Intel announced the official name of its new family of low-power processor that were conceived especially for MIDs (mobile Internet devices) and a new class of Internet-centric computers.

Previously known as Silverthorne and Diamondville, these new chips will be officially alled Atom, Intel Atom. Intel also introduced the Intel Centrino Atom processor technology brand for MID platforms. It was formerly code-named Menlow and it will support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMax, and GPS (Global Positioning System) in silicon.

“Soon, you will see the Intel Centrino Atom brand on handheld devices that can bring an amazing internet experience in a device that fits in your pocket. You’ll see the Intel Atom processor powering a growing category of devices aimed at delivering affordable, Internet-centric uses”, wrote Brian Fravel Intel Director of Marketing, Brand Strategy, on the company’s blog.

The Intel Atom processor is not just a modified version of an existing processor. It is based

on an entirely new microarchitecture designed specifically for small devices and low power, while maintaining the Intel Core 2 Duo instruction set compatibility consumers are accustomed to when using a standard PC and the Internet. The new processor is fully compatible at the instruction set level with Intel's Core 2 Duo architecture.

According to the company, the chip measures less than 25 mm², making it Intel’s smallest and lowest power processor yet. Up to 11 Intel Atom processor die - the tiny slivers of silicon packed with 47 million transistors each - would fit in an area the size of an American penny.

To make this a reality, Intel used its cutting-edge manufacturing technology: 45 nanometer, Hi-k metal gate technology. The chips have a thermal design power (TDP) specification in 0.6-2.5 watt range and scale to 1.8GHz speeds depending on customer need.

Intel hopes that the Intel Atom processors will be the foundation of a new generation of devices: Internet-centric mobile computing devices dubbed “netbooks” and basic Internet-centric desktop PCs dubbed “nettops”.

The new chips are expected to be formally introduced in the second quarter, with hardware based on them available later in the year. Although Intel didn’t announce any details about the prices of its new processors, it is believed they will be in the $250 to $300 price range.