Intel To Increase Integrated Graphics Performance, Says To Forget The Past

950.  X3000.  Now, X4500.  Those are the designations for Intel's IGP that occupies millions of desktops and laptops.  And to be sure, it's nothing to write home about.  For the record, I've got a 950 in my first generation Mac Mini.  Needless to say, it was not the whopping red hot graphics performance that I bought the Mini for (I'm being sarcastic about the graphics performance).

I've held of getting another Mac until Apple put the powerful 9400M in the Macbooks on the low-end.  It took three years of waiting but it was worth it.  Now, Intel is saying that they're getting back into the race and unlike previous promises, this is one they intend to keep about performance.

I like how Reg Hardware put it:  the faint praise of critics saying it sucks less than the previous one did.  So what makes Intel so confident this time around?  Well, perhaps it's because we mobile warriors are always pulling for the underdog.  Yes, in this segment of the market, Intel is considered the underdog.

• Called "Arrandale"
• CPU+GPU combo, duo-core
• 32nm processor; GPU still 45nm
• New feature called Graphics Turbo - can overclock without overheating
• Support for Intel's Clear Video HD, allow for picture-in-picture in HD
• Support for DirectX 10 but no 11
• Arrives in the 4th quarter

So, there you have it.  There's more meat for you to chew on at Reg Hardware.  I'm taking this with a grain of salt and seriously hope Intel can light up the integrated graphics market on fire.  Watching Nvidia and AMD duking it out is getting old.  Intel's not even in the mid-range to high-end market.

There are discussions over at Netbook Review forums about how Intel's new design will fare.

Intel promises we'll see results by 4th quarter.  Anandtech has the whole story.

Note:  I'll be back later once the dust clears and I'm able to put it in terms on Intel's 4th quarter mobile plans for us.

Intel To Lock Out Nvidia From Atom And Netbooks

Let's hear from the legal mobile warriors on this issue.  According to Digitimes, Nvidia wants to offer the 9400M GPU with Atom to make for more powerful netbooks.  Netbooks capable of playing games and HD content.

You say that's great.  Me too.  Except that Intel is making sure that Atom is only sold with its own chipsets, meaning all those sucky integrated graphic processors.  Okay, sucky is too strong a word.  Intel's IGP works and if you know what it's capable of, there should be no complaints about it.  If you want better graphics, there are other solutions out there from AMD and Nvidia.

Nvidia is offering their own custom solution dubbed "Ion" which marries Atom with its 9400M GPU.  Such a combo would offer a great deal for mobile warriors.  Imagine playing a lot of today's games and HD video.  the 9400M first appeared in Apple's new Macbook lines in the fall.  So far, the Mac folks only have good things to say about it.

But without Intel's cooperation, Ion would not be possible as Intel made sure to remind netbook makers Atom and its 945 chipset (very very old) are married together.  No exceptions.

So, what now?  Well, Intel has been the subject of many anti-trust and anti-competitive lawsuits and complaints in the past.  I can't say this is where its headed and I can't say if Intel is doing the right thing or not.  Certainly, mobile users will be stuck with a slower graphic solution with Intel's 945 chipset.  But we are talking about netbooks here, not Alienware or Macbooks.

Still, it sucks.  Impact on mobile users?  Well, either Intel opens up or Nvidia says "fine, I'll go make my own chips.  See if I care".  Now, that could take a whole.  Years down the road if Nvidia designs its own CPU.  But it also means competition in the marketplace and could very well force Intel to get more serious about graphic cards.

Since Apple switched over to using Intel CPUs, it had been using Intel's integrated graphics solutions.  It was not until this fall the new Macbooks sport Nvidia's 9400M GPU and forgo Intel's X4500 offerings.

Via Digitimes , Gizmodo

Economic Woes Got Tech Companies Worried

How worried are tech companies?

Worried enough for Microsoft's general counsel to implore the United States House of Representatives to pass the $700 bail-out, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.

