MSI PR200 Crystal Collection Ultraportable laptop

MSI has introduced the PR200 Crystal Collection 12.1-inch luxury notebook, which features 120 handcrafted crystals forming a ring on notebook’s lid, and a pearl white chassis color.

The 'simple, sophisticated and elegant' MSI PR200 Crystal Collection 3.9-pound ultraportable is based on the Intel “Santa Rosa” mobile platform and combines the Intel GM965 chipset and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 integrated GPU manages the notebook’s 12.1″ “Amazing Crystal Vision” display with 1280×800 resolution. This fashionable laptop supports up to 3GB of system memory and comes with a hard drive up to 250GB and a DVD burner.

Regarding communications, the PR200 Crystal Collection has a wireless module supporting 802.11n draft standard, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a 56K modem, and an optional Bluetooth receiver. In addition, it has a built-in 1.3-megapixel web camera.

The laptop features a HDMI output, a VGA port, three USB ports, an ExpressCard slot, and a 4-in-1 media card reader. MSI also provides an optional TV tuner built into this small notebook.

The PR200 Crystal Collection runs Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. Its pricing and availability date are unknown currently.

Every Intel CPU from 4004 to P4 up for grabs on eBay

'Museum-grade collection', claims seller

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

18th May 2006 13:10 GMT

With Intel gearing up to cease manufacturing its 386, 486, 960 and other processors of yore, one eBayer is offering technology enthusiasts the chance to own almost the entire collection of the chip giant's microprocessor products.

Well, not all of 'em - some are still sitting in folks' PCs, after all - but rather one of each type, many of them highly esoteric but "historically significant", in the words of the seller, who claims to have spent eight years putting the collection together. The selection runs from the original 4004 through to the Pentium 4.

MSI Announces PR200 Crystal Collection Ultraportable

MSI has announced the PR200 Crystal Collection 12.1-inch luxury notebook, which features 120 handcrafted crystals forming a ring on notebook’s lid, and a pearl white chassis color.

The “simple, sophisticated and elegant” MSI PR200 Crystal Collection 3.9-pound ultraportable is based on the Intel “Santa Rosa” mobile platform and combines the Intel GM965 chipset and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 integrated GPU manages the notebook’s 12.1″ “Amazing Crystal Vision” display with 1280×800 resolution. This fashionable laptop supports up to 3GB of system memory and comes with a hard drive up to 250GB and a DVD burner.

Regarding communications, the PR200 Crystal Collection has a wireless module supporting 802.11n draft standard, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a 56K modem, and an optional Bluetooth receiver. In addition, it has a built-in 1.3-megapixel web camera.

The laptop features a HDMI output, a VGA port, three USB ports, an ExpressCard slot, and a 4-in-1 media card reader. MSI also provides an optional TV tuner built into this small notebook.

The PR200 Crystal Collection runs Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.

Its pricing and availability date are unknown currently.

Source

New Intel Logo Signs at Jones Farm

Almost six months after the new Intel brand and logo were announced, new signage is being installed here at the Intel Jones Farm campus in Hillsboro, Oregon.

No more “dropped e” logo!

Intel's Atom Chips Are in Short Supply

Demand exceeds even the most optimistic expectations from Intel.

Intel has confirmed that the much-awaited Atom chips for low-cost laptops is facing demands beyond their initial expectations. The company further reveals that there are no manufacturing hurdles involved with Atom, it's just that the they've received more orders from PC makers than what they had originally planned for.

Intel has scheduled the official launch of Atom chips for release in June 2008. Mini-laptops powered by them will be available in market shortly thereafter. More than 10 PC makers have already placed orders with Intel for Atom chips. Intel is bumping up production to address this Atom concern but the shortage for the upcoming Atom chips will be felt until third quarter of 2008.


Size comparison for Intel's Atom CPU

Trade publications like Apple Daily (Chinese) confirm this shortage of Atom chips at launch. HP (Mini-Note HP Compaq 2133) and ASUS (Second-gen Eee PCs with Celeron M 900MHz) will benefit the most as they've gone in for laptops which are not dependent on Atom entirely.

Initial reports suggest that Intel will be able to meet only 40% of orders for Atom chips initially. The PC makers most affected by the shortage are: Acer, Dell, MSI & Gigabyte.

Big Things Come in Small Packages- Intel Atom Processor

Extreme Gaming Machine
The Intel® AtomTM processor is the name given to a new family of low-power processors designed specifically for mobile Internet devices (MIDs) and a new class of simple and affordable Internet-centric computers. The company also announced the Intel® Centrino® AtomTM processor technology for MID platforms, consisting of multiple chips that enable the best Internet experience in a pocketable device.

The Intel Atom processor is a chip that measures less than 22 mm² and is designed specifically for small devices and low power. The design also includes support for multiple threads for better performance and increased system responsiveness. It contains 47 million transistors on a single chip which can fit in an area of size of an American penny thus making it Intel’s smallest and lowest power processor. All this while delivering the power and performance you need for full Internet capabilities.

These new chips have a thermal design power (TDP) specification in 0.6-2.5 watt range and scale to 1.8GHz speeds depending on customer need in comparison to today’s mainstream mobile Core 2 Duo processors with a TDP in the 35 watt range.

“This is our smallest processor built with the world’s smallest transistors. The Intel® AtomTM processor is based on an entirely new design, built for low power and designed specifically for a new wave of Mobile Internet Devices and simple, low-cost PC’s. This small wonder is a fundamental new shift in design, small yet powerful enough to enable a big Internet experience on these new devices. We believe it will unleash new innovation across the industry.”

- Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney

In addition to the MID opportunity, Intel believes the demand for a new category of low-cost, Internet-centric mobile computing devices dubbed “netbooks” and basic Internet-centric desktop PCs dubbed “nettops,” will grow substantially over the next several years.

Intel Centrino Atom Processor Technology
The Intel Centrino Atom processor technology brand represents Intel’s best technology for MIDs. Formerly codenamed “Menlow,” Intel Centrino Atom processor technology includes the Intel Atom processor, a low-power companion chip with integrated graphics, a wireless radio, and thinner and lighter designs. Together, these components are designed to enable the best mobile computing and Internet experience on these new devices.

intel-atom-performance

Let us recall that the processors Intel atom support technology analog to hyper-Threading; therefore in some tasks with multithreaded optimization their result will be improved.

Intel DG31PR Desktop Board

Highlights for Intel DG31PR Desktop Board
Processor Class:Core 2 Quad
Processor Support:1 x Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz to 3GHz
Processor Socket:Socket 775
Chipset:Intel G31 Express

Home Mac Profiles Articles Groups Deals News Software LEM on Facebook News Feed The Lite Side Roadmap to Intel's Past, Present, and Future Icons

Home Mac Profiles Articles Groups Deals News Software LEM on Facebook News Feed

The Lite Side


Low End Mac Reader Specials
Memory To Go Special: MacPro 8 Core 8GB kit $232 / 4GB kit $116 / 2GB kit $72. New Macbook 2GB DDR3-$65. HARD DRIVES available -- Free shipping / LIfetime warranty.

