Intel, again, offers faster Celerons

Intel has rolled out yet another round of faster processors for low-cost mobile computers, releasing mobile Celeron processors running at 433MHz and 466MHz.

The new processors are the latest offerings in Intel's series of mobile Celeron chips that also run at speeds of 300, 333, 366 and 400MHz. In 1,000-unit quantities, the 466MHz processors cost $US209 and the 433MHz processors are priced at $US159.

With the latest processor release, Intel is following a tried-and-tested strategy of releasing smaller and faster chips, said one analyst.

"It's the same old story," said Nathan Brookwood, an analyst with Insight 64, a US-based industry research firm. "Each quarter, Intel tries to come out with something faster, and makes what used to be the fastest (chip) more affordable. Megahertz marches on. It's a formula Intel has been using for years to drive the market."

The processors will be used in low-cost notebooks sold by IBM, Dell, Gateway 2000, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, and Toshiba said Intel spokesman Manny Vera.

For example, Dell today launched its Inspiron 7500 mobile computer, featuring the 433MHz and 466MHz chips and with prices starting at $4,354. All the companies are expected to have mobile computers with the new processors available within two weeks, Vera said.