Since Monday,  tech heavy Nasdaq took a nose dive as investors bailed on Intel, Google, and Micosoft (among others).

Without credit tight and banks hoarding cash, a lot of companies, not necessarily the ones I mentioned here (they're all cash rich), will cut back on expansion or upgrades.  In Google's situation, a companies may cut back on advertising.

Furthermore, Dell and HP had mentioned they were cutting back on research and development for 2009.  I am sure it's not a coincidence the announcements came as tech spending will be curtailed in the short-term.

No one know how long this will last.  Nor how innovations will be affected by all this.

I keep track of a set of stocks myself and it was ugly.  The Senate passed a similar legislation tonight that the House rejected on Monday.  It remains to be seen if the House will follow their counterparts in the Senate.

I hope and pray all my fellow mobile warriors will weather this.  Even if this bail-out, whether you support it or not, does get passed by Congress, it'll take a while for the credit system to go through the macroeconomic jungle to get to those of us on Main Street.

Note:  Steve Balmer seems unable to make up his mind on this issue.  Read here for more.

Laptop For Students Picking Up Steam

http://www.liliputing.com/2008/09/venezula-orders-1-million-classmate-pcs.html Okay, last year's OLPC's Give One Get One program was a dud.  I was a part of it and it took nearly three months for my XO to be shipped to me.

I'm still out on whether I'll be participating in this year's program but I have more confidence in this year's program will be an even greater success (it's a relative term when it comes to OLPC at this).  Who so you ask?

First, Amazon is involved.  They'll be running the thing.  The cost should be $399 to make it attractive to donors.  So, how does this work and what are you talking about donors?  Well, the laptop costs approximately $200 but the cost is nearly double that because when you participate in the G1G1 program , you will get a laptop and donate another.

Your donated portion will be tax deductible.  That laptop will go to a child in a third world nation like Mongolia or something.

Second, Windows XP will be the default OS in this year's XO.  It's easier to use than XO and familiar to millions of users already.

The program will commence on Nov 17.

Not to be outdone, Intel's Classmate received an one million units order from Hugo Chavez, you know, of Venezula.  With all that petro money we send them, it's nice to see him spend a bit of that on the children, whatever your political feelings about him are (he doesn't like us Americans...in case you're wondering what I'm talking about).

Regardless of which camp you support, I'm glad to see XO and other educational laptops being picked up.  Now, if some of that $700 billion bailout can include a bit of goodness for our students, I might just call my...nah...


Source on XO:  Engadget
Source on Classmate:  Liliputing

Quick Musings - XOHM Is Live and MOTO with Android

A couple of quick notes to share.

Sprint's XOHM (WiMax in case you're wondering) IS ALIVE!!!  HAHAHAHA...in Baltimore...

That's right.  I got a notice today in my mailbox.  What's it mean?  Well, another competitor of the 4G kind.   Intel, Google, and Clearwire have been agonizing, pouring $$$, and trying to get this to take off.

While it's success is far from certain, after all it's late and in only one city, we can expect an exciting 2009.  There was a rumor-suggestion that Google will or should gobble up Sprint.  There are issues that ATT has with Sprint's desire to take over Clearwire and that has yet to be resolved.  It could merely be a delay tactic until ATT and Verizon's shared LTE network is ready, whenever that is.

Please visit XOHM for more information.  DC and Chicago are let to go live next.  LA...geez...we're usually last.  Dallas, Fortworths, Providence, Philadelphia are in the works.

And the second note:  Nokia and Motorola are looking into Android?

Channel Web is reporting Motorola is looking at Android as their last best hope for revival in the handheld market.  Just how seriously is Moto looking into this?  350 engineers, give a take or two.

Macnn reports there are currently 50 engineers but that number could swell to 350 folks if this takes off.  Moto uses Linux and Symbian in their devices at the moment.  Also, Windows Mobile is featured prominently in the Q line-up.