Download Typestyler, still the Ultimate Styling Tool for Internet, Print and Video Graphics. Works great in Classic with a Native OS X Version on the way. Free Tryout: www.typestyler.com

LA Computer Company: Specials on AppleCare, iMac's, Apple Batteries and Apple A/C Adapters. Also Great prices on Used Apple Computers. Call 1-800-941-7654 Click Here.

OWC: OWC Mercury On-The-Go FW400/800/USB2/eSATA Portables. High Performance A/V Rated. Bus Powered. Up to 500GB in the Palm of your Hand. Macworld Editor's Choice. CNET 'Very Good.' From $75.99!

Don't install Parallels to play poker online! Poker Mac will show you how to download and install a native Mac poker application such as Full Tilt Poker Mac.

Laptop Hardware Provided by TechRestore - Overnight Mac & iPod Repairs.


Compare products like desktop computers, laptops, iMac, and LCD Monitors side by side! All the information and reviews to make the best purchasing decision for new cell phones, GPS Systems, or MP3 players. The Ciao online shopping community makes searching products easy for you.


Jeff Adkins - 2006.11.21

My wife seldom pays attention to the latest trends in technology unless it directly affects her business (photography). I will occasionally tell her about major events, such as the switch of Apple products from PowerPC to Intel CPUs, or whether or not Bono has decided to use his left or right hand while signing his name for the latest iPod engraving add-on feature.

The other day, however, I was explaining how Intel had developed new logos to reflect the new "Core" technology, and she said, "You mean it's not that 'inside' swoopy thing anymore? Let me see it."

When I showed her the new "Intel: Core™ Duo inside™" logo, she . . . laughed. Out loud. "What a ridiculous thing," she commented. "Three - no, four different fonts, all different sizes, two trademark terms that are ordinary English, and a registered-sign. Next thing you know, they're going to need a bigger logo because that's too small to hold all the buzzwords."

Then she looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "You should do a Lite Side on that."

So, dear reader, thanks Lori the Wise, I present to you the Lite Side's

Roadmap to Intel's Past, Present, and Future Icons
In this diagram (below), you can see Intel's original logo in the upper left corner. I don't know what the dropped-down "e" says to you, but to me it says, "broken."

Next we have the swooshy "intel inside" logo adorning millions of tech department shoe soles, where they become adhered after being peeled off of various desktop computers and laptops. (Peeling off logos is what you do while you wait for your computer to reboot; that's one of the reasons Apple wisely decided not to include the logo on the new MacBook Pros.)

About the Company: Intel

Intel Corporation is the world's largest semiconductor company founded by semiconductor pioneers Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, and widely associated with the executive leadership and vision of Andrew Grove, Intel combines advanced chip design capability with a leading-edge manufacturing capability. Originally known primarily to engineers and technologists, Intel's successful "Intel Inside" advertising campaign of the 1990s made it and its Pentium processor household names.

Intel pushes the boundaries of innovation so our work can make people's lives more exciting, fulfilling, and manageable. And our work never stops. We never stop looking for the next leap ahead-in technology, education, culture, manufacturing, and social responsibility. And we never stop striving to deliver solutions with greater benefits for everyone. Intel is making PCs more accessible and affordable through innovative PC purchase programs. Through public and private collaboration, Intel has worked closely with government and industry leaders to develop more than 200 programs in 60 countries. With the onslaught of wireless broadband communication technologies like WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and 3G and wireline ADSL and cable, Intel in collaboration with local governments is connecting more people in more places than ever before-no matter how remote.

Intel is committed to improving education on a global scale. With an ongoing focus on students and teachers, we're making an impact with technology solutions that support the development of 21st Century skills, including digital literacy, problem solving, and critical thinking. As citizens use the Internet, the need to create localized content is the key. Intel-sponsored programs provide localized content and services to connect technologies to villages, suburbs, and cities around the world to deliver access to community information, education, and healthcare.

Intel Core i7-920

On November 3, Benchmark Reviews had the pleasure of publishing our first in a series of articles and reviews covering Intel's newest processor series, the Core i7. As we alluded to in that article the time frame from receiving our review kit to publishing the finished product was only a matter of days, so something had to give. We opted to stick with the basics and present a general overview of the entire product. As a result we had to omit many of the extras we would have normally included in a feature article of this type. Since the release of that article we have had a number of our readers request future articles in our series that deal more with with the specifics of each processor. The same group was somewhat adamant that we showcase both performance tuning and the overclocking capabilities of each product.

Today we are releasing the third review in our Core i7 series which focuses on the features and performance of the Intel Core i7-920. The Core i7-920 is considered to be the processor for the mainstream consumer primarily because of its price to performance ratio. The i7-920 doesn't have the unlocked multipliers that its more mature sibling does, but it is still a quite capable chip with its 2.66 GHz factory clock. We intend to share all of our findings and hope after reading this review you will have a much better understanding of the Core i7 family in general and the i7-920 in specific. We also plan to go into as complete of a discussion as possible on everything you can do to enhance capabilities this processor brings to the table. Unfortunately we don't have a QX9770, Intel's previous "King of the Hill", to compare the i7-920 to; but we should note that in all the test results we've seen the i7-920 outperforms the QX9770 in all processor dependant tasks. So the only true competition for the i7-920 are the other members of the Core i7 family which we will be testing for comparison purposes.

In our first article, Intel Core i7 CPU & DX58SO X58 Platform we covered most of the available information regarding both the Nehalem Technology and the architecture used with the Intel Core i7 Processor family. We will therefore not repeat that discussion, instead; our goal today is to spend most of our energy concentrating on those features and performance aspects of the Intel Core i7-920 (model BX80601920) that have led it and its other i7 kin to be dubbed "The Fastest Processor on the Planet" by Intel.

