Chipmaker AMD's hopes of ruling the world of notebooks has been given a jolt by Intel. AMD had launched the Yukon platform with the intent of dominating the niche between netbooks and traditional ultra portables but its main competitor Intel has countered the move by producing low cost chips. The performance of these chips would be between an Atom processor and Core Duo models.

By the second quarter of 2009, Intel intends to introduce a new consumer ultra-low voltage (CULV) platform into the market for ultra-portable notebooks. It would be priced between US$699-899. The top-three notebook vendors have already made plans to launch products based on the new platform. They are also expecting to help CULV-based notebook shipments reach 10 million units during the current year.

Hewlett-Packard (HP), which had plans of launching an Atom Zxx (Menlow)-based 13.3-inch notebook for its Mini-note line in June this year has now reverted to platform for the 13.3-inch notebook due to pressure from Intel.

It's going to be a tough time for the consumers on taking a decision about the right netbook or notebook in the coming year.