Intel announced that 12 new netbooks based on its new mobile dual-core Atom processors have hit store shelves today. These include machines from Acer, ASUS, Fujitsu, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, MSI, and Toshiba.

"Acer strives to continually improve on our customers’ total mobile experience, whether it is increased responsiveness or extended Internet interactivity through longer battery life," said David Lee, associate vice president of Acer’s Mobile Computing Business Unit. "We are pleased to select dual-core Intel Atom processors for Acer netbooks, helping to empower netbook users achieve even more – both at work and at leisure."

"In their short history, the netbook category has experienced impressive growth," said Erik Reid, director of marketing for mobile platforms at Intel. "Having shipped about 70 million Intel Atom chips for netbooks since our launch of the category in 2008, there is obviously a great market for these devices around the world."

Intel says the netbooks enable new levels of support for applications like games, as well as Adobe Flash technology for access to a number of Web pages including online hotel booking systems and multimedia sites such as YouTube and Hulu.

The devices will be in stores from today until the end of the year, according to the announcement.

On a related note, Intel has shipped over 70 million Atom netbook chips since its the launch in 2008.