AMD intros 64-bit notebook chips

CHIP FIRM AMD claimed it had stolen a march on competitor Intel by launching a 64-bit Turion X2 family of chips.

Currently, Intel doesn't have a dedicated 64-bit notebook chip - that comes with the release of its "Merom" processor later this year. Until Microsoft Vista becomes widely available, it is all a little academic.

The firm introduced Turion 64 X2 models TL-50, TL-52, TL-56 and TL-60 and said they are immediately available worldwide, with prices ranging from $185 to $355 when bought in 1000 trays.

The firm also said it will work with OEMs and with channel players to create "whitebooks" for firms to configure for sale. It also said that it has extended its "stable image" reference platform with chipset providers ATI, Nvidia, Atheros and Broadcom.

OEMs including Acer, Asus, HP, Gateway, MSI and others will produce notebooks using the AMD Turion X2 chips.

AMD claims the Turion 64 X2s are the only notebook chips optimised for Windows Vista. µ