The netbook has seen tons of success as a low-cost solution for the casual PC user and during time of economic crisis, consumers are benefiting from Atom-based notebooks more than ever.

Consumers aside, Dell seems to think small businesses might be able to benefit from Atom-based computers too. PCWorld reports that Dell’s president of small and medium business group, Steve Felice, said in a conference call that the company was "exploring that, and there is some potential." Felice said that while the demand remained fairly low, Dell is already offering Atom-based computers to business in some markets.

While it’s an interesting concept, we can’t see too many businesses opting for an Atom-based PC just to cut back on costs (including the electricity bill) because it will mean trading in performance. That said, Dell seems to think that those shelling out for computers with a more powerful processor when they’re just carrying out basic office work would do well to look into Atom-based machines. PCWorld cites Dell's website for Middle East sales as saying the chip "delivers the performance required for basic office computing."

Check out the full story here.

Source : Tom's Hardware US