Micro Express Supports Intel Interchangeability Initiative with New Notebook

Micro Express HEL8016 (view large image)

Micro Express has announced the HEL8016 notebook, one of the first notebooks to fully support the Intel Interchangeability Initiative. The HEL8016 is made for Micro Express by Compal and supports Intel's Core Duo processor and high definition audio. As part of the Initiative, the HEL8016 not only features interchangeable parts, such as the keyboard, battery, LCD screen, disk drive, AC power adapter and optical drive, but it's also compatible with the upcoming Intel Core 2 Duo CPU.

What is the Intel Interchangeability Initiative?

To accelerate deployment of new notebooks, Intel created the Interchangeability Initiative in partnership with original design manufacturers (ODMs) and what Intel calls ingredient suppliers. The program is based on the idea of common building blocks (CBBs). CBBs are notebook ingredients that comply with mechanical and electrical specifications to ensure interchangeability. This allows ingredients from different combinations of suppliers to be tested for interchangeability across different notebook platforms. The current list of CBBs includes the hard disk drive, optical disk drive, liquid crystal display panel, battery pack, keyboards, AC/DC adapter and customizable notebook panel.

The end result are machines that have known plug and play capabilities with several components so they can come to market more quickly and reliably. The current program supports 14" and 15.4" widescreen notebook models. The program started in 2004 and has grown to include 7 CBBs and more than 30 ingredients. Intel expects this list to grow as more ingredient manufacturers and ODMs come on board.

More on the Micro Express HEL8016 Notebook

The HEL8016 is shipping now, at a price of $1199. More information can be found at the Micro Express site, top-level specs are as follows:

• 15.4" WXGA (1280 X 800) Display
• Nvidia Geforce 7600 with 256MB Video Ram
• Centrino compliant platform
• Verified by Intel for interchangeability of key components as part of Intel Interchangeability Initiative
• 512 MB of RAM
• 60-GB SATA Hard Drive
• 8X DVD+/-R/RW Multi Format optical Drive
• Fingerprint ID Detector
• 802.11b/g built in WiFi
• 1.3M CMOS Camera
• Bluetooth Module optional
• The top cover of this notebook can be customized by applying a Customizable Notebook Panel