processor

NVIDIA unveils new processor that packs a punch

Paul Mah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:44:02 -0400

NVIDIA has unveiled a new family of processors designed from the ground up for mobile gadgets. The Tegra is a computer-on-a-chip that is smaller than a dime with a power efficiency that NVIDIA claims to be 10 times better than existing products that run "compelling visual computing applications."

Other than an 800 MHz ARM CPU, the Tegra has an architecture featuring multiple specialized processors for specific tasks such as a HD video processor, an audio processor, and even an ultra-low power GeForce GPU. It also packs a display support for an impressive range of devices such as 1080p HDMI, WSXGA+ for both LCD and CRT as well as NTSC/PAL TV-output. The NVIDIA Tegra is expected to reach consumers by the end of the year.

For more on the patent:
- check out this NVIDIA press release

Intel shows off new Atom processors

Paul Mah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:42:54 -0400

Intel has announced the availability of two Atom processors at the Computex 2008 conference in Taiwan this week. The Atom N270 processor is targeted at low-cost notebooks, while the Atom 230 is aimed at small desktops. Both processors feature 1.6GHz clock speeds and a 533MHz front side bus. Built on Intel's 45-nanometer manufacturing process, they are capable of supporting both Linux and Windows XP operating system.

Intel expects growth of the netbook and nettop market to exceed that of traditional desktops and even laptops. This will come about as households in emerging markets snap-up the cheaper offering, and households in mature markets acquire additional netbooks so that there potentially will be one device per person.

For more on Intel's Atom processors:
- check out this Computerworld article

Getting inside the iPhone

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 20:01:37 -0400

Ah, curiosity. It drove thousands of people to buy an Apple iPhone. It also drove a handful to take their iPhones apart to find out what makes them tick, or beep, or play videos. What did they discover? A processor and memory from Samsung, a wireless chip from Marvell, and a case that comes apart far more easily than it goes back together. What can you learn from their exploration? Some companies are learning how much the components cost, exactly what goes into the device, and (just maybe) how to make a phone that's as close to an iPhone as laws and regulations will allow.

For more on the iPhone's insides:
- read the hands-on article at eWeek

New Centrino Mobile chipset

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 20:01:37 -0400

Intel will be bringing new features and capabilities to portable computers and mobile devices with its new Centrino Pro processor. The chip, expected later this quarter, will feature enhanced security options for vulnerable hand-held devices and improved management for all devices. Unfortunately, Intel hasn't yet decided to add the 3G support that it removed from Centrino consideration earlier this year. The Core 2 Duo design has been available in desktop packaging for sometime, as has the Vpro security package. Now, both will be options for handheld-device designers who want to bring the latest features and performance capabilities to their users.

For more on the new processor:
- Get the whole story at InformationWeek
- Or read more about the story at DailyTechRag

10 things we need in mobile handsets

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:01:36 -0400

What do we need in our next mobile handsets? You could roll the whole list up in "phones that work better," but it's more helpful to have some way to define "better." Since the discussion is on a phone in the future (even if it's the near future), not all the items on the list are available now--but that doesn't mean they wouldn't help make for a killer mobile platform. What are some of the things that would help move us toward an ultimate mobile platform?

1. Linux or Mac OS X
2. Large Screen
5. Faster-than Bluetooth (more secure, too)
7. Super-powerful processor
10. Dual-mode handsets

There are 5 more qualities, and some refinements mentioned for many, but put them all together and you could have the beginning of a beautiful specification.

For the rest of the 10 things list:
- Read the complete article at VoIP Now