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Techno-files
Intel’s new Centrino—could it put a laptop in your lap?

By Riley Gay

There’s one thing you can pretty much count on in regard to technology, and that is change. Usually this change is slow and relentless, taking place in relatively steady increments over time.

As consumers, most of us tend to ignore these changes, often choosing to stick with a tried-and-true product until we are forced to upgrade for one reason or another.

But every so often, something comes along with the potential to change a technology almost overnight.

Computer chipmaker Intel has introduced just such a product, and if you’re a laptop PC user, or are thinking about buying your first laptop computer, you’ll be hard pressed to ignore it.

Laptop computers differ from desktop PCs in a couple of significant ways: They need to be thin and lightweight for portability, and they need to be able to operate on battery power for long periods of time.

To that end, Intel has developed a class of processors, and supporting technology, that is uniquely suited to accomplish both of these needs.
In the past, processors used in laptop PCs were basically the same as those found in desktop models, adapted for use in portables. But Intel’s new Pentium M (not to be confused with the Pentium 4-M) processors have been designed from the ground up -- specifically engineered to maximize battery life, boost processing power, and allow for thinner and lighter models.

This change in philosophy represents a major step in laptop computer design, and should have some far-reaching effects on the mobile market.

Intel is taking it a step farther by combining their new processors with a brand new chipset designed specifically for mobile computing, and an onboard 802.11b (known also as Wi-Fi) wireless module to create a laptop hardware brand they’ve dubbed Centrino. Only laptops with all three components get the benefit of Intel’s Centrino marketing muscle, but computer makers will be able to pair the Pentium M chip with other types of Wi-Fi adapters, as well.

The idea is to allow manufacturers to design thin and light notebook computers that will be able to take advantage of the growing number of wireless “hotspots” springing up in offices, hotels, coffee houses, airports and even city parks, for networking and Internet access. In addition, Intel has developed a software application that will let users seamlessly transition between various wireless networks.

The result may be a new style of highly mobile computing that can allow users to remain connected much the same way that the cell phone has enabled nearly uninterrupted mobile telecommunication on the go.

It’s hard to predict where Intel’s vision for mobile computing may lead, but the impact is likely to be significant.

Not to be outdone, AMD, Intel’s chief rival in the battle for processor supremacy, has let fly its own volley of mobile chips in response. They’ve introduced their Athlon XP-M line of processors -- 12 new chips that promise to improve battery life and overall laptop performance at highly competitive prices. The XP-M chips can be paired with any Wi-Fi adapter to allow for wireless connectivity. Computer manufacturers Hewlett-Packard and Fujitsu have already announced new value-priced models using the new Athlon mobile processors.

The new offerings from Intel and AMD will surely help to move mobile computing in new and exciting directions. Not only will consumers benefit directly from the introduction of new thinner, lighter and longer-lasting portable computers, but for those with less rigorous mobile computing needs, a not-so-insignificant benefit will be the anticipated drop in prices for previous generation laptops. As a result, the desktop computer market may feel the effects, too, in diminished sales of its desktop machines.

With the introduction of this new generation of laptop computers, mobile professionals now have the best reason in quite awhile to upgrade from their current machines.

And for many consumers, making the choice between buying a new desktop or a comparable notebook computer just got a little harder.

Riley Gay is director of technical services for Wrangler News.

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