ACM TechNews

Better Computer Chips Raise Laptops' Abilities

USA Today (07/15/08) P. 1B; Kessler, Michelle

Chipmakers are focusing more on features for small, portable computers as sales of laptops continue to soar. The Centrino 2 next-generation laptop chips introduced on Monday by Intel are not only faster than their predecessors, but they also offer better graphics and battery life. For example, the new chip line features an ultra-low-power processor and other energy-saving tools. Last month, chief rival Advanced Micro Devices rolled out laptop chips that are capable of detecting whether a computer is plugged in and adjusting power levels accordingly. More people are using their laptops to watch movies, play games, and use graphics-heavy programs, and computer chip companies have responded by making more powerful standalone graphics chips. AMD says it has improved its graphics processor for its new chip line, and Nvidia, which specializes in graphics chips, is focusing more on the laptop. Intel's new chips also feature the latest Wi-Fi technology, and the company plans to offer chips using the new wireless Internet standard WiMax later in the year.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/
2008-07-14-intel-centrino-2-laptop-chips_N.htm

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