Intel set to take on AMD with CULV platform

Intel's CULV platform could be available as early as the second quarter 2009

Intel is set to launch a consumer ultra-low voltage (CULV) platform later this year, in a move that would put the chip giant in direct competition with AMD's Yukon platform.

Intel sources told vnunet.com that CULVs are not new to the Intel roadmap, noting "these processors have been in the works for years. We've had ULVs for years and this is just a natural extension of this product line."

The source said that the CULVs would have a package size of 22mm x 22mm, but refused to confirm any sort of timescale except to say they would be out "later this year".

This year, Intel will purportedly seek to place its products into four different market sectors. The 12.1in and bigger portables will take their place in the traditional notebook sector, while Atom- and Pineview-based machines will compete within the netbook space. Menlow will target the mobile internet device sector and CULV-based ultra-portable notebooks will take their place among lightweight portables ranging in display size from 11in to 13.3in.

Some Taiwanese notebook makers are reporting that ultra-portable devices sporting Intel's new CULV should be available by the second quarter of 2009, while the top-three notebook makers are already finalising plans to launch products based on the platform.

Intel CULV-based notebooks should push shipment numbers past the 10 million unit mark, according to sources in the industry.

Sources at notebook makers have speculated that pricing for Intel CULV ultra-portable notebooks would probably range from between $699 to $899 (£501 to £645), but our Intel source told vnunet.com that no information on pricing was currently available.

Rumour from the Taiwanese notebook makers also has it that HP may now be persuaded to use the upcoming CULV platform for its 13.3in Mini-Note notebook, due out in June, instead of using an Atom Zxx Menlow chip.