Netbooks with a 10in screen and an Intel Atom N-series processor look set to move quickly beyond the so-far-standard 1024 x 600 resolution.

Until now, Intel has allegedly told Atom customers that they must not use screens larger than 10in in netbooks, most likely in an attempt to keep a clear boundary between netbook and notebook segments.

That restriction remains in place, Taiwanese manufacturers say by way of Chinese-language site HKEPC, but the 1024 x 600 resolution limit has been lifted.

Hence, of course, why Sony is able to offer is new Vaio W Atom N280-based netbook with a 10in, 1366 x 768 display. Until now, the only netbooks sporting that kind of resolution either used an Intel Z-series chip - the company's line of CPUs for handheld tablets - or eschewed Intel chippery altogether.

With their new-found freedom, expect vendors to offer more netbooks with the higher-resolution displays, the moles say. ®

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