Intel Bets Big on Mobile Computing
By CXOtoday Staff
Mumbai, Jul 15, 2008

In a bid to leverage the growing demand for notebook PCs, Intel has launched its Intel Centrino 2 processor technology products for laptops that include five new Intel Core2 duo processors.

Intel also introduced what it claims to be the world's highest performing dual-core mobile processor, the Intel Core2 Extreme processor running at 3.06 GHz, according to a press release.

In addition, 250 new laptop models with features such as powerful processors, enhanced graphics and battery life will soon be launched, the release said.

Intel also plans to unveil eight new processors within 90 days that will include first-ever mobile quad-core products and second generation products for ultra thin and light notebooks. In total, the company will bring 14 diverse processors into the marketplace as laptop sales continue to outpace desktop PCs.

The Intel Centrino 2 processor technology and Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology improve upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless (with WiMAX arriving later this year), and new business-class manageability capabilities.

"When we first introduced Intel Centrino back in 2003, there were very few Wi-Fi hotspots, YouTube videos and social media didn't really exist, 'thin and light' only referred to weight goals and desktop PCs outsold notebooks by a very wide margin," said R Ravichandran, director of sales, Intel South Asia.

"Today, notebooks are fast gaining share and we are seeing new and previously unheard off usage model. We are paving the way to HD entertainment, rich online gaming, faster broadband wireless speeds and an easier and more secure way for businesses to manage, update and repair their notebook fleets."

The five new dual core processors come with a faster 1066MHz front side bus and up to 6MB of L2 cache, and three versions reduce laptop processor wattage about 30 percent, down to just 25 watts, according to the release. Also featured is Deep Power Down Technology that turns off processing components such as core clocks and cache memory when the laptop is idle for greater energy savings.

Intel also unveiled its new Mobile Intel 45 Express Chipset and wireless Intel WiFi Link 5000 series that is shipping to customers now, with laptops arriving in July and August. According to Intel, it delivers five times the speed and twice the range of older 802.11a/g technology, while the Intel WiFi Link 5000 series provides 802.11 draft-N support that delivers the fastest data rates possible today -- up to 450 Mbps.

Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology offers manageability and security options. This is increasingly important as companies replace desktops with notebooks and need to remotely diagnose, update and repair systems over a wireless network, according to the release.
Improved manageability with AMT 4.0 has also been added that provides wireless manageability during system sleep states, ongoing remote configuration capabilities, support for next-generation management standards (WS-MAN and DASH 1.0) and the ability for an employee to initiate communications to IT from outside a company's firewall.

The company will begin shipping its first ever combined WiMax/Wi-Fi module later this year in the US. The module will be part of the Intel WiMax/WiFi Link 5050 Series that is an optional feature for future Intel Centrino 2-based laptops.

In India, service providers and the WiMAX community at large awaits a favourable policy to kick-start the deployments.


Related Links:
Intel's Mobile Future