Intel has made major promises concerning future ultra-mobile PC (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), and notebook computer technologies. A new UMPC SoC (system-on-chip) will slash idle power consumption to 1/100th of the original, while next year's version of Centrino Duo technology will integrate WiMAX into… notebooks, among other claimed developments.

In a Sept. 19 keynote, attendees at this week's Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco learned that during the first half of 2008, Intel will deliver “Menlow,” based on the company's 45 nm Hi-k microarchitecture-based processor, and the accompanying chipset code-named “Poulsbo.” This will deliver 10x lower idle power consumption compared to the first UMPCs, plus optional standardized WiFi, 3G, and WiMAX capabilities.

Andand Chandrasekher, Intel senior VP and general manager of the Ultra Mobility Group, said, “Users want the full Internet to be delivered to them wirelessly and in their pocket.” Noting that Menlow is the first platform designed from the ground up for UMPCs and MIDs, he added that the next-generation, code-named “Moorestown,” will reduce idle power consumption by an additional 10x compared to Menlow, resulting in a 100x reduction relative to Intel's original UMPC platform.

Intel executives Anand Chandrasekher (left) and David Perlmutter (right) promised integrated WiMAX in future mobile products
(Source: Intel)

Moorestown, with an unspecified release timetable, is a system-on-chip (SoC) design that combines CPU, graphics, video, and memory controller into a single chip, according to Intel. This will enable significantly longer battery life in a variety of smaller form-factors, such as UMPCs and MIDs, according to Chandraskher.

As for the notebook-oriented Centrino Duo technology, Intel executives explained that the company's current “Santa Rosa” technology will be replaced during the first half of 2008 using a 45 nm dual-core processor codenamed “Penryn.” In addition to enhanced battery life, Intel expects this to provide superior graphics capabilities, especially with DirectX 10-based applications.

Later in 2008, according to Intel SVP and GM David Perlmutter, a Penryn-based technology code-named Montevina will add integrated HD-DVD and Blu-ray support. It will also offer an optional module code-named “Echo Peak,” which provides WiFi and WiMAX capabilities.

To showcase WiMAX's “multi-megabit speed, greater throughput, and wider range,” Perlmutter used it while cruising around the audience in three different vehicles: a Segway personal transporter, a golf cart, and a scooter.

 
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