AMD is entering the tablet space with the launch of its new Z-60 chip. Aimed at performance tablets as thin as 10mm and SFF machines, the Z-60 is touted as AMD's lowest power APU and features support for Windows 8 as well as compatibility with Windows 7.
The Z-60 APU packs AMD's Start Now technology, which enables fast boot times as well as quick resume times. It also features support for USB 3.0, 1080p, HDMI out, and Direct X11. It doesn't look like there's any support for systems other than Windows, so anyone hoping to see an Android slate based on the Z-60 is out of luck for now.
The Z-60 is a dual-core chip with 1MB of L2 cache and HD 6250 graphics. It boasts a 1GHz clock speed and a 4.5W TDP. AMD says the Z-60 is already shipping to partners that are expected to launch systems based on the chip later this year. So, it looks like we won't have long to wait before we see this chip in action.
Microsoft's Surface tablets are launching on the same day as Windows 8, October 26, and we're sure to be inundated with Windows 8 tablets in the weeks and months following. Apparently there'll be Z-60 solutions mixed in with the Intel and ARM-based tablets before the year is out. Stay tuned!
