In a major assault against rival Intel Corp. in the mobile space, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. here today announced its first 0.13-micron microprocessors--a line of chips for mainstream and thin-and-light notebook PCs.
AMD also announced that Epson Direct, Packard Bell, Sharp and other PC makers would develop systems, based on its new 0.13-micron processor line, dubbed the mobile Athlon XP.
The new chips are 0.13-micron versions of AMD's existing mobile Athlon XP line, which are based on 0.18-micron technology. The new MPUs are manufactured using AMD's 0.13-micron copper process technology in its wafer fab in Dresden, Germany.
The new 0.13-micron products from AMD include four models: the 1400+, 1500+, 1600+ and 1700+. In addition, the company is sampling a low-power version with a micro PGA package for the thin-and-light notebook computer market.
The products are aimed to expand its market share in the mobile space--at the expense of its main rival in the arena: Intel, according to analysts. AMD also competes against Transmeta and Via as well, according to analysts.
"AMD's transition to 0.13-micron technology allows us to provide a roadmap to higher performance and lower power options," said Ed Ellett, vice president of marketing for the Computation Product Group at Sunnyvale-based AMD.
The 0.13-micron chips are Socket A and pin-compatible with AMD's mobile processors, based on 0.18 micron technology. The chips feature AMD's PowerNow! technology and its QuantiSpeed architecture. It also has a 266-MHz front-side bus option.
The 1400+ and 1500+ models began sampling in first quarter of 2002. Notebook PCs based on the 1600+ and 1700+ models are expected to be available later this quarter.
Prices start at $190 for model 1400+, in 1,000-unit quantities.
News source: SiliconStrategies.com
