Centrino - Definition and Overview

Centrino (also called Centrino Mobile Technology) is a marketing initiative from Intel for a particular combination of CPU, mainboard chipset and wireless network interface in the design of a laptop personal computer. The combination currently consists of a Pentium M processor, the Intel 855 chipset family, and an Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 (IEEE 802.11b) or PRO/Wireless 2200 (IEEE 802.11bg) network connection.

Intel has reportedly invested $300 million in advertising. Because of the ubiquity of the marketing campaign, many consumers mistakenly refer to the Pentium M processor as Centrino. This has been advantageous to Intel because there is more demand for "Centrino" based notebooks than for Pentium-M based notebooks. Moreover, many consumers have received the impression that Centrino is the only way to get wireless connectivity in a notebook. The net result is increased demand for Intel's 855 and PRO/Wireless chipsets.

Note: This platform is due to be updated with a new chipset (currently codenamed "Alviso") enabling higher RAM and FSB speeds, among other features such as surround sound capability. Some Centrino notebooks already include the enhanced Dothan core Pentium M.

See also

• Turion

External links

• Information from Intel (http://www.intel.com/products/mobiletechnology/index.htm?iid=Homepage+CMTFocus_details&).
• Lindows CEO attacks Intel's Centrino Linux lockout (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/29840.html), March 20, 2003.
• Intel's Centrino operating system support page (http://www.intel.com/support/notebook/centrino/os.htm).
• Linux on Centrino based laptops and notebooks (http://tuxmobil.org/centrino.html).