Intel recently unveiled several netbook packages designed for China white-box vendors to help them create a wider variety in their product lineups, according to sources at netbook vendors.

Intel will offer packages targeting four price levels – 1,750 RMB (US$256), 1,750-2,100 RMB, 2,101-2,450 RMB and 2,451-2,800 RMB. The 1,750 RMB package will include Intel's Atom N270 processor, 945GSE chipset, an 8.9-inch panel, 512MB memory, 8G/16GB solid state drive (SSD) and Linux operating system.

The other three packages will have the same basic components including an Atom N270 processor, 945GSE chipset and 10.2-inch panel, along with addition components based on the price bracket.

Intel stressed that final pricing will be set by the vendors.

In the related news, netbooks already account for more than 10% of current global notebook shipments and the market share has a chance to reach 20% by 2012, according to internal Intel estimates the sources revealed. Intel also forecast faster growth for the China netbook market compared to the traditional 10-inch and above notebook market, the sources noted.

Females, who mainly focus on the look of the product, will account for 60% of future potential netbook consumers, and demand from students and young age groups will also see significant growth, according to Intel's forecast, while the telecommunication market will remain as the largest channel, the sources detailed.

Intel pointed out that it cannot make any official comments regarding market outlook pending the announcement of its first-quarter earnings.