Intel announces new Atom processors

SANTA CLARA (CALIFORNIA): Intel, the world's biggest manufacturer of computer chips, has announced a new line of powerful, energy-saving processors for popular mini-notebooks and starter computers.

The first devices with the new Atom platform should be available starting Jan 4, announced the company, or just before the industry-standard-setting Consumer Electronics Show, which runs Jan 7-10.

Several leading companies are already working with the new processor, though no prices were announced.

The new processors are smaller than their predecessors. Additionally, an integrated graphics processor means those functions are handled directly in the chip. That means manufacturers can make computers with smaller housings.

Additionally, the new Atom uses an average of 20 percent less energy, boosting the computer's running time. It can reach frequencies of 1.66 Gigahertz.

The original Atom was announced in mid-2008. The chips aren't the most powerful out there, but are very energy efficient, meaning they are most popular in mini-notebooks, which come packed with less hardware, but are small and light, making them ideal for mobile internet access.