Intel shows off the PC of the future

A host of chipmakers joined Intel to showcase a future PC innovation, dubbed Concept PC 2001, at the Comdex trade show.

The device, codenamed Hannacroix, includes the Intel Pentium 4 processor with two types of wireless connectivity, 802.11b and Bluetooth, multiple high-speed I/O connections including USB2.0 and IEEE 1394a, next generation storage, advanced video features and S/P-DIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface).

Tom Matson, marketing director for Intel's Desktop Platform Solutions Division, said the company is excited to provide desktop board connectivity to the emerging class of digital consumer electronics devices, starting with digital video camcorders and integrated desktop board technologies.

The Hannacroix project showcases working technologies from a large number of vendors including NEC, Agere Systems, Cirrus Logic, Cypress Semiconductor and Intersil, among others. The concept was a joint collaboration between Intel Labs and Hewlett Packard's business desktop division labs.

The device, which runs on Microsoft XP Professional, includes Cirrus Logic's six-channel AC '97 audio on its motherboard utilising the CS4201 AC '97 codec chip and two digital-to-analog converters. Intersil's PRISM 2.5 USB chipset, providing wireless networking, has also been integrated in the device.

Cypress Semiconductor provides a chip that bridges from USB 2.0 to the ATAPI standard currently used to connect CD and DVD drives.

Intel executives said this is the first stage to designing a customised PC motherboard. The device, which measures a small footprint of 4.5 x 12.8 x 14.8 inches, features a web camera, speakers and a CD-writer, and can be hung from the wall or placed on a desk.

The device, which is not for sale, has been created to show developers and integrators technologies and products to help them design future PC platforms.