Intel Core i7-920 Final Thoughts

Benchmark Analysis
When looking at our benchmarking results there is no doubt that the entire Core i7 family of processors literally trounces the previous Core 2 generation of processors. Even though we didn't have Intel's fastest Core 2 Extreme processor, the QX9770 to compare these behemoths against we emulated a comparable processor by overclocking our X3350 45nm processor to 3.2 GHz. In every test excluding the gaming benchmarks we anywhere from a 40% to greater than 50% improvement from the Core i7 family of processors. In our gaming benchmarks we intentionally used two games that are not overly CPU dependant just to see what the added performance would bring to the table. All of our test were within a few FPS of each other. To be fair had we used a Game such as Far Cry 2 which actually utilizes the quad core capabilities of all our processors tested, we would have probably gotten a better idea of what the gaming arena can expect from this literally smoking family of products.
Remembering that this is a review specific to the Intel Core i7-920 we next need to look at the differences between it and its siblings. The Core i7-920 is unquestionably the slowest of its elder, higher clocked kin. On all tests aside from gaming we see an average performance decrease in the 10% - 15% range when comparing the i7-920 to the i7-965XE at stock speeds. The gap narrows to about roughly half that variance when comparing the i7-920 to the i7-940, again at stock speeds. When we compare the i7-920 overclocked to 3.6 GHz to the i7-965 overclocked to 4.035 GHz to we see very nice scalability on the part of both processors. Along with that scalability we see the gap between the two narrowed considerably with only a 2% - 4% performance improvement noted for the Core i7-965XE.
TM i7-965 Extreme Edition" src="http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/articles/Intel_Core-i7_OC/Core%20i7%20image_new.jpg" width=600>
Other Thoughts
There is no doubt that Intel did their homework before bringing the Core i7 family of processors to the consumer market. The runt of the pack, the Core i7-920 is truly one of the three fastest processor currently on the planet, and brings a huge amount of new features that should be very enticing to virtually any potential consumer. Before making a scoring this processor we would certainly be remiss if we didn't cover all of the potential considerations a budding consumer should consider:
The Intel Core i7-920 does not have and unlocked multiplier and will only improve the multiplier with turbo boost enabled. Standard overclocking can only be achieved by raising the system's core clock and adjusting the VCore accordingly.
The MSRP of the Core i7-920 is $284.00 makes the purchase of this processor much more palatable
The Core i7-920 is only currently supported by Intel X58 based motherboards so that expense needs to be added into consideration as well
Unless you have a minimum of three sticks of DDR-3 that are fully functional at <>

Intel Core i7-920

Up until this juncture we have talked about features and specifications that generally apply to the entire Intel Core i7 Processor family. It's now time to focus solely on the i7-920 and look at the features this processor brings to the table that cause it to be called the Extreme Edition. The Core i7-920 derives its 2.66 GHz clock rate by multiplying the system's 133MHz base clock by the i7-920's standard multiplier of 20. Unfortunately the i7-920 has a locked multiplier the only exception is when turbo mode is activated and the conditions are right; in this case turbomode will automatically boost the base clock multiplier of 20 to 21, giving the you essentially 133 MHz of extra processing power without ever touching the first setting.

Photos: Intel forum in review--from Atom to Tolapai

Update with Dunnington and Core i7 photos, text.
The latest and greatest silicon and derivative products is what the Intel Developer Forum is all about. Moorestown, Tolapai, and Canmore are just a few of the chips detailed at IDF this week, while UrbanMax, new netbooks, and the first laptops based on the quad-core mobile processor were among showcased products.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett delivers the IDF keynote. Barrett criticized America's K-12 educational system and said great technology still can't take the place of great teachers.(Credit: Brooke Crothers)
Intel Chairman Barrett brought out Carnegie Mellon University's Johnny Chung Lee, who demonstrated how cheap, off-the-shelf technology--in this case a makeshift whiteboard--can go a long way. "To be interesting today, technology has to be the fastest, the best, the brightest, the lightest, but here you can see if you sacrifice a little bit of capability and performance for dramatic savings in cost, you can have a pretty dramatic impact," Chung said.
One of the more novel devices demonstrated was the 10-inch Intel UrbanMax a computer that can switch between a laptop and tablet. This by itself isn't groundbreaking because tablet PCs from Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba already do this. The novelty is the size and design: it is smaller than an ultraportable--like the Toshiba Portege--yet is designed like an oversize mobile Internet device such as Compal JAX 10. When configured as a tablet, the keyboard is hidden but can morph into a laptop by sliding out the keyboard, which tilts the screen.

Intel UrbanMax concept design has a 10-inch screen and uses special low-power Centrino 2 processors(Credit: Intel)

Intel Core i7 chip reviews arrive--yes, it's fast

Updatd on November 3 at 9:00 a.m. with additional information about Dell Core i7 systems.
Intel's Core i7 processor will first appear in fast gaming desktop PCs, as reviews arrive confirming its speed advantage over the Core 2 architecture.
The first comprehensive reviews hit Monday leaving little doubt that Intel's Nehalem chip architecture will greatly surpass anything Intel offers now.
Reviews cover the Core i7-965 Extreme Edition used with Intel's "SmackOver" motherboard, aka the DX58SO Extreme.
Core i7 processors expected to launch later this month include 2.66GHz (Core i7-920) and 3.20GHz (Core i7-965) versions. Prices will range roughly between $285 and just under $1,000.
Dell said Monday it is expecting to launch four desktops that include the new Core i7 Intel processor technology. These desktops will range in price depending on the accompanying technology, starting at $949. Timing will be tied to Intel's official launch of Core i7.
Other PC makers expected to bring out boxes include Gateway and Hewlett-Packard.
What is Nehalem/Core i7 exactly? The architecture will scale from two to eight processor cores, have faster chip-to-chip communication (Intel calls this technology QuickPath), do a better job of adjusting performance levels to suit power needs, and have a higher level of integration (more logic will be built directly onto the processor die).
Other salient features include more scalable memory (each processor will have its own dedicated memory), the ability to do more stuff simultaneously (up to 16 threads with simultaneous multi-threading), and new instructions to increase efficiency (called SSE4.2 instructions).
And who's going to buy i7 systems initially? Here's what CNET Reviews editor Rich Brown says: "We don't expect mainstream users will adopt Core i7...at first, at least until the motherboard prices come down."
Brown continues: "In the short term, it will benefit gamers and digital media types. The initial systems will be gaming oriented." (See these ExtremeTech gaming benchmarks.)
"We ran our own tests and found the flagship $999 Core i7-965 Extreme chip is the new fastest game in town," CNET Reviews said.
The i7 identifier will apply to the first crop of high-end desktop processors. Other identifiers will come later that will complement the i7. There will be a separate black logo for the highest-end offering called the Extreme Edition. Model numbers will differentiate each chip.

Intel's AMD Antitrust Rebuttal

AMD has used "out-of-context snippets ... to create the impression that Intel engaged in misconduct," Intel said its response. AMD's lawsuit also represents "a case study in legal dissonance. Although AMD has purportedly brought its complaint to promote competition, its true aim is the opposite. Under the cover of competitive law, AMD seeks to shield itself from competition."
Intel claims in its response that AMD is seeking to blame Intel for its own "many business failures ... that have determined its position in the marketplace." AMD's position in the marketplace "reflects its uneven track record, and its repeated failure to deliver on its promises."
Specifically, Intel points to AMD's "playing it safe ... with anemic investment in manufacturing capacity, leaving Intel to shoulder the burden of investment to enhance the usefulness of computers and enhance the market." In addition, Intel claims AMD has been "dogged" by a reputation of being unreliable as a supplier, has traditionally lagged in innovation, and has seen products delayed well beyond original launch dates.

