Intel Centrino 2- A new chipset with a faster front-side bus; a new graphics solution with support for high-definition content and switchable graphics; and updated wireless and wired connectivity.
Faster overall performance: The new Mobile Intel 45 Express chipset increases the frequency of the front-side bus to 1,066MHz, which helps all the components of the system communicate more quickly. The point is moot if you're using DDR2 memory, which currently tops out at 800MHz. But the new chipset also supports DDR3 memory, which has a higher peak throughput than previous memory technologies. Intel is always reluctant to quantify performance improvements, but company representatives have promised "dramatic" performance gains.
More flexible graphics. One of the big developments with Centrino 2 is support for switchable graphics. The new chipset enables systems that switch--either automatically or user-controlled--between integrated Intel graphics (to conserve battery life) and discrete graphics (for more powerful performance). Lenovo and Sony have already promised this feature in some of their latest models.
Also notable with Centrino 2 is built-in support for high-definition video playback, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
Enhanced network connections: The two wireless options available with the new platform support the 802.11n standard, and Intel promises you'll be able to roam up to twice as far as you could with the company's previous Wi-Fi chip. It's also poised to start offering WiMax support in the fall.
On the wired side, support for high-speed Gigabit Ethernet--a feature that's likely to appeal to business users--is standard with Centrino 2.
Other goodies: Centrino 2 can support 2GB of Turbo Memory, flash memory designed to speed up commonly used applications. Also, Intel contins to woo businesses by offering Centrino 2 with vPro, which incorporates a handful of additional technologies for remote management and configuration.
Overall, Centrino 2 has all the hallmarks of a box-office hit. Every component of the platform--processor, chipset, graphics, wireless--has seen at least modest enhancements designed to increase performance, decrease power consumption, and add functionality.
