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Intel's Core i7 'Clarksfield' CPUs for laptops launching late September?
Taiwanese rumor-rag, DigiTimes, has a knack for sniffing out insider information from within Taiwan's MoBo manufacturing cartel. So it's worth paying attention when it claims to have the latest launch schedule for Intel CPUs. Up first is a trio of laptop-based Clarksfield CPUs -- 2GHz Core 2 Extreme XE, 1.73GHz Core 2 Quad P2, and a 1.6GHz Core 2 Quad P1 –- ready to make their debut sometime around the end of September or October. These processors should carry the Core i7 brand to keep things as confusing simple as possible and would be a suitable match for a Q4 refresh of the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS laptop, for example. At the low end of the rumored schedule are a pair of Celeron SU2300 and Celeron 743 CPUs for ultra-thin laptops with an expected announcement coming at the end of September. Intel's also pegged with plans for desktop-based Lynnfield CPUs and P55 chipsets to be announced between September 8-11. The first announcement is set for early August -- if Intel starts making a fuss about its new Xeon procs for servers at that time then we'll have a pretty good idea as to the validity of DigiTimes' claims.
Intel's 32nm Clarkdale CPUs moved up to Q4, a full year ahead of AMD?
It's just a rumor, but DigiTimes has pretty decent sources within Taiwan's motherboard industry. So what was a Q1 2010 mass production launch of Clarkdale CPUs is now rumored to be coming in Q4, notable as the first Intel CPU to use its new 32nm process technology with an integrated memory controller and graphics core built on a 45nm process. This jibes with what DailyTECH and others were reporting back in Feburary. DigiTimes adds that Intel expects Clarkdale CPUs to account for 10% of its total desktop CPU shipments in Q4 rising to 20% in Q1 2010. That means we should see the chips well before the holiday shopping season (near the October 22nd launch of Windows 7 makes sense) if true. As for AMD, well, last we heard they're still looking to "ramp up" production in the middle of 2010 with mass production capabilities arriving around Q4. Yeah, we know.Read -- DigiTimes Read -- DailyTECH
MID device sales far lower than estimates, only Intel surprised
You know that MID / UMPC craze (remember origami?) that was supposed to change our lives? Well, it hasn't. In fact, if the unofficial numbers reported by DigiTimes are correct, then sales of bulky, Menlow-based MIDs have been a disaster which helps explain why manufacturers have grown skeptical of the platform. DigiTimes is reporting sales of just 30,000 units compared to the 150,000 - 200,000 units Intel promised estimated. Intel claims that the weak sales were due to the global economic downturn but we have another opinion: mainstream consumers don't want a device that is too big for the pocket, provides less functionality than a netbook, and is priced like a laptop. That, and we still haven't seen a compelling usage scenario for this device category -- simply pairing Intel's next generation Moorestown with Moblin isn't a fix. Of course, it's no surprise that Intel got blindsided by the rise of the modern smartphone, that's not their turf... yet.
ASUS preparing NVIDIA Ion-based Eee Box B1006?
In a brief snippet of a rumor, DigiTimes is reporting that ASUS is planning an Ion-based Eee Box B1006 for Q3 of 2009. Ion's a good start, but if they shackle it to an Intel Atom 230 processor and once again bludgeon our dreams of a low-cost home theater PC capable of handling full-screen Flash video, well, somebody's going to get hurt. Ion-based Eee PC netbooks are coming too, but those don't have a production schedule yet according to the Taiwanese tattle-rag.
Intel said to slip Core i5 platform to September, competition needed
Want a good example of why Intel -- or we, the consumer -- needs a strong competitor? DigiTimes' has it from sources at motherboard makers that Intel will delay its mainstream desktop Core i5 platform (including Lynnfield procs and 5-series chipsets) from July to early September. A rumor with merit given DigiTimes' proven sources within motherboard makers like ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. The reason for the delay is to allow vendors to deplete 4-series inventories that have piled-up during the economic slow-down. Of course, if AMD or... well, AMD could muster the silicon to compete with Intel at the same price point then such a delay would not be possible. How much you say? DigiTimes has the Core i5 processors priced at 2.93GHz ($562), 2.8GHz ($284) and 2.66GHz ($196) when purchased in bulk. [Via PC Perspective]
Nokia launching 'high-end handset' with capacitive touchscreen in Q3?
DigiTimes has a couple of back-to-back rumors from its industry sources that could be of interest to Nokia fans. Yesterday, the Taiwanese rumor rag said that Nokia will adopt a Synaptics touchscreen integrated circuit (which may or may not support multi-touch) solution for an upcoming "high-end handset" due for launch in the 3rd quarter of 2009. To be clear, this is not the N97 which is expected to go on sale in June. Now DigiTimes adds that capacitive touch panel orders from Nokia have been received from Wintek, the same supplier fitting Nokia's 5800 with resistive touchscreens. We're big fans of silky smooth, capacitive glass panels on finger-friendly touchscreen phones so we'll be stoked if these rumors prove true.Read -- Nokia adopts Synaptics touchscreen ICRead -- Wintek lands orders from Nokia
Asus going big(ger) with 11.6-inch Eee PC later this month
If you like the idea of the little laptop that started it all, but need a little more workspace to keep your eyes from going all aesthenopia on ya, hold on to your wallets for a few more weeks. According to DigiTimes, ASUS is planning on releasing an 11.6-inch Eee by the end of the month, following up on its pledge made last year to do just that -- while simultaneously breaking Jerry Shen's promise to never surpass the 10-inch mark without creating a spin-off, "premium" netbook brand. But, with the 7-inchers relegated to their place in history, perhaps now the company has a little extra room on its production lines. No further information is available on the forthcoming model at this point, but we're hoping that new screen will get a few more pixels to fill out its new-found girth.
