US chip giant Intel Wednesday released its new generation of notebook processors, Centrino, complete with wireless Internet access function and announced it aims to popularize it among business people and students across China.
"It is the first time Intel has integrated several technologies into one single brand and this innovation, with the deployment of hotspots with wireless Internet connection, will provide both computing and communications functions to business users and individuals," said Sean Maloney, executive vice president of Intel Corp.
The company unveiled the Centrino products in Beijing and simultaneously in other parts of the world.
The Centrino mobile technology includes a Pentium M processor for notebooks, a companion chipset and a wireless Wi-Fi module.
A Wi-Fi network enables users to gain access \to the Internet at a speed of 11 megabits per second, much faster than dial-up or cable connection.
Intel currently uses Wi-Fi modules made by Philips Semiconductor in the Centrino technology, but it will employ its own modules by the middle of this year.
Besides giving high-speed wireless connection to the Internet, the Centrino technology boasts high performance and low power consumption.
According to Don McDonald, head of Intel's mobile platform department, a Centrino 1.6 gigahertz notebook usually runs 15 percent faster than its Pentium 4 2.4 gigahertz counterpart, while the battery life is extended to 306 minutes from 130 minutes.
The starting price of a Centrino-based laptop computer is about US$1,300, similar to one equipped with an Intel Pentium 4 processor.
Intel was reported to have spent US$300 million promoting Centrino technology worldwide.
"It is the biggest promotion campaign we are making, even bigger than the promotion of the Pentium 4 processors," said Intel Vice-President Maloney.
Intel will strengthen cooperation with telecom operators to promote the Centrino technology and expects to make the total number of hotspots -- the location where people can get wireless access to the Internet based on a Wi-Fi network -- in China to reach 1,000 by the end of this year.
The US semiconductor behemoth signed agreements with the largest Chinese mobile carrier China Mobile and fixed line operator China Netcom to help the latter to set up 300 new hotspots.
Nine Chinese computer makers yesterday gave their endorsement to the Centrino technology, including the biggest Chinese desktop and laptop computer manufacturer Legend.
(People's Daily March 13, 2003)
