A new notebook computer launched by MiTac International Corp (
The company trumpeted itself as the first to launch a notebook computer with an Intel Pentium4 chip inside, but Intel has not yet launched a Pentium4 version made for notebook computers.
"Our new Pentium4s for mobile computing will come out sometime in the next two months," Kelly Wu (吳惠瑜), country manager for Intel Microelectronics Asia Ltd, Taiwan branch, said yesterday.
MiTac used the desktop computer version of the CPU, which runs much faster than typical notebook CPUs, but requires a lot of power and gives off a tremendous amount of heat. Analysts say it could be one of the years' best new products.
"We put in two fans and added an extra heat pipe to help dissipate the excess heat," said Jonathan Chen, product manager at MiTAC.
Notebook computers typically contain one fan to help cool the processing chip and a single heat pipe attached to a 'heat sink.' Measures like this ensure the chip will not burn out as it heats up from use.
Typically, computer CPU makers such as Intel and Advanced Micro Devices make separate chips for notebooks and desktops designed to extend battery life and overcome heat troubles.
The top speed for notebook CPUs from both companies is only 1.2GHz, whereas the top desktop chip, Intel's Pentium4, reaches 2.2GHz.
Desktop chips typically run much faster than notebook chips because the computers they power are far bigger -- with more space for fans and other heat-dissipating solutions -- and do not use a battery. Wall sockets provide all the power they need.
Big savings
By putting a desktop chip in its new notebook computer, MiTac could save consumers a lot of desk space and money.
"The end market price for a notebook using a desktop chip could be US$200 to US$300 less expensive," said Henry Wang, electronics industry analyst at Entrust Securities Corp (永昌證券) in Taipei.
He said he was bullish on the new "desktop notebook" concept.
Elitegroup Computer System Co (精英電腦), another Taiwanese electronics firm launched its first "desktop notebook" late last year.
It is the same size and build as a typical notebook computer, but it comes with no battery. It has to be plugged in. It takes up far less space on the average desk and can be carried around as easily as a common notebook computer.
MiTac's new notebook, by contrast, does have a battery that lasts for an hour and a half, according to Chen. It runs on a Pentium4, 1.7GHz chip and within a few months, will come equipped with the 2.2GHz version.
Whether it is a desk-top notebook made for plug in or it comes with a battery, analysts say the cost-savings to consumers, the computing speed of the chips and the small size make it an attractive buy.
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