Digitimes is reporting that Intel is considering increasing the price of its N270 Atom parts for the Chinese market. Demand for Atoms in China seems to be outstripping supply, as more and more vendors enter the white-box netbook market.

The company is reportedly planning to increase the price of its N270 parts to N280 levels in an attempt to curve demand. Should demand for cheaper N270 Atoms keep surging, there is a chance the Chinese market might see an Atom shortage sometime in April.

We don't know the exact N280 pricing, but if Z-series prices are anything to go by, this might be a substantial increase. For example, the 1.6GHz Z530 sells for $65, while the 1.86GHz Z540 is priced at $135. The N270 currently sells for $44.

More here.