Several PC manufacturers announced products based around Intel's Centrino mobile technology last week following the release of the chip maker's latest platform.

Toshiba, Dell, IBM, Sony and Fujitsu Siemens all launched wireless network-ready notebook computers under the new badge.

Centrino is a brand, not a product, that defines the basic components needed for a mobile-equipped notebook. The label covers a new processor - the Pentium M - plus two chipset options, and built-in 802.11 wireless Lan (Wlan) connectivity. Intel says that a laptop must have all three to carry the Centrino brand.

The chip also offers extended battery life to allow notebooks to be used for longer between recharges.

The new laptops are designed to take advantage of the growth of WLan hotspots in public places such as hotels, airports and coffee shops.

'Unwiring the PC will change the way people use computers, allowing them to communicate, be productive or be entertained wherever and whenever they want,' said Intel chief executive Craig Barrett.

Analyst Meta Group predicts that Centrino-based systems will account for mote than 80 per cent of corporate notebook sales by the end of this year.