AMD unveils laptop and desktop platforms for 2010
Latest technology delivers quad-core ultra-thin laptops and low-cost six-core desktops
The new systems are part of AMD's Vision branding
AMD has announced an overhaul of its client platforms for 2010, introducing updates to its ultra-thin and mainstream laptop technologies and extending its Vision branding to desktop systems for the first time.
Highlights of the new platforms include quad-core processors that can be used in slimline laptops, and a Vision Black specification for gamers that should see six-core desktop PCs with a price below $1,000 (£665), according to AMD.
The platforms introduced today all use the AMD Vision branding, which specifies four performance tiers - Vision, Vision Premium, Vision Ultimate and Vision Black - based on the use the buyer has in mind for the system.
Introduced last year, the Vision branding is intended to make it easier for buyers to choose a system that meets their needs.
"It's an easy way to know if the PC they are buying does what they want it to do. Consumers care more about what a PC can do than about clock speeds and feeds," said Sasa Marinkovic, AMD's senior product marketing manager for EMEA.
The 2010 ultrathin laptop platform, previously codenamed Nile, combines AMD's Turion II Neo and Athlon II Neo processors with ATI Mobility Radeon 4200 integrated graphics, or an optional Mobility Radeon HD 5400 discrete chip.
This is aimed at laptops with 11in to 13in screens and measuring 25mm or less in thickness, "but delivers a full HD video experience and up to eight hours' battery life", according to AMD EMEA marketing manager Michal Lisiecki.
It also delivers a 22 per cent performance improvement over the existing ultrathin platform, the firm said, plus support for DirectX 10.1 graphics.
Laptops based on the platform include the HP Pavilion dm1 and Lenovo's 15in Edge model, according to AMD.
AMD unveils laptop and desktop platforms for 2010
Latest technology delivers quad-core ultra-thin laptops and low-cost six-core desktops
Meanwhile, the new mainstream laptop platform specifies processors up to a quad-core or triple-core Phenom II, and is aimed at systems with 13in to 18in screens.
Previously codenamed Danube, the platform will address "all price points and market segments", according to Lisiecki, owing to AMD's having quad-core chips that consume as little as 25W.
"25W quad-cores open up a completely new area for laptops: thin-and-light quad-core portables," he said.
The Dell Inspiron 15, HP Pavilion dv6 and Asus N61 are said to be among the systems based on the technology.
AMD's new desktop platform features the Vision branding for the first time, addressing the mainstream market with dual-core or quad-core Athlon II chips, and the high-end enthusiast market with quad-core or the latest six-core Phenom II processors, combined with ATI Radeon HD 5000 series graphics.
Most notable is the Vision Black specification, which combines the recently introduced six-core Phenom II with dual or quad Crossfire capability, which allows users to boost graphics performance with multiple graphics accelerators.
AMD said that it expects to see Vision Black systems carrying a price tag below $1,000.
Dell, Acer and HP are set to introduce desktop systems based on the new platform, according to AMD.