Intel Announces "Centrino Junior" Processor for UMPCs

[NatCh]

Intel launches 'Centrino Jnr' for UMPCs

ZDNet Australia is reporting that Intel has a new chip just out that's expressly designed for UMPCs. The CPUs, known as 'Stealey' CPUs, are "ultra-low voltage tweaks of the 90nm Pentium M processor with a 512Kb Level 2 cache."

The article also discusses Intel's intent to re-position UMPCs as "mobile Internet Devices," and discussion of increasing emphasis on Linux as an OS for them. It doesn't seem to be suggesting that they're abandoning Windows, just adding more Linux exposure:

"Intel's positioning of UMPCs as mobile Internet devices and its choice of Linux as an OS makes sense for OEMs, as the target audience is now consumers and prosumers rather than mobile professionals," said Hugo Ortega, director of Sydney-based tablet PC and UMPC distributor Tegatech Australia.

"UMPC sales are being dragged down by their high price, unrealistic expectations and lack of functionality with Windows Vista. Given that current UMPCs and Tablet PCs are considered as niche products, it makes sense for Intel to adopt a broader market strategy," Ortega said.

Ortega cautions that vendors will have to hit the right price point for ultra mobiles. "Cost will be a crucial factor contributing to the success or demise of these devices. If the price is too high then the same critics who slammed the first generation of Microsoft's UMPC platform will have a field day with these devices."

The Linux-powered mobile Internet devices are expected to touch down in the first half of 2008, which is also when Intel will release its second-generation ultra-mobile platform codenamed Menlow.

"Menlow is designed from the ground up for ultra-mobility," said Chandrasekher, "and it meets Intel's goal of achieving a 10x reduction in power consumption by 2008".

There's a bit more nitty-gritty in the article, for those who are interested.


Full article.

[wallcraft]

One of the best sources for IDF UMPC news is UMPCportal. They have photos of some of the new devices from Aigo, Asus, Fujitsu, Haier, HTC and Samsung.

[NatCh]

Hmm, yes, I believe I'll just bookmark that one .... Thanks, wallcraft!