Notebook processor - Definition and Overview

A notebook processor is a CPU optimized for notebook computers.

All computing devices require a CPU. One of the main characteristics differentiating notebook processors from other CPUs is low-power consumption.

The notebook processor is becoming an increasing important market segment in the semiconductor industry. Notebook computers are an increasingly popular format of the broader category of mobile computers. The objective of a notebook computer is to provide the performance and functionality of a desktop computer in a portable size and weight. Wireless networking and low power consumption are primary consideration in the choice of a notebook processor.

(FIXME: how exactly does the choice of a notebook processor effect wireless networking ?)

(FIXME: incomplete list -- should we just include *companies*? Or all notebook processors that have Wikipedia articles ?)

• Transmeta: Crusoe and Efficeon
• Intel: Centrino Pentium M
• Freescale Semiconductor makes the PowerPC processors used in Apple Computer notebooks.

Cell phones and PDAs require microcontrollers that use even less power than notebook processors.

See also: personal computing, computer architecture, microprocessor,