Intel denies blocking nVidia from the netbook market
Rumors have been flying around on the Web that Intel is planning on squeezing nVidia out of the video chipset business for nettops and netbooks. nVidia’s platform the Ion, integrates the Intel Atom with nVidia’s GeForce 9400M chipset. Intel is claiming that these accusations are false and the company has no plans of squeezing out nVidia.
NVidia recently revealed its Ion platform, which would integrate the GeForce GPU along with the Intel Atom for netbook and nettop use. If successful, this would give nVidia a greater share of the chipset market, as the company would be able to expand into a growing market sector of ultraportable and functional nettops and netbooks.
However, some have speculated that Intel would try to squeeze nVidia out in attempts to secure its own market share by using Intel based graphic chipsets. Considering that Intel is already under the microscope for anti-trust allegations, this move would put greater scrutiny on the company.
According to Internet News, Bill Calder, an Intel spokesperson revealed that there is no such ploy to squeeze out nVidia. He states, “There is nothing preventing vendors from using the Ion platform. We sell Atom as a stand-alone processor, or as package with chipset.”
Even Jon Peddie, an analyst, indicated that it would be risky for Intel to try to force a monopoly at this time. He states, “Intel is extremely sensitive to potential litigation and wouldn’t knowingly or willfully do anything that would put the company, its suppliers or its shareholders at risk of a lawsuit.”
It is a bit difficult to determine if there is any basis for these rumors, however it seems that considering the situation Intel is currently in, the smart move would be to play nice with nVidia for the time being.
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