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Earlier this month Intel launched its Centrino 2 mobile chipset which promises faster performance, enhance video capability, and longer laptop life through built in power management features.  The event had Mooly Eden, Intel corporate vice president and general manager of the company’s Mobile Platforms Group, on hand to present an array of laptop products utilizing the Centrino 2 chipset and highlight the improvements.  While Apple was notably absent, rumors are running rampant about whether or not the Centrino 2 will be utilized in upcoming Macbooks.  For the PC side of the house, there are some obvious benefits, but experts are withholding final judgment until benchmark tests are complete.

 
“Today, notebooks outsell desktops in the U.S, and we’re paving the way to HD entertainment, rich online gaming, faster broadband wireless speeds and an easier and more secure way for businesses to manage, update and repair their notebook fleets,” states Eden.  To meet these needs, Intel’s Centrino 2 chipset, codenamed Montevina, is comprised of Penryn chips that clock a full Gigahertz faster than its predecessor, Centrino Duo.  Add to that a 1066MHz front side bus, which doubles the speed that components of the system can communicate with each other and that offers DDR3 memory users a significant boost.  In power management, Centrino 2 utilizes what Eden calls HUGI or “hurry up and get idle” technology.  This allows the chipset to use Intel’s Deep Power Down Technology to turn off core clocks and cache memory during lulls, thus extending laptop battery life by 27%. 

Also, users are able to actively or automatically manage their video display based on settings built into Centrino 2.  This allows for discrete video, such as Blu-Ray video or games, to be displayed with the richness needed, or for video quality to be scaled back to Intel integrated graphics level when viewing documents or spreadsheets.  In keeping with Eden’s vision, Intel’s website declares, “For consumers, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology delivers the horsepower and battery life to enjoy a typical full-length, Blu-ray high-definition video on a single battery charge for the first time, plus the ability to play a variety of online games, download music or post videos faster than before.”
 
In an Ice-Man versus Maverick epic battle in the “need for speed”, chipset competitor AMD is not sitting still.  AMD released it’s Turion X2 Ultra chipset, codenamed Puma, at the beginning of June.  While offering similar automated video management capabilities, AMD had a slight advantage over Intel in that it had acquired industry graphics processing unit (GPU) giant, ATI.  By integrating both companies strengths, AMD is hoping to keep one step ahead of Intel in power management, speed, and video.  Not content to rest on the outcome of that strategy, AMD is also exploring the idea of external GPUs.  This would allow AMD to offer lighter notebook designs that consumed less power while incorporating a way for dedicated gamers and video enthusiasts to have all the power they desire, when they need it.
 
Then there’s the world of Macbooks.  Apple has relied on Intel chipsets in the recent past to power their popular notebook series.  However, the rumor mill is running fast and furious as to when, and what parts, of the Centrino 2 will be used by Apple in their new line of notebooks.  Macworld thinks that some flavor of Centrino 2 will be the powerhouse behind the new Macbook.  Meanwhile, AppleInsider forecasts “The next hardware transition will be away from Intel chipsets—but not CPUs—and towards… something.”  From aluminum cases to modified Intel chipsets, the new Macbook rumors are all pushing for lighter, leaner, and faster.
 
Centrino 2 is a step forward in the CPU design world but it is not the breakthrough that heralds a new age for laptop design.  Intel’s latest offering delivers what it promises, the ability to work longer.  The Centrino 2 gets the job done exceedingly well for business folks and casual users.  However, gamers looking for a laptop that can deliver integrated video that will sustain their past time should still expect to invest in a separate, dedicated GPU.  The quest for a chipset that can deliver quality video for an extended period continues.

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By Alicen Hogan