Intel has unveiled the Atom processor platform for 2009 codenamed “Pine Trail”. The new Atom platform will consist of two parts: the CPU package codenamed “Pineview” and the I/O chipset dubbed “Tiger Point”. The Atom platform will use 45nm process technology for manufacturing of the processor.

The new Pineview chip will combine Atom processor with memory controller and graphics logic on a single monolithic die. While the Tiger Point chipset will support all the I/O including Serial ATA and PCI Express connections. This will result in significant reduction in footprint of the motherboard, allowing smaller form factor devices.

Another important improvement in Pine Trail platform is decrease in heat generation, which would allow elimination of cooling fan, again decreasing the overall size and associated noise. The Pine Trail platform will also offer longer battery life and higher performance.

“We have a processor, we have a chipset, and we have an I/O hub. What we’ve done is reduce that three-chip partition to two-chip partition,” said Noury Al-Khaledy, the general manager for netbooks and nettops at Intel.

Along with new Atom platform, Intel has also released the first beta of Moblin 2.0, which is a Linux based OS designed by Intel for use on netbooks, nettops and other handheld devices. Intel says that Moblin is designed for fast booting and extended battery life, the second version of Moblin adds “M-zone” desktop environment that can be customized by OEMs.

Moblin 2.0 beta is available for download now on moblin.org. And, Intel will start shipping the new Atom platform in second half of this year.