Macnn added Nokia, the sole protector of Symbian, could be looking to test Android water.  I find this to be suspect as any word of this gettting out could spell doom for its now open-sourced platform, not to mention the devastation to the millions who have dedicated themselves to Symbian devices.

I think this is likely more of Android propaganda than anything.  Having said that, Nokia currently runs Linux on their N800 series and was rumored to be in talks with Microsoft to use Windows Mobile.  So, any Android talk, while extremely remote, is not out of the realm of possibility.

Personally, I hope this is not true about Nokia's Android plans if there are any.  Competition is great and it is what mobile warriors want most of all.  Competition, innovation, and different platforms to choose from.

Ultimately, time reveals all.  Right now, it's just bogus.

Links:

• Channel Web 
• Macnn 
• Techcrunch - provides reasons why Android be would something Nokia (and others) may be looking into it.
• Engadget - see their moto/android figure, it's quite creative.

SanDisk - What To Do Next?

According to Daily Tech, Samsung, the new Sony, with its more dynamic and exciting innovative energy has permeated our lives over the last decade is looking to add SanDisk to its rank.  At one time, SanDisk was one of the hottest company in the tech industry is now scraping the bottom in terms of stock prices, battered by dropping memory chip prices.

I remember when SanDisk had growth most companies can only dream about.  With what mobile users can appreciate, it's SanDisk that has helped pushed the envelope and innovation to where we are today.  MP3 storage, flash memories, and now SSD.

With a potential takeover by Samsung, it will be difficult to gauge how this will impact mobile users as far as pricing, innovation, and availability is concerned.  For the short terms, we will not see much change.  However with NAND chip pricing falling on a regular basis, I wonder how this will impact the market with one less player.

And while not picking on any particular company, Samsung has in the past been a part of anti-competitive investigations involving memory chips.  To be fair, Intel is also a frequent target of government probes.  Still, I'm a bit weary.

But, perhaps with disk drive makers still make progress with traditional hard drives, competition with SSD will continue.  And adoption of mobile devices like the iPhone will also continue, this will likely drive innovation and price in the right direction as well.

WiMax - Deserves Your Consideration

I think 2009 may be year of WiMax.  Here is a map from Daily Wireless.  Oh, what is WiMax you ask?

According to Intel and Wiki, WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability For Microwave Access. 

Here are some facts and selling points about WiMax:

• Wiki claims Pakistan has the biggest WiMax network deployed.
• It's known as 802.16e.
• It is advertised as the best replacement to land-based broadband like DSL.
• WiMax was used to help with communications and relief efforts in the aftermaths of Katrina and the 2004 tsunami.
• Sprint and Clearwire are the biggest companies that have set up a WiMax network in the US.  Google, Intel, Comcast, and Time Warner later joined the partnership.
• From time to time, rumors about a Google takeover of Sprint for the WiMax network will surface.
• Intel is pushing Wimax very hard by adding a WiMax capable chip on some of their CPUs.
• WiMax allows users to be freed from WiFi access points because of its longer range access.
• Competing technologies include 3G, Wi-Fi, UMTS, and assortments of CDMA flavors.
• Additional devices over the next year will have WiMax enabled access like Nokia's 800 tablet series and varying netbooks.  Of course, Intel will try to sell WiMax-CPU combinations to consumers and notebook makers.  Intel will push a wide variety of products:  mobile Internet devices, smartphones, Android phones (from Google), PDA, Camera, UMPCs, and laptops.
• Consumer embedded access points.

IN the US, Sprint's WiMax service is called the xohm. Sprint is call the new service the "bigger hotspot".  Indeed, the service can't come fast enough.  It remains to see how customer experiences will be like once they start going mobile.  However, this is great news for mobile warriors as it is faster than 3G.  

As a mobile gadget fan, I can't wait to be rid of DSL or the need be next to a Wi-Fi access point.  I'm sure all mobile warriors out there agrees with me.  Now, just make this possible on Macbooks and I'll be a step closer to wireless heaven.

