News Bits: Intel Core 2 Duo, Fujitsu LifeBook C1410, New Acer Ferraris to Ship Soon

Intel's "Conroe" Core 2 Duo desktop processor is here

Intel has announced its Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors at last. Based on the mobile Core Duo architecture, the Core 2 Duo brings many new features (and new names to go with them) to the table, including Intel Wide Dynamic Execution, Intel Smart Memory Access, Intel Advanced Smart Cache, and Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost.

Previous technologies are also implemented into the Core 2 Duo, including Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (64-bit), and Execute Disable Bit. Availability of the new processors isn't expected until the 23rd of this month, when consumers should be able to purchase the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme from most online merchants and stores.  Below are the prices and model numbers of these desktop processors, the notebook processors in the Core 2 Duo lineup will be announced next month.

The low end of the Core 2 Duo lineup holds the E6300 and E6400 with 2MB of cache; for a bit more, the E6600 doubles the cache to 4MB. Hyper Threading (HT) Technology will not be available on any initial Core 2 Duo processors. Later this year, Intel is slated to launch a 3.2GHz Core 2 Extreme processor, and a quad-core Kentsfield Core 2 Extreme early next year.

Read More

Fujitsu Releases LifeBook C1410 Notebook

(view large image)

July 11^th - Fujitsu today announced its new thin-and-light, the LifeBook C1410. Starting as low as $1,039, it is ideal for education and value-minded small/mid-size businesses.

The LifeBook C1410 features Intel's Core Duo processor and a 15.4" widescreen Crystal View XGA display. It weighs in at 6.4 lbs and offers extra long battery life, up to 11 hours with a high-capacity main battery and a secondary modular battery.

Security features include an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2, two-level hard disk drive protection password, and BIOS support for Absolute Software Corporation's Computrace theft protection and secure asset tracking solutions.

(view large image)

To top off the list of features, the LifeBook C1410 also includes Gigabit Ethernet, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG WLAN, optional internal Bluetooth, SD slot, Multi-format DVD Burner, and an available port replicator.

The Fujitsu LifeBook C1410 is available immediately through Fujitsu, channel partners, and select retail outlets. The system is configurable. Link to Product

Read More

Acer to ship dual-core Ferraris by end of July

Acer will begin shipping its new dual-core Ferrari notebooks, featuring AMD Turion X2 Mobile Technology at the end of July. Both Ferraris, the 12.1" 1000 and 15.4" 5000 will be priced at about 2,000 euros, or $2,543 USD.

Read More

New Intel CPUs for entry-level notebooks

Intel started offering a series of value CPUs in June which were not on their roadmap, targeted at international notebook manufacturers. Priced at ~$100, the Core Duo T2050 and T2250 have similar performance to the Core Duo T2300, which is priced at $209. The processors have already been adopted by HP, Dell, Acer, and Asustek.

International notebook makers are cooperating with Intel and its aggressive pricing moves against AMD, but the notebook market may be negatively impacted in the future if the makers find it difficult to keep up with Intel's and AMD's marketing strategies.

Read More

Interesting Links

Toshiba delays HD DVD-based DV-R in Japan

Jack Bauer promotes common sense Internet safety

Asus A6Jc Review by XBitlabs