INTEL HAS finally unveiled its Intel Centrino 2 platform for laptops, powered by five new Intel Core 2 Duo processors.

Previously codenamed Montevina, the new platform features 45nm Penryn-derived mobile processors with front side bus frequencies up to 1066MHz and Express Mobile 4 chipsets with support for DDR2 and DDR3 memory standards.

Montevina also offers major multimedia improvements and a longer battery life. Indeed, the Intel Centrino 2 processor is apparently capable of rendering a typical full-length, Blu-ray high-definition video on a single battery charge, while the DX10 graphics core offloads major HD video codecs from the host CPU.

In addition, the Centrino 2 boasts unique Anti-Theft Technology, allowing IT administrators to lock out thieves by remotely disabling a microcontroller embedded in the chipset that authenticates user access to the hard disk.

Sony celebrated Intel's Centrino 2 launch party by unveiling four laptops based on the new processor.

The sleek Sony Vaio Z (US$1,800) sports a 13.1-inch widescreen display and an optional Blu-ray Disc drive. The Vaio SR ($1,400) has a slightly larger 13.3-inch screen and an advanced LED-backlight that delivers images superior to conventional LCD panels. Sony also hopes to attract the high-def crowd with its premium,16.4-inch screen Vaio FW (US$1,750) that plays Blu-ray movies at maximum resolution.

The 15.4-inch widescreen BZ-line (starting at $1,000) targets business and home office users with its with its spill-resistant keyboard and Vpro, which allows corporate IT managers to access and fix problems remotely. µ