Intel upgrades mobile Pentium III chips

Intel has added two processors to its mobile range incorporating its Speedstep power saving technology.

The two Pentium III mobile chips, running at 800Mhz and 850Mhz, are available immediately, as is a mobile Celeron processor running at 700Mhz.

Intel said the chips are aimed at ultralight as well as full-sized mobile PCs and are capable of providing up to six hours of battery life, depending on system configuration.

Speedstep, which was introduced into Intel's mobile PC line in July, automatically detects whether a user is on AC or battery power and then operates in maximum performance or battery optimised modes accordingly.

The new 850Mhz processor runs at 1.65v in maximum performance mode but can automatically drop to 1.35v and 700Mhz when battery power is being used.

The 800Mhz version also runs at 1.65v in maximum performance mode and drops to 1.35v and 650Mhz in battery optimised mode.

Don MacDonald, marketing director for Intel's mobile platform group, said: "The new processors also take advantage of Intel's Quickstart technology, which automatically places the processor in power-saving mode of below half a watt when full performance is not required - such as between key strokes - and instantly returns to full performance when needed."