Intel's AMD Antitrust Rebuttal: We're Not Bad, You're Just Stupid

Intel fired back at AMD in rebutting its antitrust lawsuit, saying the company has only itself to blame for not being competitive as a microprocessor supplier, with an inability to ship products on time, which helped to earn the company a bad reputation as a supplier with a poor track record of manufacturing investments:
Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s failure to compete effectively with Intel in the microprocessor market is a "direct result of AMD's own actions or inaction," and weren't caused by any illegal actions by Intel, the microprocessor market leader said in court documents filed Thursday.
The filing in U.S. District Court was Intel's first formal response to AMD's lawsuit filed in June that charged Intel with using bribery and coercion of computer makers and retailers to limit the use of AMD processors.

INTEL BIKE

Speaking of engineer eye candy, Intel had this nice bike in the convention center lobby.

Intel Tames Orange County Choppers

This digital dashboard can go from the simple functionalities of driving to a fully loaded PC with Bluetooth, GPS, USB drives, with a QWERTY keyboard and all of the windows applications. This computerized contraction is detachable as per the convenience and also for the security reasons. The battery for its operation is charged while the bike is on the move and once charged it gives 5hrs running time and it also has a wall-charge unit .

Intel Tames Orange County Choppers

Intel joined hands with OCC to make a themed bike for the debut of its Xeon processor. This custom made bike has 250-hp with dual V-twin engines making it a fearsome beast but it has been tamed with a computer and a fully embedded quad-core processor.
It has no ignition key; instead it has finger print recognition for ignition. The motorcycle is uploaded with a 3-pound, 5.6 inches, LCD screen which recognizes finger print deactivate security functions and allows access to start ignition button .The LCD screen is fully viewable in sunlight with a digital speedometer, tachometer, voltage meter, battery voltage gauges and turn signal indicators .
It displays the rear images with the rear mounted cameras making rear view mirrors obsolete and in addition it has electronically controlled hydraulic kickstand, making every thing in the bike integrated with a computing system.

Intel Tames Orange County Choppers

After three decades of silicon innovations Intel wants to celebrate, but it is doing it in the weirdest way, the company is getting together with the orange county choppers for creating a custom made computer based chopper. Confused that what a company which is known for its bond worthy gadgetry is going to do collaborating with orange county choppers, well, this is because of the companies desire to demonstrate the performance potential of embedded technology and since motor bike is the most mobile, exposed to rugged operating conditions it offers a great opportunity to show case it and also demonstrate its ultra low voltage Intel processor.

Intel Core 2 Duo

Intel dual core representative at E3 explains what the new Intel Core 2 Duo means and how much faster it is than a normal Intel Core Duo processor.

Intel Core Duo? Whassup? Faster?

So what's the big deal with these latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, anyway? Well, the Merom chips introduced today take the higher power and efficiency of the desktop Core 2 Duo processors introduced a few weeks back and apply that to laptops. Intel claimed the Merom Core 2 Duo processors would show a 20% performance boost over their predecessors, the Core Duo processors used in notebooks.
But we're not going to believe Intel, are we? Trusty testers at Laptop Magazine checked out Intel's claims and it turns out the chip giant's boasts were accurate, even conservative in some cases. The testers used two identical notebooks, where the only difference was one of them had the fastest Core 2 Duo processor and the other had the fastest Core Duo processor. Sure enough, the new Core 2 Duo processor was 22% faster than the old Core Duo, while battery life was still pretty much the same. The newer processor did even better in multitasking operations.

Intel’s Next Gen Nehalem Architecture Gets Named: ‘Intel Core i7′

Intel has now officially confirmed the name of its future processor chips based on Nehalem architecture to be called ‘Core i7′. The new Intel Core i7 will be the seventh generation of Intel architecture since the 8086 days. It is said to be available in two editions: the Regular Core i7 and the high performing Extreme Intel Core i7 . More on i7 series after the jump.
Features of the Intel Core i7 lineup:
Dual-core and Quad-core mainstream processors
Point-to-point connections between the processor and peripherals using QuickPath interconnect system.
On-die memory controller
Can handle more than 4 threads at once, means faster speeds
Advanced Hyperthreading technology will utilize the threads to do even more work

GDC 2008: Intel launches Skull Trail motherboard with 8 cores

If you are a processor-power hungry PC gamer or a games developer then Intel has just given you a reason to be happy. The chip manufacturer officially launched its new, powerful motherboard, codenamed Skull Trail, at the Game Developers Conference with one eye on affluent, geeky gamers and the other on game developers.
The motherboard, which supports two quad-core processors and as many graphic cards, has been formally christened “Intel Dual Socket Extreme Desktop Platform.” It supports a wide array of GPUs from both the Nvidia and ATI stables, including the latest Nvidia SLI and ATI CrossFire series of GPUs that support two or more graphic cards simultaneously.

Super Games PC Is Launched

For gamers with a large bank balance who want a super-powered machine sitting on their desktop, Commodore has released what it claims is one of the first PCs to include Intel’s new Core 2 Extreme Desktop processor, nicknamed the Penryn.
The $5,600 Commodore Gaming XX PC, which includes the ultra powerful 3Ghz Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor, also features an impressive range of specifications. Bundled with the Windows Vista Ultimate operating system, there are two Nvidia 8800 Ultra graphics cards, 2Gb of memory and twin hard drives (2x 150Gb in size and the second offers 500Gb storage) among its lineup.
Sean Charles, Commodore Gaming marketing and PR manager, said: “We’re delighted to be one of the first gaming PC vendors to be utilising the new Penryn processor. It’s great kudos that the Commodore brand is back at the forefront of PC gaming and working so closely with Intel. The XX has always been about giving customers the very latest and cutting edge gaming components and the best gaming experience. The new Intel Extreme processor fits that bill perfectly. Bench testing has blown us all away, the XX always delivered a powerful punch, from next year it’s going to be even more of a beast.”[Source]

Panasonic Extends Toughbook Brand to UMPCs, Intel's New Atom Processor Included

The upcoming Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC is powered by Intel's new Atom processor and seems to fit a wish we asked for last year: Just build a UMPC that is simple, tough, and has a long battery life.
But not everything is as simple as it looks--the UMPC will be challenged from within by its own operating system, a little thing they like to call Vista.* Some of us in the Lab actually don't hate on Vista as much as others do, but the graphic heavy, menu-rich build could be a bother in a small form. This could be especially true on this one, which is thicker than others and will likely require a larger grip and more patience.
There are obvious benefits to using the Atom chip in a small UMPC. Applications should operate more efficiently, use less power, and will connect to the networks at sweet speeds, actually making the device a useful option to carry on the road. If that doesn't work, its toughness might handle the endless throw-downs you’ll put it through.
Continue reading "Panasonic Extends Toughbook Brand to UMPCs, Intel's New Atom Processor Included" »