Sunday Laptop Deals Run-Down For August 17, 2008

It's that time of the week ago.  What's a good laptop this week from the megastores for your mobile life.  To start off there is a Office Max deal, a bundle really, for $700.  What do you get?

HP Pavilion Notebook Bundle (Pavilion dv6911, C4480, SwissGear Backpack)

• 3GB RAM
• T5550, 1.83Ghz
• Webcam
• 200GB HD
• Vista
• Printer C4480, 30ppm black, 23 ppm color
• media card reader

Is this a good deal?  The chip is Core 2 Duo and slightly slower than its 2.0Ghz brethren.  Compared to the Dell Studio 1535, it has a smaller hard drive but makes it up with a printer and a backpack as part of the bundle.  

Given the bundle, it should work seamless as both the laptop and printer are both made by HP.  C4480 All-In-One Printer (print, copies, scans, no fax) being sold for $60 on amazon while HP and Apple has it for $100.  I

It's a decent deal but nothing I would rush out to get.  Compared to Dell, I would just get this over it.  Without the bundle, the Pavilion costs about $600-650.  In total, buyers may be looking at a savings of $40-$70 dollars.  

Now this week's laptops from the stores:

The notable this week comes from Office Depot with the Toshiba laptop.  It offers a USB charger that continues to charge your iPods even when the machine is still off.  In addition, you can pick up MS Office for $100 more.  There is also an FM Tuner if you want to listen to the radio while you hack out a report for your client or fine-tune your lab report for your o-chem class (I was a biochemistry major).

I also like the DV5-1002NR from Best Buy.  If you do get this one, make sure you bring your ad.  The online price is $20 more.  There is also the DV5-1004NR that did not meet Onxo's cut.  The 1004 version cost $850, that's $200 more than the 2002 version.  What's the different?  A faster chip.  You can decide for yourself if a 100mhz different is worth the premium.

As always, there are Macbooks.  Rumblings from the Internet this week is that the Macbook Air is due for an upgrade in CPU, memory, and the systems within it.  This is like to happen any day now, as it is being reported.  I don't buy it.  Apple is in the midst of their back to school deal (free iPod Touch with purpose of Macbook for faculties and college students only) and they are concentrating on their iPhone launches in the next few weeks.  Apple has a lot on its plate.  We will not be seeing any new Macbooks until late September.

Also note the amount of memory that comes with the laptop.  3 or 4GB.  As a rule of thumb, more memory the better.  So, we'll start looking at laptops with 4GB unless we see a 3GB laptop with a killer price.  I've noticed a lot of older models with 2 or 3GB with great prices but don't be deceived.  These laptops also typically sport older chipsets and subsystems.  If you're not sure, do a bit of research.

MORE MEMORY:  Now, we're going to tell you something you're not going to like.  4GB is great but let's be honest, I'm beginning to see systems that offer up to 8GB.  You may want to keep an eye on that.  Windows 7 is coming out in 2010.  OS X Snow Leopard will under a slime-down and some tuning to streamline application footprint but I'm betting we're still headed in the direction where 8GB would be ideal.

It really depends on how long you'll be keeping your laptop.  For most of mobile warriors out there, there is nothing for us to worry at this time.  But don't be surprised over the next year when system requirements, not just minimum memory requirements, are greatly increased.

Laptop Buying Decision: X4500 versus X3100

Buying a laptop is not easy and never have been at least when it comes to choose the right specs.  Like others, we look for longevity in our mobile platforms and want to be able to get as much mileage out of it as we can.  Of course, that has to be weighed against the premium we must pay for it.

It's like buy a car.  A friend of mine was contemplating buy a new model Prius versus an older model and weighed the MPG increase against the wait (there's a waiting list), now much gas money she'll actually save, and the premium for getting a newer model.  I know nothing about cars but I find it ironic that it's the same thing I go through when I pick out a new laptop.

