Hitachi will launch a notebook PC based on Transmeta's Crusoe microprocessor in November, but the device will not be on sale in Europe.

A spokeswoman for Hitachi confirmed that a Transmeta-based notebook would be launched in Japan and the US, "but we have no plans to sell the product in Europe", she said.

Hitachi, IBM, Gateway and Sony are the only companies to commit to launching products based on Transmeta's low power consumption Crusoe chip, which it claims prolongs the battery life in ultra lightweight computers.

Compaq said it is considering using the chip, whereas notebook specialist Toshiba said it has no current plans to include the chip in any of its products - even though it is an investor in Transmeta.

Crusoe enables lightweight notebooks to provide up to eight hours of battery life. It includes Transmeta's LongRun power management technology, which enables the processor to optimise its performance to the actual application it is running, while continually adjusting its speed and voltage so that it delivers the maximum battery life.

Transmeta said the ultra light notebook designs are also quieter, because the Crusoe chip does not require noisy fans to keep cool.