Dell XPS 710 Review

ExtremeTech has posted their review of the new Dell XPS 710 gaming system. This high end slick looking system is an update to the Dell XPS 700 system. The new XPS 710 now features Intel’s quad core processors as well as other updates to make the system support Windows Vista.
The system that ExtremeTech reviewed had the following specs:
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 quad core CPU clocked at 2.66GHz
BTX motherboard
NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI for Intel Chipset
Single gigabit Ethernet port
RAID 0 or 1
ATI CrossFire Graphics
2GB DDR2-667
2×160GB HDD
16x DVD ROM
Sound Blaster X-Fi
Windows Media Center 2005
Here’s the verdict from ExtremeTech on the new quad core XPS 710.

Refurbished MacBook Air 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

13.3-inch glossy widescreen display2GB memory80GB 4200-rpm PATA hard driveBuilt-in 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDRBuilt-in iSight Camera

Intel Introduces First IA System on Chip for CE

Intel Introduces First IA System on Chip for Consumer Electronics, Expands Internet to TV Experience
Internet on TV Collaboration with Yahoo!®, Mobile Internet Device Momentum and 'Boundless' Opportunities for Software Developers Highlighted
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, Aug. 20, 2008 – At the Intel Developer Forum, Intel Corporation introduced the Intel® Media Processor CE 3100, the first in a new family of purpose-built System on Chips (SoCs) for Consumer Electronics devices based on the company's popular Intel architecture (IA) blueprint.
Executives on Wednesday also provided updates on the Mobile Internet Device (MID) category and Intel Atom™ processor, unveiled a brand with DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. around the shift to 3-D movie-making and outlined a number of efforts to speed many-core processor software design.
The CE 3100 has been developed for Internet-connected consumer electronics (CE) products such as optical media players, connected CE devices, advanced cable set top boxes and digital TVs. The media processor (previously codenamed "Canmore") combines leading-edge CE features for high-definition video support, home-theater quality audio and advanced 3-D graphics, with the performance, flexibility and compatibility of IA-based hardware and software.
Intel expects to begin shipments of this product next month.
Intel and its customers have been working together to develop a variety of products for emerging growth areas – consumer electronics, MIDs, netbooks and embedded computers – each based on Intel architecture that enables uncompromised Internet access.
"As consumers look to stay connected and entertained regardless of where they are and what device they are using, the Web continues to affect our lives in new ways and is quickly moving to the TV thanks to a new generation of Internet-connected CE devices," said Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company's Digital Home Group. "As Intel delivers its first IA SoC with leading-edge performance and Internet compatibility for consumer electronics devices, we are providing a powerful and flexible technology foundation upon which the industry can quickly innovate upon. This technology foundation will help the high-tech industry bring devices to market faster, as well as encourage new designs and inspire new services, such as connecting the TV to the Internet."

Customize your Celeron Custom Office Computer

Item Description
Based on the Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L (Socket 775) Motherboard in a Coolermaster Case. This system provides stability, speed, and an investment in the future which makes it the perfect solution.
Intel® Celeron® Processor 430
Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L Motherboard (Intel G31 Express Chipset)
Choose from Several Cases
Celeron or Pentium 4
400 Watt Power Supply
1024MB of DDR2 RAM (upgradable to 4GB)
On-board Sound , Video and LAN
Windows XP Home SP2
and much more...

var isMac = (navigator.userAgent.toUpperCase().indexOf("MAC") != -1)
if(!isMac)
{
var newImage = new Image();
newImage.src = "/mm8004744CPU/Images/cx48sys.jpg";
}



Manufacturers Warranty
: 1 Year CPU Solutions Warranty
Availability
: Usually ships in 4 - 6 business days
Shipping Promo
: Free UPS Ground For Oders Over $500.00

Customize your Business Dual Core Custom Computer

Perfect for students, home-users, or office workers, that need more than average power to get the job done. The CPUS Business B2Core PC is reliable, powerful, and customizable. Starting with a Core 2 CPU , 160 GB hard drive, and a DVD-ROM, this computer starts strong, and can quickly be turned into a dream powerhouse. If getting the most computer for the least money matters to you, then check out this PC. Get it the way you want it and save money... we've got the best of both worlds here at CPUSolutions.com. Click more info for product information ....
• P4 Core 2 e5200 2.5 GHZ RETAIL BOX W/3YR WARRANTY • MATX Tower With 400 Power Supply • 1024MB DDR2 Memory (upgradeable to 2GB) • 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive 8MB Cache• DVD-ROM Drive • On-board Video (shares system ram) • On-board Audio • On-board LAN 10/100/1000 Ethernet • PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse • USB Powered Speakers• Windows Vista Home Premium• System build & 24 hrBurn In • 1 year parts & Labor depot warranty • Monitor Sold Separately

INTEL CORE 2 DUO GAMING SYSTEM

APUS Intel Dual Core E1200 1.6Ghz Budget PC System

Only$349.95

Description
APUS Intel Celeron Dual Core E1200 1.6Ghz Budget PC System - Intel Celeron Dual Core E1200 1.6Ghz - 80GB SATAII HDD - ASUS/GIGABYTE MOTHERBOARD - Intergrated 3D Video and High Definition Audio

Intel to launch Convertible Classmate PC

Intel seems to be all ready for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2009. The popular chip maker is gearing up to showcase its novel convertible Classmate PC, Intel’s small portable device also dubbed as the CTL 2go PC.
The new PC system has been specifically designed keeping in mind the needs of school children. Powered by one of the leading Intel Atom platform, the novel PC as of now features a blue on white design. With a Windows XP OS, the Classmate PC uses the innovative touchscreen technology to the best of its ability with some pre-loaded software applications.

