12-inch Netbooks on the way, much to Intel's chagrin

TechCrunch reports that 12-inch netbooks are on the way and Intel isn't a bit happy about it.

12 inch Netbooks are coming. Dell has the Inspiron Mini 12, Samsung will unveil its 12 inch netbook model to the U.S. shortly, and more are coming. And Intel isn’t happy about this at all...

We asked Intel if they forbid manufacturers to build Netbooks with larger than 10 inch screens, which is what those manufacturers are telling us (Dell notwithstanding). Their answer: “Intel defines a netbook as a 10″ or smaller screen size. We recommend that OEMs and netbook manufacturers use that guideline as well in order to get the best user experience.”

That’s a nice statement but it’s complete rubbish. There is no performance loss with a 12 inch screen v. a smaller screen (other than power usage). A 12 inch Netbook is just as fast or as slow as a 10 inch one...

It seems that netbooks, which are powered by low-cost Atom chips, are eating into the market share of conventional laptops. And that translates to less dual cores -- high-end workstation chips -- sold.

Problem is, if you don't cannibalize yourself, someone else will take the opportunity. So Intel needs to keep on keepin' on.

Of course missing an already reduced revenue projection by $500 million (as Intel just did), would put any corporate muckety-muck in a bad mood.