Intel sets Pentium M 533MHz launch for mid January

WHILE THE CHIEF Intel notebook ASA told us last week that it's never a bad time to buy a Centrino notebook, the latest roadmaps seen by the INQ suggest a better time might be the middle of January next year.

That's when Intel will introduce the 770, a 2MB 2.13GHz Pentium M with a 533MHz bus at $640, as well as a 2AGHz 533MHz 2MB (760) chip at $420, a 1.86GHz "750" at $295, a 1.73GHz "740" at $240, and a 1.60GHz 533MHz chip - the "730" at $210.

Currently, Pentium Ms only support 400MHz system buses, so this could be the time to start thinking about a higher specced notebook with a flashy chipset to go with it. How fast you'll be able to get the Pentium M with added blue crystals is a different matter, but several notebook manufacturers are likely to pile into the Sonoma launch. No prizes for guessing which ones. When Intel gets round to launching the 780, a Pentium M clocking 2.26GHz, prices of the 533MHz introductions will fall again, and by a significant amount. The 780 is scheduled for Q3, according to Intel. This price cut will mean the 400MHz Pentium Ms will enter the shadow of the Intel night.

Intel will also introduce a 758, a low voltage Pentium M with a 400MHz system bus on the 16th of January. This will likely cost $285. And the Ultra Low Voltage Pentium M, the 1.20GHz model also known as the 753, will be introduced on the same date, which is also the occasion for a small price drop on the 2915a.b.g wireless kit.

The cut down Pentium M, the Celeron M, have 1MB of cache. Expect the 1.50GHz "370" to arrive on the same date at $130 or so. On that date prices of the 360 and the 350 will drop.

The Mobile Pentium 4s, which are intended for the notebook desktop replacement market, will see the last entrant come earlier in January. The 552 clocks at 3.46GHz and will cost $295 or so, if you're buying in sufficient quantity. There are also "Celeron" versions of these chips. Price cuts come on February 20th for these parts.

The new chipsets have the cognomens 915GM, 915PM and 915GMS. µ