More details of Intel's budget ULV chip surface
updated 07:45 am EST, Mon January 19, 2009
More Intel CULV Details
Intel's budget ultraportable processor has more details, a more specific timeframe and some specific launch partners, tips from notebook builders indicate. Now referred to as the Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) design, the chip is specifically meant for the $699 to $899 price range occupied by AMD Athlon Neo-based systems like the HP dv2 and should be an alternative for systems with screens between 11 and 13.3 inches.
The processor will reportedly hit the market quickly, arriving in spring, and should be adopted by mainstream system builders. The claimed sources say that at least the "top-three" notebook makers are involved and implies HP, Dell and Acer based on recent PC shipment data; other customers aren't mentioned but are likely to be involved.
The claimed introduction also appears to confirm attempts by Intel to drive PC firms away from less profitable Atom chips and towards its more conventional processors. HP has reportedly been set to launch a 13.3-inch netbook using an Atom chip in June but has been pushed by Intel to use the CULV platform instead.
Intel itself has no comment on any of the rumors.
