Intel will Release Quad-Core CPUs for Laptops in Q3, 2008

Intel confirms that it will deliver quad-core chips for laptops later this year. The quad-core laptop CPUs are most likely for desktop replacement notebooks, will be based on the Core 2 Duo micro-architecture and will ship in Q3 of 2008. The new CPUs may use the new 45-nanometer technology.

The quad-core laptop CPU will be released after Intel's Centrino 2 platform, which will be launched in Q2, 2008. The Centrino 2 platform is code-named Montevina and is an upgrade to the current Centrino mobile platform with WiMax and Wi-Fi on a single chip.

The initial launched quad-core laptop chip won't be small. So it won't fit in super-slim laptops like MacBook Air, and will require more power than dual-core chips. The target will be mobile gamers and office workers who need heavy processing power. If you're hunting for a powerful desktop replacement laptop and don't mind to wait for 6 more months, then you may want to wait for the quad-core beasts.

Intel to Ramp Up Online Ads

Intel starting next year, will require its “Intel inside” marketing partners to devote to online marketing at least 35% of the ad dollars Intel provides to computer makers through its co-op program. Among the companies in Intel’s program are technology giants like Dell, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba.

Intel is also changing the media outlays for its own ads to more than 50% online in another two years, from about 15% two years ago. Intel spends about $300 million a year worldwide on its own advertising. So about $150 million will go online every year from Intel.

The reason, according to Intel executives, is that research shows consumers are already turning more to the online media when they consider buying products like those with Intel CPUs, which include desktop and notebook computers.

A survey of how consumers are influenced in their buying decisions, which Intel undertook this year, showed that three or four out of the top five sources have something to do with the online media.

Spending on ads in the online media in the United States has been growing rapidly as Americans alter the way they consume media. In the first half of 2007, Internet ad revenue totaled almost $10 billion, the IAB and PWC reported last week, an increase of nearly 27% from the same period a year ago.

Top 100 Best Products of 2007 - #2 Intel Core 2 Duo

Desktop CPU; US$150 (NZ$200) and up

It's superfast, it's not too expensive, and it uses less energy than its predecessor does. But could Core 2 Duo be too good? Unless AMD can respond to its startling success, the absence of competition could drive up desktop PC prices. That's how terrific this CPU is.