Toronto, ON, January 19, 2005:  Intel Corp. today unveiled its latest Intel Centrino mobile technology for notebook PCs, featuring fast graphics, better responsiveness, and support for greater security options.  The new Centrino mobile technology includes an Intel Pentium M processor, the Mobile Intel 915 Express chipset (formerly codenamed Alviso), and Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG or 2200BG wireless LAN components. According to the firm, the platform’s new consumer and office-friendly capabilities allow a Centrino-based laptop to be, in addition to a computer and wireless communicator, a gaming console, home theatre, and MP3 player.

Intel expects more than 150 different notebook designs based on the new Centrino technology (formerly codenamed Sonoma) to be available this year.  Upcoming models will range from fully loaded, 17’’ wide-screen notebooks with Intel High Definition Audio and surround sound capability, to tiny, lower-powered PCs that weigh less than three pounds. Buyers can also expect to see more models starting at $1,000.

The new Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 graphics core, a power-optimized 533MHz front-side bus, and support for dual-channel DDR2 memory help to double the graphics performance on systems with integrated graphics based on the Mobile Intel 915GM Express chipset. Additionally, the new Centrino mobile technology supports the new PCI Express graphics interface, and can deliver up to four times the graphics bandwidth for high-end systems with discrete graphics, Intel explains.

When enabled by the system manufacturer, consumers will also be able to enjoy TV tuners, Intel High Definition Audio with Dolby Digital and 7.1 surround sound, personal video recorders and remote controls.  Features like Display Power Saving Technology v2.0, support for lower-power DDR2 memory, and Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology will also help manufacturers to enable greater battery life in the systems.

“When we introduced Intel Centrino mobile technology almost two years ago, Intel changed the mobile computing landscape with a platform suite of technologies that enable great battery life, easier wireless connectivity, terrific performance and cooler designs,” commented Mooly Eden, Vice President of Intel’s Mobility Group. “Now, with all of the consumer and business-oriented features we’ve packed inside the 2005 platform, we’re taking notebooks to a new level for a no-compromise mobile computing experience. Intel Centrino mobile technology has become the essential ingredient for notebook computing.”

Along with the new chipset and latest wireless components, Intel will offer seven varieties of Intel Pentium M processors, ranging from the top of the line 770 series running at 2.13 gigahertz, to an Ultra Low Voltage Intel Pentium M processor that requires just five watts. The processor, Intel explains, has a fast, power-optimized 533 MHz front side bus to speed, and enhance application capabilities, and optional Execute Disable Bit technology support, which can offer greater protection against a certain class of viruses or worms when teamed with a supporting operating system.

Intel Centrino mobile technology pricing includes the Mobile Intel 915PM or 915GM Express chipsets; Intel PRO/Wireless 2195ABG or 2200BG network connection; and the Intel Pentium M Processor at speeds ranging from 1.60 to 2.13 GHz, at prices ranging from $270 to $705 in 1,000-unit quantities. Intel Centrino mobile technology also is available with the Mobile Intel 915GMS Express chipset, a low-voltage Intel Pentium M processor 758 at 1.50 GHz, and an ultra-low-voltage Intel Pentium M processor 753 at 1.20 GHz. These prices represent the cost of each component (processor, chipset, WLAN) that together make up Intel's Centrino mobile technology. Intel also sells each device separately.