Centrino: what it's got and what it's not. (Tech Buzz).To watch Intel commercials, with satisfied Centrino users "unwiring" out of doors, it would seem there's some new magic in a Centrino notebook--but there isn't. Centrino is a set of components tested and certified by Intel to work together for efficient mobile computing Using a computing device while in transit. Mobile computing implies wireless transmission, but wireless transmission does not necessarily imply mobile computing. Fixed wireless applications use satellites, radio systems and lasers to transmit between permanent objects such as buildings . Once a manufacturer's notebook qualifies, it gets a combination blue "Intel Inside" and hot pink "Centrino" logo. Physical components include Intel's Pentium M A family of CPUs from Intel that are part of its Centrino brand for mobile computing. Introduced in 2003 at speeds up to 1.6 GHz, it was formerly code named "Banias." Introduced in 2004, the second-generation Pentium M (code named "Dothan") uses the same chip package but is built with 90 processor 855 Chipset A group of chips designed to work as a unit to perform a function. For example, a modem chipset contains all the primary circuits for transmitting and receiving. A PC chipset provides the electronic interfaces between all subsystems (see PC chipset for illustration). and PRO/Wireless 2100 network connection. Benefits include thinner, lighter notebooks that perform well, maximize battery life, optimize graphics for mobile PCs, and communicate well from your 802.11b Wi-Fi-equipped home, office, or public hotspot. Hotspots (most often found in coffee chains such as Starbucks, airports, hotels, and restaurants) are served by mobile access providers like T-Mobile HotSpot, iPass, or STSN STSN Seaman, Sonar Technician Striker (Naval Rating) STSN Set and Test Sequence Number . You're still chained to an area that has wireless access, and you still pay a service provider. But the Intel Website includes a HotSpot Finder (1) A Web site that lists the locations of hotspots. See hotspot. (2) A device that detects the presence of an 802.11 network. Also called a "Wi-Fi finder" or "Wi-Fi signal finder," it lets you know if a hotspot is available without having to turn on your laptop. at www.intel.com/ products/mobiletechnology/hotspots/ finder.htm. The first Centrino notebook by Hewlett-Packard (HP) for small to medium business, the NX7000, starts at $1,699. Margaret Franco, HP'S product marketing director for Mobile Business PCs, says large enterprises will wait for combination 801.11a/b/g radios. HP also has a Centrino-based model for home users. Toshiba is also providing Centrino-based notebooks. Their Satellite Pro M 15 is available in retail stores for $1,999. The company's five enterprise models range from $1,979 to $2,199. Select models of IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) ThinkPads are also Centrino certified. |
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