Atom : Computer Hardware Buyers’ Glossary

Intel’s low end CPU (Central Processing Unit), with an AMD-32 bit instruction set. There is also a 64-bit Centerton line. They are popular in low cost notebook computers because they use little power, meaning a lighter-longer lasting battery. Aka C-series, E-series, Z-series, Bobcat. They tend to have fairly slow clock speeds. Windows 8 and Windows 32 bit applications run on the Atom. Retailers usually disguise the fact a given notebook uses an Atom CPU by not mentioning the CPU or clock speed.