait and watch.