Here is a benchmark with Intel's Centrino 2 and X4500 IGP versus the previous generation chips and the older X3100 (SOURCE:  Macrumors).  Here is another benchmark from Phoronix (this is a desktop version - information may be used to extrapolate how a mobile version might fare).  While the first set of benchmarks were sourced from Macrumors, this is not indicative of anything specific for the Macbook.  As a matter of fact, Onxo's Sunday laptop deal run-through indicated HP's laptops were the first we've see with Centrino 2 from the consumer electronics stores. 

I just thought we'd share these benchmarks with you and that might help you with your decision.  We did not see a significant improvement with the chips themselves and these are only two benchmarks.  But what are they telling us?

The X4500 is about as good an improvement over the X3100 as you're going to get from Intel right now.  We see a 35% increase and up over the X3100.  Some X4500 number doubling that of the X3100.  This may improve as drivers are updated and optimized.  This is wonderful news for users when it comes to graphic intensive OS's liks Vista for Windows laptops and OS X on the Macbooks.

Still, it trails Nvidia's own offers.  And that also mean you can forget about playing any kind of games on there unless settings are set way low. 

But for daily working? Depends on your needs.  If having a new laptop "now", then the offerings on the market are quite adequate.  And the deals about abundant.  Check out our laptop run-through from Sunday.  They are only local circulations but it'll give you a starting point to work with.  And definitely a lot of deals on the web. 

Note:  What am I doing?  Personally, I can wait and I'll see what the laptop makers has to offer when more Centrino 2 laptops are available.  While the Macbook Air has been calling out to me, the non-user replacable battery bothers me.  And I have not gotten the Macbooks yet (not because of the older chipset in side) because I want an LED screen instead of the older LCD.  But my Powerbook is old and I need to upgrade soon. 

Sunday Laptop Deals Run-Down

It's back-to-school season now and your young ones or yourself could be looking at new mobile hardware to power you through the coming school year.  Onxo has looked through the circulars to help you sort through the "specials" and find the gem and tell you what are duds. 

So, what are you seeing for mobile students and individuals this week?  We like what we're seeing with the HP DV4 and DV7.  It's on the high-side but costs less than the Macbook but worth it because of the Centrino 2 chips and chipsets in them.  The HP duo offers 1066Mhz bus besting everyone else in the field this week.  It is future proof and, frankly, seeing the Centrino 2 for this price is unexpected for both the 14" and 17" screens.

Then also look the the memory.  That's right.  4GB.  The 4GB is quickly becoming the standard.  Frankly, I don't get the 3GB configurations from the other laptops.

Speaking of the other laptops, I included a couple of the Compaq from Fry's and Staples.  Both contain the very old T2390 and it is a drag you have to run Vista.  This is purely a personal machine for Internet and school work.  The Staples machine is a better deal than the one from Frys.  With the price difference, I would use it to upgrade to 4GB.  Note.  As far as multimedia and communication are concerned, no webcam for these two Compaq.  In my mind, it's a must for students as learning to collaborate over the Internet these days should be web-conferencing.  I think it should be a must skill for future mobile warriors.

We now turn our attention to the 700 range.  Well, it turns out the best of this range of laptops are the Gateways that are priced inside and outside of the $700 laptops.  The T-6836 is a buff 4GB 2Ghz machine with a healthy 250GB HD.  The system uses a 667Mhz bus as does it's bigger 15.4" siblings, two generations behind the Centrino 2 from the HP.  No matter as they speed will carry you further than what the Compaq laptops offer.  The $850 is different in that it has a dedicated GPU with 512MB.  It is good if video and gaming is a must. 

For the $700 laptops, the Acer with the Dolby Sound system is unique and they claim it a first.  And it has a 16" screen that makes it better for movie viewing.  But they should have gone with the 17" and 4GB of memory.  This beats the rest in the range. 

