Intel laptop platform to energize local market

As more people use laptop computers over desktops, computer makers are releasing new laptops based on a new wireless Internet system that uses less power.
Intel announced yesterday the official launch of the new Centrino Pro, which has longer battery life and improved wireless networking. The core of the mobile platform is the processor, chipset and wireless networking card ― the combination is codenamed Santa Rosa.
At a launch ceremony held at an art gallery in Samcheong-dong, northern Seoul, Intel introduced the new processor platform and gave demonstrations comparing its old platform with the new.
Intel Korea President Lee Hee-sung showed how high-definition videos run smoothly on the new platform, but become “noisy” when run on existing systems with high mobile traffic.
John Antone, Intel head of the Asia-Pacific region, emphasized that the improved functions do not use more power. “Battery life is 3 to 5 percent better and bandwidth is increased by five times, while the range is doubled,” he said.
Alongside Intel’s announcement, major Korean PC makers unveiled new products based on the Santa Rosa platform.
Samsung Electronics yesterday presented a 15.4-inch notebook called the R70. The shiny black laptop includes a 1.3-megapixel digital camera. LG Electronics has a 15.4-inch laptop, the R500/E500, and a 14-inch, the R405, on the market, with two more models coming later this month.
Kim Heon-soo, vice president of Samsung Electronics, said that the introduction of the new processor platform will likely cause a stir in the laptop market.
“Many customers were putting off buying a new laptop because they were waiting for the Santa Rosa, but at the same time the flood of new products will probably cause the price of previous models to go down, which will enliven the domestic market,” he said.

By Wohn Dong-hee Staff Writer/ Kim Chang-woo JoongAng Ilbo [wohn@joongang.co.kr]