Notebook PCs Get a Boost with Intel's High-Performance Pentium Processor

Strategic Insights -

The first notebooks featuring Intel's high-performance Pentium processor will soon hit the market, offering buyers a powerful mobile PC experience. Toshiba and IBM have announced plans to release Pentium-powered notebook computers, which are expected to be available in Australia by the final quarter of the year. These notebooks will feature a new version of the Pentium processor running at 75 megahertz, operating at 3.3 volts instead of the 5 volts used in current desktop PCs. This new processor variant saves energy, reduces heat, and is cheaper to produce, making it an attractive option for mobile PCs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intel's 75-megahertz Pentium processor will be used in the first notebooks featuring high-performance Pentium technology, with Toshiba and IBM among the first companies to announce their plans.
  • The new processor variant operates at 3.3 volts, saving energy, reducing heat, and being cheaper to produce.
  • The first notebooks with this technology are expected to be available in Australia during the final quarter of the year, with prices likely to be around $10,000.
  • IBM is planning to introduce the 75MHz processor to its ThinkPad 750 series of notebook computers in October, which will also feature active-matrix color screens and a choice of 340, 540, or 800-megabyte hard drives.
  • The 64-bit video accelerator chip in the ThinkPads will allow them to run full-motion video at 30 frames per second.
  • The 75-MHz Pentium desktop machines are expected to sell in the US in mid-1995 for around $US1500, suggesting likely Australian prices in the $2500-3000 range.
  • Digital Equipment Corp (DEC) has slashed prices of its personal computers by up to $2500, or 36 per cent, making their cost competitive with major brands.
  • The Digital LPX 433DX notebook PC has been slashed 24 per cent to $1850, while the Digital 433SX system starts at $1225 in basic trim.
  • Reckon Software's Workspace Planning program will help minimize disruption during office relocations or refurbishments, offering a new program for Windows PCs to design and manage office space.

Statistics:

  • The 75-megahertz Pentium processor is expected to operate at 3.3 volts instead of the 5 volts used in current desktop PCs.
  • The new processor variant saves energy, reduces heat, and is cheaper to produce.
  • The first notebooks with this technology are expected to be available in Australia during the final quarter of the year.
  • The ThinkPad 750 series will feature active-matrix color screens and a choice of 340, 540, or 800-megabyte hard drives.
  • The 64-bit video accelerator chip in the ThinkPads will allow them to run full-motion video at 30 frames per second.
  • The 75-MHz Pentium desktop machines are expected to sell in the US in mid-1995 for around $US1500.
  • The Digital LPX 433DX notebook PC has been slashed 24 per cent to $1850, while the Digital 433SX system starts at $1225 in basic trim.

Sources:

  • Byline: David Frith
  • HANKER for a notebook PC with near-supercomputer power?