September was the official launch timeframe for Cedar Trail D, a desktop 32nm Atom with new graphics that support even full HD.
Two CPUs, the Atom D2700 at 2.13GHz and the slower Atom D2500 clocked at 1.86GHz, were launched in September, Q3 2011 but they are still nowhere to be found. Lenovo does have one machine based on these processors but so far we haven’t seen it shipping.
Back in September we reported that certain software issues, or rather driver issues to be more exact are to blame for the delay. We've seen Intel’s roadmap with DirectX 9 support instead of previously internally advertised DirectX 10 support for new Atoms.
It turns out that netbooks, the ones that should get Atom N2800 and N2600 parts, won’t even officially launch this year. We don’t doubt that we will see some machines based on these new processors at CES in early January but you won't be able to buy a netbook based on Cedar Trail M in what’s left of 2011.
Production of 32nm Atoms is fine, and yields are good, and our sources continue to insist that it’s all about the driver bug that keeps Intel and its partners from getting some really desirable Windows certification. Apparently non-WHQL driver cost partners some money, and with Atom products selling for $200 to $300 on tight margins this is probably the last they want.
Also read:
Intel Cedar Trail delayed yet again
Mobile Cedar Trail coming in December