Intel to drop Pentium 4 brand name for dual-core CPUs?

Intel will very probably re-brand its dual core XXX processors when it introduces them next year, but according to roadmaps seen in Dublin, Ireland, last week, they don't appear to support hyperthreading. Windows only currently supports two virtual processors. Will Longhorn support four? We don't know.

Now that could be because Microsoft hadn't yet declared it would push for free dual core licences - the Vole only officially said so earlier this week. Intel may have been waiting on that announcement.

What's pretty clear is that when Intel does release its X20, its X30 and its X40, it will probably go for a re-brand and the Pentium 4 brand will shuffle off into history. Intel's "Digital" brand will elide the differences between its various components, and also make it easier to position the Pentium M into the overall framework, we'd suggest.

A "digital brand" would also follow in the footsteps of the wildly successful Centrino brand. Intel's aggressive marketing of the kitemark and the Centrino brand has paid dividends for it. To many folk, wi-fi notebooks and Centrino means the same.

More info and updated roadmaps at The Inquirer