Intel Announces StrongARM Microprocessor-Based Solution for Handheld PC Market

Strategic Insights -

Intel Corporation has unveiled a low-power, high-performance, and highly integrated solution for the handheld PC market, leveraging its StrongARM microprocessor technology. The new SA-1101 companion chip, paired with the SA-1100 processor, is designed to enable OEMs to build handheld devices that meet the demands of mobile users, including low power consumption, high performance, and compact design. Intel's move marks the company's commitment to expanding its presence in emerging market segments, such as handheld computing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intel has released a StrongARM microprocessor-based solution for the handheld PC market, featuring the SA-1101 companion chip and SA-1100 processor.
  • The solution is designed to provide a low-power, high-performance, and highly integrated platform for handheld devices, enabling longer battery life and advanced user interfaces.
  • According to IDC, the handheld companion market segment is projected to grow from 4.6 million units in 1998 to 14.1 million units worldwide in 2002.
  • Hewlett-Packard Company has confirmed that it will use StrongARM products in its next-generation handheld computing products.
  • The SA-1100 processor consumes less than one third of a watt of power while operating at 190 MHz, enabling longer battery life in handheld devices.
  • When combined with the SA-1101 companion chip, the SA-1100 processor provides additional functionality, including 64 KB of on-chip SRAM and support for external memory interfaces.
  • The StrongARM architecture is supported by several embedded operating systems, including Microsoft Windows CE, OS9, pSOS+, Inferno, JavaOS, EPOC32, and VxWorks.
  • The SA-1100 processor is available for $33 in 10K units, while the new SA-1101 companion chip is available for $21 in 10K units.

Statistics:

  • Intel expects the handheld PC market to grow significantly, with IDC projecting 14.1 million units sold worldwide in 2002, up from 4.6 million units in 1998.
  • The SA-1100 processor operates at 190 MHz and consumes less than one third of a watt of power, enabling longer battery life in handheld devices.
  • The SA-1101 companion chip provides additional functionality, including 64 KB of on-chip SRAM, support for external memory interfaces, and embedded A/V interfaces.
  • Intel's StrongARM solution is designed to provide a competitive advantage in the handheld PC market, with pricing for the SA-1100 processor at $33 in 10K units and the SA-1101 companion chip at $21 in 10K units.

Sources:

  • Intel Corporation, "Intel Announces Availability of StrongARM Microprocessor-Based Solution for Handheld PC Market" (October 7, 1998)
  • IDC, "Handheld Companion Market Segment" (projected growth from 4.6 million units in 1998 to 14.1 million units in 2002)
  • Hewlett-Packard Company, "HP to Use StrongARM Products in Next-Generation Handheld Computing Products" (press release)