According to a Digitimes report, Intel is planning to launch a new Atom CPU no earlier than October.

Dubbed Atom N450, the new processor will replace the N270 used in most netbooks today. Unlike the N270, the N450 has some built-in northbridge functions, and the entire platform will consist of only two chips, unlike the current platform which has three. The new 45nm CPU will be coupled with the Tiger Point chipset, designated NM10.

Obviously the new two-chip design will be less power hungry, and due to its compact size it will allow manufacturers to come up with thinner, lighter netbooks, and possible even some new form factors. However, we still don't know the clocks and don't have any performance details.

Digitimes claims Intel will issue a last order notice for the N270 in Q1 2010, and it will cease production sometime in 1H 2010. It is still unclear what will happen to Silverthorne and Poulsbo, or should we say Z-series Atoms and the US15W chipset.

More here.