Intel and ASUS ask PC users to design the perfect computer

Intel and ASUS offer to build the dream PC system via community Web site. Image: b_d_solis/Flickr.
';
var PageContent= 'If you’re not completely satisfied with the look and feel of modern computing technology, then industry heavyweights Intel Corp. and ASUSTeK Inc. have just the creative platform for you to help realise the hardware alternatives of tomorrow.\n\nMore pointedly, leading chipmaker Intel and computer manufacturer ASUS (best known for the popular Eee PC) are offering consumers the chance to become product designers in their own right via the newly launched WePC.com Web site.\nAnd, rather than being an appealingly whimsical but ultimately worthless venture, submissions to the Web site will actually culminate in Intel and ASUS striving to deliver to market what could well be the world’s very first community-designed PC.\nThrough WePC.com the two companies hope to inspire “a global conversation” regarding the ideal elements of computer technology, which will then lead to the sharing of ideas, in-depth discussion regarding the “dream” PC, and a voting process on proffered designs and concepts towards its eventual creation.\nAccording to Intel, the spark of creative innovation “can come from anywhere,” which is why the Santa Clara-based chip titan is working alongside ASUS “to tap into the creative energy of consumers” and help them share ideas on designing their ideal personal computer system. \n“Intel is committed to encouraging conversations with consumers and giving people a voice in the design of technology they use every day,” enthused Mike Hoefflinger, general manager of Intel’s Partner Marketing Group.\nFrom ASUSTeK’s standpoint, the Taiwan-based computer company sees WePC.com as a bridge for connecting innovation and technology with the wishes of consumers.\n“By empowering WePC.com users to play a role in the design process, we expect to deliver cutting-edge community-designed products that address a consumer vision of the dream PC,” commented Lillian Lin, ASUSTeK’s director of Marketing Planning. \nThe WePC.com site will be divided into three conversation groups, each addressing one of the most popular consumer PC categories (Netbooks, notebooks and gaming notebooks), with Intel and ASUS driving the initiative to introduce a consumer-inspired product built on technology provided by both contributing parties.\nThe final PC creations will be powered by Intel’s Atom, Centrino 2 and Centrino 2 Extreme processors.\nAnd, as a further incentive for creative community input, special prizes will be awarded to select WePC.com participants depending on their specific role in the creative process.';
PrintArticle();//-->
If you’re not completely satisfied with the look and feel of modern computing technology, then industry heavyweights Intel Corp. and ASUSTeK Inc. have just the creative platform for you to help realise the hardware alternatives of tomorrow.
More pointedly, leading chipmaker Intel and computer manufacturer ASUS (best known for the popular Eee PC) are offering consumers the chance to become product designers in their own right via the newly launched WePC.com Web site.
And, rather than being an appealingly whimsical but ultimately worthless venture, submissions to the Web site will actually culminate in Intel and ASUS striving to deliver to market what could well be the world’s very first community-designed PC.
Through WePC.com the two companies hope to inspire “a global conversation” regarding the ideal elements of computer technology, which will then lead to the sharing of ideas, in-depth discussion regarding the “dream” PC, and a voting process on proffered designs and concepts towards its eventual creation.
According to Intel, the spark of creative innovation “can come from anywhere,” which is why the Santa Clara-based chip titan is working alongside ASUS “to tap into the creative energy of consumers” and help them share ideas on designing their ideal personal computer system.
“Intel is committed to encouraging conversations with consumers and giving people a voice in the design of technology they use every day,” enthused Mike Hoefflinger, general manager of Intel’s Partner Marketing Group.
From ASUSTeK’s standpoint, the Taiwan-based computer company sees WePC.com as a bridge for connecting innovation and technology with the wishes of consumers.
“By empowering WePC.com users to play a role in the design process, we expect to deliver cutting-edge community-designed products that address a consumer vision of the dream PC,” commented Lillian Lin, ASUSTeK’s director of Marketing Planning.
The WePC.com site will be divided into three conversation groups, each addressing one of the most popular consumer PC categories (Netbooks, notebooks and gaming notebooks), with Intel and ASUS driving the initiative to introduce a consumer-inspired product built on technology provided by both contributing parties.
The final PC creations will be powered by Intel’s Atom, Centrino 2 and Centrino 2 Extreme processors.
And, as a further incentive for creative community input, special prizes will be awarded to select WePC.com participants depending on their specific role in the creative process

Intel Dual Core 2.0Ghz PC System

Intel Dual Core 2.0Ghz PC System This Intel Dual Core 2.0Ghz PC System is enough to make any recipient happy! Imagine you will be able to chat with your special loved one while she is in the comfort of her own home! No more Internet Cafes and such, plus she can get all of her studies done right at home too!This computer features:Intel Dual Core 2.0 Processor(E2180)Quality MotherBoardBuilt-in Audio, Video, Lan512MB DDR215" CTR MonitorFloppy Disk DriveCD ROM80Gb 7200 rpm HDD56Kbps Modem for fast communicationsAutomatic Voltage RegulatorKeyboardMouseSpeakersDust CoverHeadset with MicrophoneEverything you need for a full setup with an easy to use Linux Operating System!This product has a $40 deliver charge to anywhere in the Philippines.Send it today for Just $559.99

Intel Pentium Overdrive

The back of this key chain has embedded die, which is the same size and looks almost the same as the die of Mobile Pentium processor above.

Intel's new chip

On Monday, Intel introduces the first computer chip made from a breakthrough technology that overhauls the basic elements at the heart of the semiconductor. Using new materials, the company's Oregon engineers overcame limitations that threatened to derail the advance of computing power and created a chip that's both faster and more energy-efficient than its predecessors.
Intel also revamped its manufacturing process to produce the new chip technology in multibillion-dollar factories in Arizona, New Mexico and Israel. A story in Sunday's paper details how Intel replicates its Oregon development factory around the world. Click on the graphic below to view a factory at work.

In July we published the inside story of how an Intel engineering team in Hillsboro created the new technology with an illustration that shows what's new about Intel's latest technology.

Intel's new P35 and G33 chipsets

Chipset upgrading always bring in performance increase. As Intel strived forward with their P965/975 with ICH8 chipset series, in every turn falls back when its compared to its Nvidia counterpart but sometimes they bring in innovative stuff like their new P35 and G33 with ICH9 chipsets (officially released this May. (Codenamed Bearlake before release) supporting DDR3 exclusively! while news sources say AMD is making DDR3 support plans as well. It doesn't say users have to migrate to DDR3 as it natively supports DDR2 as well.


How Intel P35 works (Source: Intel) [Click to enlarge]

What's more is 12 USB ports (only 10 ports for P965) increased FSB to 1333mhz(1066Mhz for P965) and new 'Intel Fast Memory Access' capability will result in higher bandwidth between North and South Bridge. While P35 will be enthusiast class, the G33 will not burn holes in your pocket; a non-enthusiast chip with onboard video (Intel GMA3100) favored for mainstream users.


Intel P35/ICH9 chips [Click to enlarge]

Anyway, everything above does not translate an upgrade to P35 as DDR2 will stay in markets for quite a while as DDR3 is not readily available now and surely it'll be priced heftily upon its launch. Intel already announced their upcoming X38 and G35 chipsets for Q3. G35 will be the first one to feature Intel's direct X10 based integrated video, x3500 and you will see PCI Express 2.0 in X38/G35. So stay tuned with us to know more about them in a few months.

