Intel will today launch the new Centrino mobile computing platform to Australian customers, promising some modest gains in performance and a few new features for both corporate and consumer users.
Representatives from international PC vendors such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI and NEC as well as local PC manufacturers Altech, ASI, Leader Systems and Optima will be on-hand at the Sydney launch.
Intel will be announcing a business (Centrino Pro) and consumer (Centrino Duo) version of Centrino. The business version features several PC management tools introduced on the desktop last year under the "vPro" brand.
Both versions offer faster front-side bus speeds (800MHz up from 667MHz) and include a switching capability to ensure the processor uses less power when running undemanding applications.
Craig Quinn, product manager for local assembler ASI said the products should be better matched to Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista, "especially from a graphics perspective".
New Centrino-based machines will support the draft 802.11n wireless standard -- utilising MIMO (multiple in multiple out) antenna technology.
Previously, this was only an optional update. But Lindsay Tobin, product business manager for mobile computing at Acer said that many hardware vendors, Acer included, have been waiting for this Centrino update to introduce the standard.
The 802.11n compliance takes Centrino's wireless speeds from 54Mbps to a theoretical maximum of 300Mbps -- but users shouldn't expect a regular connection of more than 100mbps.
This faster wireless connection is also more secure -- utilising the recent 802.11i standard.
Philip Cronin, general manager for Intel Australia and New Zealand says the additional throughput will be highly sought in both corporate WLANs (wireless local area networks) and home networks, provided buyers also update their base stations to 802.11n models.
Intel claims the new Centrino products will use less battery power. Cronin says that typically users should expect an extra hour on top of what they were getting from prior Centrino models, depending on application.
Neither Acer or ASI have had enough time with the products yet to determine exactly how much power can be saved.
"It's early days in terms of testing, so I can't tell you precisely," Tobin said. "It's certainly supposed to improve in terms of power consumption."
Intel has also provided manufacturers with an optional extra called Intel Turbo Memory -- a small cache of flash memory attached via a mini-PCI plug-in, to improve computer start time and access to frequently used applications.
Of the eight Centrino models Acer will release, Tobin said only one will feature this option.
"We are including Turbo Memory in our top-of-range consumer notebook. Standard machines don't see much benefit, and it's only at a notebook over AU$2,500 that it becomes a cost we can readily absorb."
Quinn said ASI will offer Turbo Memory as an option in its "build to order" sales. "I think it's low priced and quite good value."
While the consumer Centrino Duo focuses on enhanced graphics for gaming, HDTV connectivity, high definition audio and faster boot times, the Centrino Pro includes notebook versions of the vPro desktop management tools Intel launched last September.
These include Intel's Active Management Technology -- enabling administrators to remotely manage a fleet of notebooks.
Administrators can remotely apply patches, install software, redirect drives, power machines on and off and run asset management tools.
"There is an extra degree of manageability in these notebooks which administrators will appreciate," Tobin said.
Cronin said that organisations will be particularly impressed with these capabilities if their desktop fleets feature vPro technology.
"You could then potentially manage a fleet of computers, be they desktops or notebooks, with the same capabilities," he said.
Tobin said the first few machines in Acer's new Centrino line will be announced today, and will be shipping within "days or weeks".
ASI will offer two Duo models -- one standard and one higher-spec desktop replacement, but will be unlikely to have any Centrino Pro models available until the third quarter.
