Intel processor roadmap: From small to big

Much attention was given to the small and nifty Atom processors at the Shanghai Intel Developer Forum, but those who believe in the power of conventional PC systems will still have something to look forward to.

Of the four technologies covered--Tukila, Dunnington, Nehalem and Larrabee--it's the latter two which will interest the consumer market. Meant more for enterprises, Tukila is a quad-core chip with 30MB cache and QuickPath technology, while Dunnington is a six-core chip built for multiprocessor systems.

Nehalem is an upgrade from the current Penryn processor and uses the same 45nm technology. The key difference is that the memory controller will be integrated on the processor itself (a technology already in use by AMD). This cuts down the time it takes for data transmission between the memory and CPU significantly.

Larrabee is an upcoming graphics processor which aims to blur the line between video-specific tasks and normal computing jobs. By adding features which allow the GPU to take on duties currently served by the CPU, the next-generation platform is set to take on what Intel terms as a "visual-computing architecture".

Via CNET News.com

The Wind howls in at IDF

Though it was announced in mid-March, it's always nice to get confirmation that the MSI Wind is no vaporware. Running on the new Intel Atom platform and showcased at the Intel Developer Forum in Shanghai, this UMPC may be the one to finally unseat the low-cost ASUS Eee PC by offering more features and a faster processor at a lower cost.

As previously reported, the Wind comes with either an 8-inch or 10-inch display with a choice of conventional or solid-state harddisks. According to reports, the MSI Wind will go for around US$370 (S$511.56)--cheaper than the ASUS Eee PC. The Taiwanese maker also claims a runtime of up to 6 hours, which is head and shoulders above the 2-hour battery life of the latter. Other rumored features include an ExpressCard slot, VGA output, two USB ports and a memory card slot.

But this begs the question. Some of the upcoming UMPCs are starting to sport display sizes ranging from 8 to 10 inches. With this comes additional weight, which makes the "ultra mobile" claim rather thin. With 12.1-inch laptops running dual-core processors and built-in optical drives, like the S$1,398 (US$1,027.94) Acer Aspire 2920Z, it makes one wonder if we would be better served buying a full-fledge notebook instead of having to compromise performance with a 10-inch UMPC.

Toshiba breaks out the pinstripes for new Satellites

With a lineup of perfectly serviceable, but not exactly standout mainstream laptops, Toshiba's Satellite line has long played second fiddle to the company's excellent Qosmio multimedia laptops.

Aiming to correct this, Toshiba unveiled an entirely redesigned Satellite line, with what is being called a new "Horizon" pattern in a "Fusion" finish. Toshiba describes it as"gray pinstripes set upon a field of black". We checked these out in person a few weeks ago, and they had a distinct metallic sheen, quite different from the current black-and-red flamed look.

The new models are the Satellite U400, the Satellite M300, the Satellite A300, and the Satellite P300, with 13.3-inch, 14.1-inch, 15.4-inch and 17-inch displays, respectively. Apart from the 13-inch U400, these new models include touch-sensitive media controls, a flush-mounted touchpad, and Harman Kardon speakers (which are already available on some higher-end Toshiba laptops).
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Five Atom processors announced at IDF

Rising from the ash that was Silverthorne are five Atom processors, formally introduced at this week's Intel Developer Forum in Shanghai.

The two lower configurations run on 400MHz frontside bus (FSB) speed, with one chip clocking in at 800MHz and another at 1.1GHz. Despite a modest bump in speed, the 1.1GHz chip has a much higher heat output (2W compared with the former's 0.65W) and uses more power. Based on these specifications and the fact that both units cost the same, it's obvious the 800MHz was created for smaller MID-size devices (possibly the same dimensions as the Everun UMPC), while the faster chip may turn up in bigger machines like the ASUS Eee PC.

The 1.33GHz and 1.6GHz have the same thermal envelope and power consumption as the 1.1GHz mode, but run on a faster 533MHz FSB. The fastest 1.86GHz processor, however, emits 20 percent more heat than the rest, though we were surprised to see that its power requirements are the same as the slower chips.

Intel expects these processor to be available some time in June, so keep an eye out for the new breed of UMPCs which should be coming out in the same time frame.

Laptop battery alternatives

By now, you would have learnt how an LG factory fire will affect the laptop battery supply for the next few months and how prices are expected to increase. When contacted, Dell and HP have assured us that they are already planning for alternative sources and, for now, have yet to increase their battery pack prices.

However, laws of supply and demand make it rather clear that we should expect power packs to cost more in the coming months. As such, we take a look at two alternatives to purchasing a laptop cell.

Do you want to live forever?

As you may have guessed, this is the dangerous option which should be attempted only by the very brave or very foolish. How to know which group you fall under?
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