Wide area WiMax wireless networks will usher in a new era of "full internet" connectivity on mobile devices, a senior Intel executive claimed today.

Sean Maloney, executive vice president and general manager for sales and marketing at Intel, said during the opening keynote at Computex in Taipai that individuals, not households, will drive the next era of internet growth.

"The convergence of mobile computers, WiMax wireless broadband and powerful HD-rich computer technologies point to a tremendous growth opportunity," he said.

"People have an innate desire to be 'connected' all the time, and see personalised mobile technology as the way to meet that need."

Maloney claimed that the emergence of the ultra-mobile PC 'netbook' category will make 2008 the first year that mobile computing devices outsell desktop computers.

Chii-ming Yiin, Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs, also addressed the keynote audience via video.

He described how WiMax represents the next growth opportunity for Taiwan's technology industry as local hardware, services and network infrastructure companies develop WiMax technologies.

Maloney added that mobile WiMax is the "right solution and it's happening now ".

"Wireless networks will be how the majority of people get connected and they have to be web 2.0 capable," he said. "That means they will need a lot of bandwidth to send data either to or from devices at a rapid pace."

Maloney also unveiled chipsets that make high-definition images on a desktop screen look more realistic, along with new versions of Intel's Atom processors for the emerging class of compact, low cost mobile and desktop devices.

The new Intel 4 Series chipsets will be used in mainstream desktop PCs powered by the latest 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Quad processors.

"The internet is going high-def. Desktop PCs with these new chipsets let you enjoy, share and protect your digital life," said Maloney.

"They have the processing power and graphics to deliver stutter-free HD video playback, improved 3D performance and leading storage capabilities."