Intel boosts notebook performance to desktop speeds

Intel yesterday showed off a version of its Pentium III flagship microprocessor that features Speedstep, a technology that enables laptops to run at desktop speeds.

The company rolled out two mobile Pentium III processors running at 650MHz and 600MHz respectively, and featuring Speedstep that allows notebooks to power down to 500MHz when running on battery power.

Speedstep can operate in two modes, maximum performance and battery optimised.

Robert Jecmen, vice president and general manager of Intel's mobile computing group, explained that Speedstep automatically chooses which mode to use depending on whether the computer is running on batteries or is plugged into AC power. The transition between modes takes place within 1/2000 of a second, he added.

The new processors also feature Intel's 0.18 micron technology, a 100MHz system bus, advanced system buffering and Internet streaming SIMD extensions for high performance.

"Mobile users want greater processor performance and more choice of notebook designs and features, as well as lighter weight," said Jecmen, adding that mobile PCs featuring these processors will meet such requirements.

PC makers including Acer, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, NEC, Toshiba and Sony yesterday voiced support for the processors.

Fujitsu announced two new models of its E Series and C Series notebooks featuring the new chips. Both the Lifebook E Series Model E-6550 and the Lifebook C Series Model C-6557 sport the processors running at 650MHz.

Gateway also said it will deliver Intel's new processor technology across its Solo Line of notebooks, while IBM is expected to offer the 600MHz chip in its forthcoming Thinkpad 600 series notebook.

Intel's Jecmen said the mobile PC performance landscape has been reshaped in the last three months.

"With the October introduction of the mobile Pentium III processors at 500MHz, and boosting that to 650MHz, we have nearly doubled the performance of mobile PCs. The performance against mobility compromise is now obsolete," he said.