Security Fix on the Way
Since its introduction in March, Intel says, the number of thin-and-light, Tablet PC, and subnotebook systems with its Centrino mobile technology has climbed from 34 to 58 different models, with more than double that expected by the end of the year. Today, the chip giant gave the bandwagon another push by releasing three new Pentium M processors — the fastest yet at 1.7GHz, a low-voltage 1.2GHz chip, and an ultra-low-voltage 1.0GHz version. In 1,000-unit OEM quantities, the new CPUs are priced at $694, $341, and $319, respectively.
The Centrino trademark applies to a bundle of the Pentium M with Intel’s 855 chipset and Pro/Wireless 2100 802.11b wireless networking adapter. Later this month, Intel says, it’ll ship an upgrade to the WiFi controller’s software supporting the latest enhancements to wireless LAN security — and, users hope, fixing its reported incompatibility with several virtual private network (VPN) clients.