Like Apple, Intel Wants to Put the 'Internet in Your Pocket'

Borrowing a phrase that Apple CEO Steve Jobs used when introducing the iPhone last year, Intel wants to put the "internet in your pocket."
For Apple, that meant a top-down, years-long project to create the ultimate consumer fetish object, a project that was wrapped in secrecy and under the explicit control of Jobs at all times. Intel is taking a decidedly different approach: Create a new, ultra-low-power processor, wrap some specifications for a new PC platform around it, and promote the hell out of it so that manufacturers will be inspired to create devices based on Intel's technology.
This week at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), Intel revealed more technical details about its new low-power processor, codenamed Silverthorne, which consumes between 0.6 to 2 watts of power (compared with 35 watts from Intel's Core 2 Duo, a popular desktop and laptop CPU). Intel also promises that the processors will "deliver 1-2 GHz of performance in a device that fits in your hand or pocket." When it's released in the second half of the year, Silverthorne will be the smallest processor the company has created in more than 15 years, according to Intel CTO Justin Rattner.
"Our thesis is that the internet is the killer app," says Pankaj Kedia, director of Ecosystem Programs in Intel's Mobile Internet Device (MID) group. "But today, there is no mobile device that you can say runs the same internet that you and I are used to on the PC. Our MID strategy, at its essence, is to make that real internet … available on mobile devices."
Intel's push into the ultramobile space fits rather nicely into the company's other mobile initiatives, such as its promotion of WiMax. Indeed, if chipmakers can be said to have annual themes, Intel has definitely selected ultramobility as its theme for 2008, going so far as to borrow Jobs' "internet in your pocket" catchphrase in its recent press materials and briefings. (Wired Magazine also used the phrase "put the net in your pocket" on the cover of the November 1999 issue.) Most recently, Intel CEO Paul Otellini demonstrated the company's vision of an always-connected future during his 2008 CES keynote, where a prototype MID was shown translating languages on the fly, reading menus in a foreign country and giving location-based directions.
The key part of Intel's plans with Silverthorne, as Kedia describes them, is to spur on the creation of these new ultraportable internet-ready devices. Rather than compete for market share among existing devices, the diminutive processor (and the "Menlow" platform it will become a part of) is meant to engender a new breed of devices with new capabilities. While the devices will ultimately vary in size and shape -- taking the form of tablets, smartphones, navigation units and ultramobile laptops -- the unifying theme around MIDs will be full internet access regardless of the device's primary function.
Still, Intel faces an uphill battle on several fronts. For one thing, Intel competitor ARM dominates the market for processors used in smartphones (the class of device that currently most resembles MIDs). ARM processors are used in the iPhone and in the Nintendo DS.
Complicating matters further, Intel's use of the MID acronym is not exactly calculated to whip up enthusiasm among consumers, who have already resoundingly rejected Intel's earlier ultramobile platform, the ultramobile PC (UMPC). The MID-like devices that already exist, such as Nokia's N810 internet tablet, are mostly high-price luxury items.
Intel hopes to combat consumer apathy with low prices. Unlike UMPCs, MIDs are supposed to be relatively inexpensive. Analysts confirm that Intel is more than capable of churning out the Silverthorne processors cheaply while still selling them at a sizable profit.
"Ultimately, what it boils down to is that Intel is looking at these devices as an extension of the PC market into an even lower-end segment," Mercury Research analyst Dean McCarron says.
The success of Asus' popular $400 Eee PC has made it clear that people will buy such devices if the price is right, McCarron says.
"When prices come down, unit sales go up," McCarron says. "All indications are that this trend is going to continue to develop," McCarron says … if the prices are right.
But others, like Yankee Group's Josh Martin, are skeptical about Intel's ability to succeed where so many others have failed -- even if it's using a new processor and a new acronym.
"The challenge for these devices is that at the end of the day they're still too small to be productive, too big to be ultraportable," Martin says of MIDs. "Ultimately, the smartphone inevitably overtakes that market," he says, because people would rather have an all-purpose device that does everything adequately than fill out their gadget portfolios with more specialized devices to meet specific needs.
"I just don't see a lot of demand in that market," Martin says.

Intel Demos Centrino 2 ASUS M51VA, WiMax from Computex

Intel's Senior Technical Marketing Engineer for Corporate Demonstrations Craig Raymond had his lucky hands all over the new ASUS M51VA Centrino 2 ("Montevina") portable at a pre-Computex demo session today, and—delay or no delay—he came away loving the freedom of Intel's new chip and WiMax. Sure, he's an Intel guy talking about an Intel-equipped laptop, but he sounds like he put the thing through the paces, starting with a highly scientific test using World of Warcraft.
[N]ow my Fitel WiMax connection serves up a steady stream of bits while I leisurely stroll with it around the TICC to put it through the paces. How's the streaming video, you ask? Kobe looked pretty good scoring 39 to put the Lakers in the NBA finals from my Slingbox back in the States (place/time-shifting, oh how I love thee). Skype rings clear as a bell, except maybe for the drowning concert of scooter horns that screech from the busy Taipei traffic. But online gaming over a live carrier network has long been my holy grail around WiMax. Here from my outside park bench, after downloading my Warcraft client, I'm able log into the game world to slay all manner of goblins and over-sized gerbils.And there we have it. WiMax on Centrino 2 slays goblins and gerbils with ease, and it feels like Wi-Fi without a Starbucks in sight, said Raymond. [http://blogs.intel.com/mobility/2008/05/centrino_2_live_in_the_wildwim.php]

HTC Shift mobile computer sports Intel’s new Ultra Mobile platform 2007!

Up until today, HTC kept the heart and soul of the Shift under lock and key. Today, at the Intel Developer Forum, HTC announced that its new groundbreaking mobile computer, the HTC Shift, would feature Intel’s new Ultra Mobile Platform 2007.
Intel’s Ultra Mobile platform 2007 is based on the Intel Pentium M architecture consisting of the Intel A110 processor, Intel 945GU Express chipset, and Intel ICH74 I/O controller hub. So what does all this mean to you as the owner of the Shift? Simply put, you’ll get a significantly longer battery life.
I had a chance to test out the Shift at CTIA wireless, and must confess that it just rocks. There are so many high-end features such as an innovative QWERTY-based keyboard layout, 3G connectivity (high-speed global connectivity with Tri-band UMTS/HSDPA), Quad-Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi.

Extremism Comes To Intel Laptop CPUs

Intel's Extreme X7800 might look like just another inexplicable random model number on the sprawling Core 2 roadmap, but this one's important, because it goes in laptops.
The 2.6GHz CPU comes with a 4MB L2 cache, 800MHz bus and — gamers start your engines — the standard power-friendly dynamic speed adjustment isn't present. This means you get all the performance, all the time, and can overclock it.
Overclocking laptops is like putting rocket fuel in a Ford Fiesta, but hell, it's your life.

