Android was originally written for ARM processors, like those found in most current smartphones. This has meant Intel has had to play catch-up to port Android to x86 architecture.

“Our expectation is that (native x86 Android) will be based on the Froyo release and will be available this summer to developers” Renee James, Intel’s senior VP for software and services said.

Via APC.

NotebookReview managed to get hold of two Alienware M11x models at E3, one with the 1.066GHz Core i5-520UM processor and another with the 1.2GHz Core i7-640UM. They ran a wPrime test and compared the results to the original M11x they reviewed that sported the 1.4GHz SU4100. As you’d expect the Core i7 and Core i5 was faster than the SU4100, however overclocking the SU4100 gave it second place at 51.15 seconds compared to 39.47seconds (lower is better) for the Core i7-640UM. However, both the Core i5 and i7 models are also overclockable. Check out the results after the jump.

Alienware M11x CPU wPrime 32M test:

Intel Core i7-640UM 39.47s
Intel Pentium Dual-core SU4100 (overclocked) 52.15s
Intel Core i5-520UM 55.37s
Intel Pentium Dual-core SU4100 66.24s

They conducted some 7-Zip benchmarks comparing the performance against other Atom processors such as the Atom 330 and Atom D510 dual-core nettop processors along with the Atom N450 and Intel Core 2 Solo SU3300. Performance was broadly in line with the Atom D510 Pine Trail nettop processor but was nearly double that of the single-core N450 Atom processor found in most new netbooks.

Whilst the performance is not that different to the current Atom D510 the energy efficiency is. The Atom N550 has a TDP of 8.5W compared to 13W for the D510. This should mean increased runtime on netbooks using the new CPU. Overall, the N550 looks like a solid offering for the power netbook user.

Via Notebook Italia.

Sascha from NetbookNews.de managed to get some hands-on time behind closed doors at Computex and says that it is one of the fastest netbooks he has used. Performance was “zippy” and whilst he managed to perform a Windows Experience Index (WEI) benchmark, he wasn’t able to divulge the score although he did say that we’ll “be pleased”. The price point will also be under $600, which appears to be well worth the premium over a typical netbook given the form-factor. Check out the hands-on video after the break.

Intel also announced its Canoe Lake platform that enables super-sleek netbook designs. The reference design is 50percent slimmer than current netbooks and measures just 14mm in thickness. The design is good for either single-core or dual-core Pine Trail Atoms. Netbooks using this design are expected to appear “over time”.

Lastly, Intel announced its DDR3 processor parts. This includes the N455 and N475 Atom for netbooks and D425 and D525 for nettops. The main benefit using DDR3 is energy efficiency, clock speeds remain the same as before.

Intel Dual-Core Atom

Intel Canoe Lake Reference Design

It will also be capable of full 1080p HD video playback and will support MeeGo, Windows 7 and Google’s Android and Chrome OS operating systems. It is expected to launch in early 2011. Click through for a large slide picture.

There will also be support for Hyper Threading and Turbo Boost on select processors. The TDP across the range is 17W. The company has over 40 design wins using these new processors that will start to launch from June. Click through for some slides of the new CPUs.

This will be welcome by many, however personally I hope the M11x also gets Nvidia Optimus technology at the same time. The inclusion of the intelligent GPU switching tech should mean a longer run time. We’ll keep you posted on developments, but in the mean time check out the video interview after the jump (the reveal is at 2:20).

Via Engadget.

Intel has not formally announced its DDR3 1.6GHz N455 and 1.83GHz N475 Atom processors, however we may expect further details at Computex in a couple of weeks time. One of the benefits of the new chip was increased power efficiency. MSI claims that the Wind U160DX should be good for 15 hours of runtime. No word on availability or pricing for now.

Via NewGadgets.de.

Intel has now removed this display size restriction according to Digitimes. This means that OEMs can now use the N550 Atom in larger netbooks with display sizes of 11.6-inches and 12.1-inches. The previous restriction was in place as Intel feared using the faster processor in larger netbooks would cannibalise sales of notebooks.