Intel may delay Alviso to Q1 2005

In the next few days Intel is likely to announce whether to delay the launch of their Alviso chipset to the first quarter of next year which is one quarter than originally planned.

Intel’s code-named Alviso core-logic line-up will support dual-channel DDR-II SDRAM memory to improve performance tangibly compared to current mobile platforms. Moreover, the core-logic will enable PCI Express interconnections in notebooks, allowing installation of powerful mobile graphics add-in cards designed specifically for this bus. In order to complete the transition of the mobile technologies to the most-advanced level, Intel adds support for Serial ATA-150 to the upcoming ICH6-M and is bringing advanced Azalia audio to its “Sonoma” Mobile Internet PC 2004 Platform enabling Dolby-Digital 7.1 and high-quality audio on such kind of PCs.

Additionally, expect the new platform to support NEWCARD, as well as new and even more effective power-saving (EBL’04) and security features, such as biometrics. More importantly, in the H2 of the year Intel is projected to introduce its new code-named Calexico2 a/b/g WLAN adapter able to function in 802.11a (54Mb/s), 802.11b (11Mb/s) and 802.11g (54Mb/s) wireless networks.

The delay had been expected since Intel informed Taiwanese makers in late June that it found some problems in the extended VGA functionality of its PCI Express-enabled Sonoma-based platforms.

Intel also reported on July 12 that its inventory levels grew by approximately US$427 million in the second quarter, with approximately half of the increase coming from microprocessor inventories, the sources added.

Although it was reported an Alviso delay would affect Quanta Computer's plan to start volume shipments of some wide-screen notebooks in the fourth quarter, sources now say that a delay is unlikely to have a significant impact on any local notebook maker, said the sources.
Quanta Computer, Compal Electronics, Acer, Asustek Computer and Wistron, have all stated that they are still feeling strong demand from their clients for sales in the second half of this year.

Some makers even expect to receive additional orders for Dothan-based notebooks, using Intel’s 855PM (Odem), 855GM (Montana) and 855GME chipsets.

Intel is expected to lower its CPU prices or give preferential pricing to PC makers due to its high CPU inventory levels, the sources indicated. In addition, some makers said that the delay of the Alviso to the first quarter could stir up fresh demand for new notebooks early next year.

Source: DigiTimes