AMD seems to have fallen out of favor with the consumer electronics stores.  A year ago, you can find them all over.  I like AMD and the last two systems I've bought for personal use are AMD-based.  My mom has an AMD-powered laptop.  I hope out hope that AMD will stop talking and start backing up what words they've already thrown at its competitors.  I remain very hopeful.

Now, I've included the Macbooks.  Value, you cannot go wrong with the Macbooks.  They costs more but what I find maddenly when computer reviews and even Mac-based blogs fail to mention is that while Macbooks cost more, Apple always use the most updated Intel mobile platform, regardless of the Macbook or the Macbook Pro lines.  To me that along commands a premium.  You able able to commit to your Macbook longer and the added advantage of OS X.  (Please note I don't have a problem with Microsoft products.  I love XP and Office.  Just having issues at home and work with Vista.)

Now, the HP laptops in the chart has the tired Macbooks beat with the Centrino 2.  So, what does Onxo recommend?  This is close even with HP already using Centrino 2.  Why?  Apple is currently offering students with iPod Touches with purchases.  Not only that, if XP is needed as a part of your mobile work or education, Macbooks run XP and Vista very well, in some cases better dedicated Windows laptops.

In conclusion, you can't go wrong with any of the machines.  I would not look at the Compaqs at all if you can avoid it.  The HP laptops are looking good with Centrino 2.  I'm not that big with the Acer with Dolby Sound.  The Gateways are competitive and feature rich with 4GB of memory.  You cannot go with these with machines. 

Right now, I'm waiting for a refresh of the Macbook in September for my own buy.  But if you're college student this fall and you're in the market for a mobile platform like the iPod Touch, the student priced Macbook and free iPod is the way to go. 

Note:  This is our first time offering these mobile advice and if you have any comments and suggestions, we greatly appreciate it.  And we'll do better. 

Intel: Nehalem Mobile Platform

We've yet to see this year's refresh of Centrino 2 when the speed of Internet is already looking ahead to next  year's platform, Calpella.  It will have an integrated memory controller and IGP.  Intel certainly has been busy in the last few days with other announcements like Larrabee, it's first discreet graphics processor unit.  But don't tell Intel we called it a GPU because it is capable of processing standard CPU codes, given the system an extra hand when needed.  How significant are these announcements?

Capella is slated to refresh Intel's mobile platform in 2009 while Larrabee some time between 2009 and 2010.

Here are some links that may help sort things out.

• Amdzone's reaction to Larrabee.
• Anandtech - made clear that it's a CPU, not GPU.
• RegHardware chimes about the many core GPU, sorry, CPU.
• Wiki page on Larrabee
• Ars Technica, as always, comes through with a detailed but clear explanation of what we can expect of Larrabee
• DigiTimes reports Intel to launch Nehalem-based mobile chips in 3rd quarter 2009.  
• Ars Techinica, expands on DigiTimes' report.  We'll have to see how successful and efficient Intel is able to integrate the memory controller with the CPU.  

So, what should you do?  Buy now if your need is immediately such as going to school or overseas. The Santa Rosa platform is the best you can get on the market.  However, it'll be mid-August soon and your  needs for new laptops or Macbooks are some ways off, might as well wait a couple of weeks when mobile computers with Centrino 2, launched by Intel last month, will be available from multiple companies.   That's what I'm doing.

Note:  Dell has some great deals and if you're in the market for a Mac for school,you can get one online or at your school with student discount and a free iPod Touch (rebate for $299).  The deal runs through September 15. 

Mobile Update for August 5, 2008

The biggest news while receive little mainstream coverage is the Department of Homeland Security's directive allowing its authorized officers to conduct search and seizure of your electronics, books, and even printed or written material. There is no reason to believe the government is creating a wholesale database of everything a visitors or resident, going overseas or return, carry. It's simply something we want to keep an eye on. In our follow up, Onxo explore the summary of the DHS directive and examine its purpose. On to today's Mobile Update:

Onxo Udpates:

• Access, major OS provider, saw its first and only phone to use its OS cancelled.
• Is Android better than iPhone? Maybe.
• Steps, an app that turns the iPhone into a pedometer, will get a second chance today when I go on a run to see if it has gotten any better.
• Steve Jobs tells Apple troops MobileMe launch was a disaster but will do better next time. It's smart consider it saves him from a public apology.

