Atomic shortage blamed on bottlenck

JUST WHEN INTEL had computer makers getting all hot for its new Atom processor, shortages of the chip are forcing firms like Asustek to use older, soggier chips instead.

Top investigative hack, Sumner Lemon reports that the Taiwanese makers of the Eeeeeeeee PC had to resort to using Chipzilla’s 900-MHz Celeron M 353 in two of its recent little 'puters, for lack of Atomic supply.

Intel blames the uber popularity of its little chip, saying that a stronger-than-expected demand is to blame for shortages.

A spinner for Chipzilla told the INQ: “We’re pleased with the demand for the Intel Atom processor, it’s better than anticipated.” Adding, “we’re working closely with our customers to meet their needs.”

Not, "What are you a legal person?"

A spokesman previously told Computerworld that testing was a constraint which was limiting production of Atoms, but couldn’t say when supply would catch up with demand.

Analysts told Sumner that testing and assembling raw bits of silicon into finished chips is something of a labour-intensive process.

Especially if many don't make the grade.

In statement to the INQ today, SpIntel said: “We anticipated a certain demand which we will clearly meet, and we are working to meet the additional demand." See. µ