Intel's Centrino 2 (aka Montevina) arrives tonight
Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:29PM EDT
See Comments (5)
Whatever you do don't buy a new computer this afternoon: Intel's long-anticipated new chipset/wireless/CPU combo, formally named Centrino 2 and previously known by the code name "Montevina," officially arrives this evening after nearly a month of delays. Virtually every computer maker will have upgraded models for sale come tomorrow... and big discounts on older machines that are still lingering in the channel.
Centrino 2, as I've previously written about at the above link, includes a whole host of new and upgraded features. Here are the key features you'll find in machines that use the new chipset:
> An updated Penryn-class Intel Core 2 Duo CPU will be standard, with clock speeds of up to 3.06GHz available. The new Penryn isn't just faster, it also consumes less power: 29 watts vs. the first-generation's 34 watts, and that means a significantly cooler-operating (and longer-running) laptop.
> For machines without dedicated graphics cards, a new integrated graphics chipset called the GMA X4500 will be included, and which should offer a modest improvement on graphical and gaming tasks on machines without a real graphics card.
> Integrated wireless is upgraded to 802.11n Wi-Fi, with a WiMax add-on module available as an option.
> Support for the new DisplayPort monitor/TV connector will now be available.
> A collection of upgrades to other components including Gigabit Ethernet LAN and RAM (with support for DIMMs up to DDR3-1333) are included. Intel's TurboMemory caching system also gets an upgrade.
Unfortunately, not all of the features in the Centrino 2 package are ready immediately; Intel has stated that it will be August before all processors and chips in the collection are universally available. Higher-end notebooks, especially those with discrete graphics, are more likely to include all (or most of) the Montevina features.
Want Montevina? Check your laptop for the Centrino 2 sticker (above) or pay close attention to the specs when you're doing your research. There's really no reason not to jump for it if you're buying a new machine.
Comments on Intel's Centrino 2 (aka Montevina) arrives tonight
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2 Posted by uvageek on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:30PM EDT Report Abuse
Glad to see that Intel has finally pushed out the processor line to the public, however I'm more curious as to what Apple is looking to do with the integration of the Montevina line and when they'll release their next iteration of the MacBookPro. In terms of Alex's comment, it's time to realize that more and more of the processing performed is done by those that require mobility.
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3 Posted by alan_r_cam on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse
My security people insist Wi-Fi be physically disabelled. Does this mean I'd have to attack any new notebook with a soldering iron? A slap in the face like that reminds me of Humphrey Bogart: "When you're slapped, you'll take it and like it".
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4 Posted by rogueist on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse
Can it add 1 + 1 and come up with a clean answer of 2? I still go for AMD over Intel to this day...
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5 Posted by wizardgdog on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:48PM EDT Report Abuse
I'm waiting for a good laptop at a great price. I've got my eye on the Toshiba with a 17" screen, and 3Gb ram because I like the vids. I'm thinking that this new Centrino setup is going to put a nice fat price on an otherwise fairly priced laptop.
1 Posted by alexgannis on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse
That Great if you own a laptop otherwise Big deal who cares.