Mobile Device Updates:

• Verizon dropped Blackberry prices. Verizon reported stellar earnings and saw no impact from the iPhone 3G onslaught. It will launch a counterattack later this fall with a barrage of Samsung and Blackberry phones. Some Bold and Thunder, anyone? (Blackberry Sync)
• Mobilecatcher is saying a Nokia And Microsoft collaboration in bring Zune media to Nokia phones. Last week, Onxo thinks Microsoft is the one we need to be watch, not Apple, for any surprises. (Mobile Catcher)
• Onxo has no idea what this phone is but it's got a nice picture. Hello! (ixploria)
• Electonista is reporting new phones from Motorola. While they seem like regular updates, there is a picture of the next smartphone from Motorola that will join the smartphone war. We've seen and and we're wondering if Mot is even trying anymore.
• CNet is reporting Microsoft R&D is at an all time high. Again, they need to be watched this fall.

Mobile Issues Update:

• Yahoo, Microsoft, and Google are working on a way to deal with China's less than open Internet and the occasional demand from Internet companies information to be used to jail dissidents. Last week, the IOC gave in to Chinese demands to curtail Olympics reporting.
• Sprint has joined Verizon and ATT in capping the amount of 3G usage (at 5GB). Then they can cut off the service. (Gizmodo)
• Yesterday, Intel introduced their dedicated GPU. Today, they announced plans to introduce their next generation mobile platform, Calpella, in the third quarter of 2009.

Mobile Update for August 4, 2008

The biggest news on the mobile front is what is going to happen a year from now.  Today, Intel announced Larrabee, their new GPU architecture.  What's different about this GPU is that it is designed to run regular CPU instructions but can be reprogrammed to work as  GPU.  While this is not distintive desktop CPU, it is exciting to see something like this in a laptop. 

The impact of Larrabee is yet to be seen as competitors Nvidia and AMD both have GPUs that can make things very interest in the next year.  Please see hardware buff, Anandtech, for technical details if you're into that sort of thing. (What folks may not know is that Intel owns about 50% of the GPU market.)  See also The Register for not-too-technical reporting.

Mobile Device Update:

• New iPhone firmware is out.  I want to thank all the brave souls for taking the plunge first.
• T-Mobile's Blackberry Curve, Sunset edition, is now available (crackberry) The titanium edition has been out of stock for weeks now.  The Sunset is available for $150 after rebate and standard 2-year contract.
• I had heard Verizon was coming with with their very own visual voicemail but Gizmodo is reporting it may be free.  But shouldn't it be free anyway, V?
• HTC is trying its bestest to get an Android phone out by the end of 2008.  I am cheer you guys on, dudes...but I don't mind 2009 if it means quality will improve.  Fanboys will wait.

Mobile Issues:

• Onxo discusses Apple's app store and the implications for iPhone users and its competitors.
• Problogger reviews the iPhone 3G as a blogging tool.  However, a lot of its great ideas and discussions carry over to smartphones as well.  Definitely a MUST READ.
• Onxo dissects MSNBC's article about Maine's student laptop program.  Most of us do not live in Maine, 'about 300 million or so.  However, the just as pencils and notebooks managed to slip into classrooms, laptops are beginning to do the same.  The changes are good but still some work needs to be done before it can be fully integreated into the classroom and educational system. 
• Apple is reportedly increasing iPhone 3G production.  Expanding market or trouble for competitors.  We're saying it's the former.  It doesn't mean phone makers should just sit on what they've got now and consumers will come. 
  

The Right GPU Solution for Mobile Users

In the last few articles, we've talked about mostly smartphones and the changing climate in which the different players like RIM and Nokia battle to stay competitive and elbow for supremacy.  


