Intel tunes PIII for notebooks

Intel has introduced a version of its mobile Pentium III processor that operates at different speeds depending on whether a notebook PC is plugged in to an AC mains outlet or running on batteries.

Two Intel Mobile PIIIs incorporating SpeedStep technology have been introduced, at 650MHz and 600MHz. These chips dynamically switch to 500MHz when a laptop is running on batteries.

Dave Hazell, Intel's director of Northern Europe, said: "Our research has shown a high percentage of people use mobile PCs plugged into the mains. But it's a mobile world. We're seeing that market grow tremendously."

Traditionally, processor gains have outstripped improvements in battery life, holding back the move to processors with higher CPU clock speeds, which demand more power.

Intel developed the system BIOS, user interface software, switch control ASIC and chipset support that makes SpeedStep possible.

Laptops using the technology will be rolled out by the major OEMs this week.

The launch was scheduled a day before the secretive Transmeta Corporation's planned unveiling of its Crusoe processor, reportedly a RISC chip aimed at mobile devices that need high performance at low power.

Silicon Valley-based Transmeta has raised eyebrows because of its line-up of investors, which includes Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and renowned financier George Soros. Also involved is open source guru Linus Torvalds.

Earlier this week Intel announced an alliance with five memory chip manufacturers - Hyundai MicroElectronics, Infineon, Micron Tehcnology, NEC and Samsung - to develop next-generation DRAM architecture.