Panasonic Extends Toughbook Brand to UMPCs, Intel's New Atom Processor Included

The upcoming Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC is powered by Intel's new Atom processor and seems to fit a wish we asked for last year: Just build a UMPC that is simple, tough, and has a long battery life.
But not everything is as simple as it looks--the UMPC will be challenged from within by its own operating system, a little thing they like to call Vista.* Some of us in the Lab actually don't hate on Vista as much as others do, but the graphic heavy, menu-rich build could be a bother in a small form. This could be especially true on this one, which is thicker than others and will likely require a larger grip and more patience.
There are obvious benefits to using the Atom chip in a small UMPC. Applications should operate more efficiently, use less power, and will connect to the networks at sweet speeds, actually making the device a useful option to carry on the road. If that doesn't work, its toughness might handle the endless throw-downs you’ll put it through.
Other notes: The display seems small at 5.6" (for comparison, the display size of the awesome Eec PC is 7"). On the positive side, it includes a simple, rugged QWERTY keyboard, as well basic scrolling and zoom options on the face of the gadget.
Of course, we should note that UMPCs are not really popular. It's been more than a year since manufacturers promised to fill up the market with awesome UMPCs, expecting to ride the coattails of the new MS OS. That didn't work (no, really!) and the results from the first year have been uneven.
But toughness is not one of the reasons for their unpopularity. Better reasons are unnecessarily complicated UIs, expensive kits, and tiny buttons unfit for sausagy fingers.
So tough is good but simple is better. Let's hope that Panasonic at least split the difference with this one.

Wireless

The wireless network card in Santa Rosa, codenamed Kedron but now dubbed the Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN, includes Intel's take on the long-delayed 802.11n standard. You can expect throughput of between 200Mbps and 300Mbps — with the appropriate wireless system on the other end, of course — but as for long-term compatibility with the finished standard, interoperability with other Draft-N systems, power consumption issues and mutual interference with 802.11b and g users within range, only time will tell.
The Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN supports the Draft-N wireless networking standard, delivering throughput up to 300Mbps.

Chipset

The chipset, codenamed Crestline and officially called the Mobile Intel 965 Express, includes a wide variety of enhancements to existing power-saving techniques plus some novel ideas, especially in display management. The Display Power Saving Technology (DPST) has been improved for better colour performance; this spots display contents that are primarily dark and lightens the pixels while dimming the backlight. Display Refresh Rate Switching and interlace support reduces LCD panel performance when the system is running on batteries and when display content allows it. Other systems turn off or reduce the speed of the LAN and various peripheral connections when operating conditions permit. The whole combination can save between two and three watts of power, which results in around five to ten percent extra battery life. The graphics themselves are provided by the GMA X3100 graphics core, which has eight 32-bit floating-point execution units clocked at 667MHz, hardware shading and support for Vista's Aero graphics. However, the GMA X3100 doesn't support DirectX 10 yet.
The Active Management Technology in the Centrino Pro platform can use wireless connectivity, which potentially extends the reach of the IT manager to the mobile workforce.
Another new feature in the chipset is support for Intel's Active Management Technology (AMT). This has been part of the vPro business platform for a while, but has been updated for Santa Rosa. This out-of-band management support is in effect an entire separate computer with its own connection to the network, with the ability to operate even when the main processor isn't running. By giving support software access to system components when the system as a whole has crashed or is otherwise engaged, AMT helps remote diagnostic and repair efforts. The Santa Rosa version of AMT, 2.5, has the ability to use wireless networking for the first time, although limitations in how public networks are configured mean you won't necessarily be able to get IT support to fix your notebook when you're out in the field with a blue screen of death.
To qualify for the new business-focused Centrino Pro branding, a system must include Intel's AMT 2.5 firmware and an AMT/VT-capable BIOS, in addition to the other Santa Rosa platform elements. Consumer notebooks, which don't require these manageability features, will continue to be branded as Centrino Duo.

Processor

The processor has changed the least. It's a 65nm Merom-based Core 2 Duo with a few tweaks, and will be the last of these CPUs before the arrival of 45nm Penryn processors in the next update. The major change between Santa Rosa's processor and its predecessors is the acceleration of the frontside bus (FSB) from 667MHz to 800MHz , together with the ability to slow it down during light loads. This technology, called Super Low Frequency Mode, knocks the bus speed down to 400MHz, the CPU's clock speed to 600MHz and reduces the core voltage. Another tweak, called Enhanced Deeper Sleep, means that the memory controller in the chipset won't wake up the processor to check on cache status if the system knows the cache is empty and the CPU is sufficiently comatose not to be able to change things.
A rather unusual performance boost comes in the form of Enhanced Dynamic Acceleration Technology. The Santa Rosa processor can run one of its two cores at full tilt while the other is in one of a number of sleep states, at which time the total thermal energy is somewhat less than the maximum allowed when both cores are running. Under conditions where only one core is running, Intel can effectively overclock it, taking advantage of the increased thermal headroom left by the other core ticking over. This will give single-threaded tasks a boost, says Intel, without risking overheating.

Turbo Memory, formerly code-named Robson, is a NAND flash hard disk cache that's designed to reduce boot times, boost performance and conserve battery life.
More performance, and lower power consumption, comes from a flash-based hard disk cache called Turbo Memory. Previously codenamed Robson, this devotes 512MB or 1GB of NAND flash memory to holding system files and other data that the operating system requires at start-up, restoring from sleep or during application switches. Intel claims that with a suitable operating system — and Windows Vista is designed for this — Turbo Memory can more than halve application load and wake-from-sleep times, while adding up to twenty minutes to battery life. Like any cache, its performance can vary according to how it's used, the mixture of reads and writes and the nature of the data sets it handles. However, with luck and application, the advantages will increase as programmers learn how to write optimal code and as flash memory gets bigger and better.
Chipset
The chipset, codenamed Crestline and officially called the Mobile Intel 965 Express, includes a wide variety of enhancements to existing power-saving techniques plus some novel ideas, especially in display management. The Display Power Saving Technology (DPST) has been improved for better colour performance; this spots display contents that are primarily dark and lightens the pixels while dimming the backlight. Display Refresh Rate Switching and interlace support reduces LCD panel performance when the system is running on batteries and when display content allows it. Other systems turn off or reduce the speed of the LAN and various peripheral connections when operating conditions permit. The whole combination can save between two and three watts of power, which results in around five to ten percent extra battery life. The graphics themselves are provided by the GMA X3100 graphics core, which has eight 32-bit floating-point execution units clocked at 667MHz, hardware shading and support for Vista's Aero graphics. However, the GMA X3100 doesn't support DirectX 10 yet.