Intel launches Centrino for easier mobile computing

Intel has taken another step to enable mobile computing easier with the launch of its latest product Centrino. Centrino includes a Pentium M, related chipset which is 855 chipset and the Intel PRO Wireless 2100 Network connection to enable 802.11functioning. 

Intel claims that all these components have been tested and validated to give optimum performance and that the product has been designed to enable extended battery life and thinner notebook designs.

Intel is betting big on this product banking on the IDC predictions that by 2006 two third of the US workforce would be using mobile computing. The number of hotspots around the world would go up from 15,000 to 30,000 during the same period.

Hotspots are locations in which users can conduct 802.11 wireless technology.

A typical hotspot allows speed in the range of 11 MBPS with access in the range of up to 300 meters within line of sight.

When a number of users are simultaneously accessing one access point the bandwidth is shared with the access speed inversely related to the number of users.

Intel has initiated a program whereby it would verify hotspots across 10,000 locations in 15 countries during this year. The verification would seek to establish that the hotspots are compatible with Intel Centrino. This would be part of the company's market development activity. 

Intel has also created a standardized worldwide Wireless Identifier program that includes signs to help users identify where they can connect wirelessly. The program informs users that a particular service provider's network has been verified with Intel Centrino mobile technology.

Another attempt towards expanding the Centrino market is the $ 150 million fund that the company has set up to invest in companies working in the mobile computing space. The company has already invested in an Indian company called Pronto Network.

Addressing concerns about security issues in wireless computing, Avtar Saini, Director, South Asia, Intel Asia Electronics said that the company is closely working with Cisco, CheckPoint, Verisign in order to enable secure transactions.

The Intel 855 chipset family includes two new chipsets: the 855PM supporting discrete graphics and 855GM with integrated Intel Extreme Graphics 2 technology. Both the chipsets include a 400 MHz processor system bus and support up to 2 GB of DDR 266 memory. The PRO/Wireless 2100 Network connection has been verified with leading VPN suppliers. 

The Intel Centrino mobile technology pricing includes the Intel 855 chipset, Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 network connection and the Intel Pentium M processor at speeds of 1.60, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30 GHz priced at $ 720, $ 506, $ 377, $ 292, respectively in 1000 unit quantities. 

Leading vendors like Toshiba and Samsung have already announced Centrino-based products.