According to Digitimes, Hewlett-Packard is negotiating with Intel to have the latter lift the restriction that its Atom processor be used in devices with screens no larger than 10.2-inches. Digitimes sources expect that HP is likely to obtain this exception due to its brand name and sales volumes. If so, I would expect that Intel would tie the exception to a substantial Atom processor order.
HP’s goal would be to use the Atom processor in future netbooks. Apparently, both an 11.6- and 13.3-inch model are in the works for mid-2009.
Negotiations are scheduled to end later this month. It will be interesting to see if other manufacturers will seek similar exemptions if HP is successful.