AMD strengthens 64-bit mobility line up

AMD has introduced the Mobile Athlon 64 3400+, a 32/64-bit processor designed for Windows-based notebook PCs that may run 64-bit software in the future.

The 3400+ offers enhanced virus protection when used in conjunction with Microsoft's Windows XP Service Pack 2, which is due to become available next month. This should prevent infection from many thousands of existing exploits.

The low power usage of the processor is touted as being ideal for the compact, lightweight design of many new laptops. With a speed of 2.2GHz and 1MB of cache, it is being aimed both at business and personal computer users.

Later this month Alienware plans to offer notebooks - targeting gamers - based on the chip, which costs $432 when bought in lots of a thousand.

Frank Azor, senior vice president of Alienware's worldwide product group, said in a statement: "With 64-bit capability for tomorrow's software, our customers can benefit from industry-leading performance with the confidence that their investment is protected.

"The combination of our extreme gaming system and the power of AMD64 technology means that PC users can have mind-blowing performance wherever they go."

AMD's Mobile Athlon XP-M processor 2200+ is also now available.

Averatec's C3500, a convertible tablet PC, will incorporate the chip, and Epson Direct will also use it. In units of a thousand, the chip costs $97.

"We were the first to bring 64 bits and dynamic power management to notebooks, and now the performance of AMD mobile processors is available at your fingertips in a dynamic convertible tablet PC," said Marty Seyer, vice president at AMD.