Let's not forget about other mobile devices, you know, laptops.  Also known in some quarters as Thinkpads.  Inspirons.  Presarios.


It just so happened that the company that brought us unforgiving "Intel Inside" stickers has released the next generation of mobile chips, creatively called Centrino 2 (comes after Centrino) last week.  In the other corner, AMD has their PUMA mobile platform ready to pounce.  With such powerful chips, is this enough power for most mobile users graphically?


The component common to both competing platforms is the graphic processor that powers the display.  The graphic processor unit, GPU, comes in two flavors:  dedicated and integrated.  I've left a couple of wiki links so that you can sort it out.  Short story is that dedicated GPU are much more powerful than integrated graphic solutions, also known as integrated graphic processor, IGP.


If you're a gamer, getting a laptop with a dedicated GPU is a must.  For the rest of us, even casual gamers, is a laptop with IGP solution good enough?  Well, that's exactly what most IGP solutions are, just "good enough".  If running Microsoft Office and Photoshop, an IGP may be perfect.  For e-mail and surfing the Internet and watching Youtube, an IGP  can handle all you throw at it.  DVD?  A dedicated GPU is an overkill.  


Traditionally, IGP solutions from AMD and Nvidia are better than Intel's own solutions. Intel's new X4500 is promising but I'm not holding my breath until I see it in action.  


Just as important is the RAM the laptop has.  I won't go more into this other than to say "max out" on the RAM.  You'll thank me for it later.  And Vista will thank you for it (who are we kidding?  Vista will dominate.  Not saying it's the best OS out there though).  Mostly, it simple future-proof your laptop somewhat.  


Essentially, a mobile warrior do not always need to have the power that comes with a dedicated GPU.  If cost is an issue, an IGP-based laptop can cost hundreds less.  It can also draw less power than laptops with a dedicated GPU.  It'll be less painful having to ration your battery power and looking for an outlet.


Consider the following:

• Intel has a few IGP, the X4500, that more more capable than the X3100.
• AMD and Nvidia has multiple IGP solutions and they typical are more flexibile than Intel's solutions.
• AMD and Nvidia provide the bulk of dedicated GPU processors for laptops.
• Laptops with GPU costs more laptops with IGP.  
• Tyically, Laptops with GPU draw more power than laptops with IGP.
• The new platforms from Intel and AMD are capable of support both types of graphic solutions to provide mobile users.  If the power of a GPU isn't needed, the laptop will use the IGP.  When required, the dedicated GPU will then take over.
• If you want to relive the battles of WWII or save the world from alien invaders, get the best laptop with the fastest CPU and GPU you can afford.

I normally hold onto my laptop longer than the two or three years that some mobile warriors do, so I want to future-proof my purchases.  My needs vary and I have a desktop that provides me with more power, such as for video processing, when I need.  I love to have a Macbook Air or the Thinkpad X3000.  3Lbs simply trumps the 7 lbs of a tyical 15" laptop.  I have to play with the laptops first before I made that decision.  


As I write more and hope to turn it into a part time career (let's call it a hobby for now), battery life is something that could be more important to me.  I potentially see a 3-4 lb laptop with a IGP solution for me in the near future.


Note:  I'm in the market for a new laptop and given my familiarity with Apple computers and the iLife software, it is a no brainer for me to get a Macbook.  However, I've got time and I will definitely be picking up one after Apple refreshes its current lineup.  I'm going to be following my own reason here and get the Macbook Air.  


Keep in mind:  A potential impact on mobile warriors with respect to the two graphic solutions is the potential of softwares that support parallel processing via a dedicated graphic processor.  If you wait a bit, I'm get into that for you.  You won't want to miss the impact Nvidia's CUDA and Apple's next OS, Snow Leopard,will have on mobile computing.  (Update:  Microsoft's next version of DirectX will also support GPU processing.)


I love to hear from mobile warriors on the selection of laptop and the reasons why.