Fusion: the anathema of an Atom
In the realm of netbook processors, the more GHz does not imply more power. Just think of it this way: a dual-core AMD E-350 running at 1.6GHz can beat the top-of-the-line (as of now) Intel Atom N570, which is also dual-core, and on the surface, faster than the E-350 because of an extra 0.06GHz. Not at all – in fact, the performance of the E-350 outstrips the N570 by a long shot.
Below will list various processors and their processing power. The following list ranks from the most powerful to the weakest,
- AMD E-series processors (dual-core)
- AMD C-series processors (dual-core)
- Intel Dxx processors (dual-core)
- Intel N5xx processors (dual-core)
- Intel N4xx processors (except N-435)
- Intel N2xx processors
- Intel N435 processor
However, the major difference between the Atoms and the AMD processors is that the latter has discrete graphics by default. All AMD processors come with a HD-capable Radeon graphics processor, which guarantees you smoothness when playing HD-videos on a 1920×1080 external monitor.
On the other hand, Intel N-series processors, for now, are still plagued with the extremely weak Intel GMA integrated graphics which is pretty decent for sub-HD videos, but once you try 720p and above, it is tested to its limit. While the N570 can render 720p quite well, the single-core N4xx or N2xx struggle to play HD movies well.
If you want powerful graphics while on a N-series processor, you’ll need to get a netbook with Nvidia ION on it. Nvidia ION is a discrete graphics processor supplanted on the integrated Intel GMA which will allow you to switch between power-saving internal graphics and the 1080p-capable Nvidia ION. Do note that Nvidia ION 2 has an eight-core version that comes in netbooks while 16-core versions are only available on nettops or other, larger (generally =>11.6″) netbooks.
The best processors are generally the E-series netbook, which generally are borderline notebooks. In fact, in North America, certain manufacturers make full-size notebooks with these processors which you can get for around $350. The latest AMD E-450 promises to be better and still be energy efficient while being capable of playing hardcore games such as Battlefield Bad Company 2 on low settings.
Battery life is generally best on the Atom.
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I have an HP DM1z with the E-350. Battery life sucks, but at least I can squeeze out some power out of the processor when playing some not-so-demanding games. I could have opted for another laptop by spending more but…didn’t :/