The future of laptops....

[RobsMob]

With the new Centrinotechnology coming out from Intel, what will happen with the price of laptops with the 'mobile' editions of their processors in them? I'm in the market for a laptop, but I don't want to buy one in February and have the Centrino products come out in March. Any thoughts?

[ua549]

It looks like they are branding technology that is currently available. The only new thing I see is the chipset. The proc is a P4-M that is being used now along with the Intel NIC that is currently being used. I haven't compared the chipset features though. They most l;ikely have improved power management functions.

If you wait for the next big tech change, you'll never purchase hardware because there is always an improved something or other just around the corner.

[mozilla4]

Originally posted by ua549
It looks like they are branding technology that is currently available. The only new thing I see is the chipset. The proc is a P4-M that is being used now along with the Intel NIC that is currently being used.

The chips that will be going into the new Centrino chipsets are totally different from the P4-M. The new chip is code named Banias and will start at 1.3 GHz with 1Mb cache. Supposedly it will perform better then the P4-M because it is a totally new chip and IPC is increased when compared to the P4.

[ua549]

From the Intel website (emphasis mine) -

With Intel Centrino mobile technology, three components work together to deliver a breakthrough in freedom and capability—so you can work, learn and play on the go. These components include:

Intel® Pentium® M Processor
Intel® 855 chipset family
Intel® PRO/Wireless network connection

The Intel Centrino mobile technology brand is your assurance that you're using innovative and reliable technology.

[RobsMob]

Originally posted by ua549
If you wait for the next big tech change, you'll never purchase hardware because there is always an improved something or other just around the corner.

I hear what you're saying. I'm only curious about this next jump that's about to happen. My main concern is that buy a laptop this month that cost $1500 and next month Centrino based notebooks come out and my laptop can now be had for $1000. I know that this goes with the turf, but for a poor, married college student it makes a difference.

[mozilla4]

Originally posted by ua549
From the Intel website (emphasis mine) -
Intel® Pentium® M Processor
Intel® 855 chipset family

There is a difference between the new Pentium M Processor, the Pentium 4-M, and Pentium III-M. Three different processors. Three different technologies. Could they make it any more confusing? It will be pretty ironic if they go with a PR rating scheme.

[mozilla4]

Originally posted by RobsMob


I hear what you're saying. I'm only curious about this next jump that's about to happen. My main concern is that buy a laptop this month that cost $1500 and next month Centrino based notebooks come out and my laptop can now be had for $1000. I know that this goes with the turf, but for a poor, married college student it makes a difference.

Personally, I would wait for the Centrino based notebooks. They aren't that far off and I personally don't like any of the P4-M notebooks... too bulky.

[ua549]

I don't think fully functional notebooks will get much lighter than the 4.75 pound current offerings from Compaq and IBM.

I purchased an Evo N610c last autumn for ~$1900 that has all the bells and whistles. The heaviest component, the 1400x1050 LCD, will not get lighter in the next year.

[Almost Famous]

http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archi...030108corp.htm