Compal, other manufacturers skeptical of MIDs
Remember the dedicated team that Compal had set aside back in 2007 to focus on all those Atom-based MIDs expected to flood the market? Pilfered, another victim blind-sided by the rise of the netbook. According to DigiTimes' moles inside the Chinese manufacturing juggernaut, Compal, Quanta, ASUS, and others are focusing resources on netbooks while remaining conservative on Intel's MID platform. Even with Intel's battery-sipping Moorestown platform around the corner, we remain skeptical about devices that are too large for the pocket and double the price of netbooks that bring twice the screen and full QWERTY keyboards -- for mass market consumption anyway.
Are these the companies inside the next iPhone?
With the Pre's launch date looming it's nearly time for Apple to launch its counter-attack, and today we have what appears to be further confirmation of component orders for the so-called iPhone 3.0. DigiTimes is claiming to have a nearly comprehensive rundown of component suppliers for Apple's next-gen hotness, again indicating Samsung will be providing the memory, but also saying that a CSR chip will continue to handle Bluetooth duties, a 3.2 megapixel OmniVision sensor will tackle image-capture duties, and going on to list over a dozen other suppliers you may or may not have heard of -- though sadly failing to identify a CPU maker. All these companies are supposedly ramping up to begin shipments in May for a mid-2009 release, with a target of 5 million units for launch. However, while many of these names line up with rumors we've heard already, with no sources named and none of these suppliers able to comment, you might want to hit up your local source of salt for a grain or two.
New iPhone parts begin shipping from suppliers for June launch?
At this point there's little doubt that a new iPhone model (possibly two) will at least be announced in June. Now the Commercial Times have chimed in with a report saying that components from Taiwan-based suppliers have begun shipments as Apple (or its China-based assemblers, rather) readies for a "June launch" pegged by said suppliers to reach about 2-3 million units per quarter. A phone that looks to be fitted with a 3.2 megapixel still / video CMOS camera, digital compass (magnetometer), possibly 802.11n, more storage, and all the MMS, copy/paste, and push-notifications you can shake a gesticulating finger at. Assuming all the firmware sleuthing and rumors are true, of course.
DigiTimes conjures up 3.2 and 5 megapixel cameras for future iPhone / iPod touch
Ah DigiTimes, where would we be without your river of tattle? The Taiwan rumor-rag just served up a doozy calling for Apple's "next-generation iPhone" to be equipped with a 3.2 megapixel CMOS sensor from OmniVision. Seems logical as a natural update to the existing 2.0 megapixel camera. DigiTimes also has Apple adding a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor to "another Apple product expected to be launched later in the year." Interesting as in-bezel webcams found in laptops and netbooks are typically less than 2 megapixels. If true, perhaps this will be the shooter found on a bulkier device carrying the iPhone3,1 or iPod3,1 identifiers peeped in the 3.0 firmware. Or not.[Via iPhonebuzz]
Michael Dell does/doesn't confirm Dell smartphones
Depending upon which source you believe, Michael Dell either directly commented on Dell's smartphone plans or just hinted at them. DigiTimes has Michael Dell paraphrased as saying in Taipei that Dell will not delay its smartphone lineup and is on schedule to release devices in line with its internal roadmap. The IDG news service, however, has him in Tokyo just hinting at smartphones. "It is true that we are exploring smaller screen devices," said Dell, adding, "We don't have any announcements to share today but stay tuned as when we have new news we will share that with you." Mr. Dell also mentioned Dell's carrier agreements already in place for the 3G radios Dell ships in it laptops. As such, "it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect that we would have smaller mobile Internet devices or smartphones in the future." Look Michael, just spit it out. We don't care how dull they look -- we know you're probably going after the big, fat chewy center of corporate market share here. Just don't call it the Ditty Talker and we're cool. Read -- Dell on schedule with smartphones Read -- Dell hints at smartphones
Commercial Times: Palm "smartphones" delayed to end of year (updated with Palm's response)
Here's a murky report flushed from the bowels of rumor-dom that's sure to get investors into a tizzy as information and misinformation spreads. The Commercial Times, with its hit-or-miss record of rumor mongering is reporting that Compal Communications, "will be forced to postpone its shipments of smartphones to Palm from mid-year to the end of the year." It goes on to say that, "Palm's two smartphones will be delayed as Compal is waiting for Qualcomm's new chipset solutions that will enable better performance." Now, before you panic, keep a few things in mind. First, the article never specifically mentions the Pre which Palm has emphatically stated (just 3 days ago) is on track for launch in the first half of 2009. Also, DigiTimes which is re-reporting the rumor from the original Chinese-language source claimed last week that Chi Mei, not Compal, was doing the Pre assembly. Also note that Palm has stated that the Pre uses a TI OMAP processor making the Qualcomm quote a bit dubious. Our take? This rumor's bunk, at least as it applies to the Pre. We'll be getting a statement from Palm just as soon as they awake.[Thanks, Herman M.]Update: Palm just followed up with us on this, stating that there is "No change in our previously announced plan to have the Pre available in the first half of 2009." Phew!
Samsung launching Android handset as early as Q3, rest to follow
Remember that Android handset from Samsung (pictured) apparently leaked on Tuesday? Well, according to DigiTimes' "market sources," we won't be seeing hide nor fuzzy hair from any Android handset touting Samsung DNA prior to July. DigiTimes goes on to say that Samsung will be the first of the "top-five handset makers" to rollout Android. A reference to Motorola, LG and Sony Ericsson's efforts around Android, presumably. Interesting since we had expected LG's first Android device in June and Moto's first effort as early as Q2. Guess it's your game for the taking HTC.
Palm Pre to be assembled by Chi Mei Communication Systems, fairies
Information about Palm's hotly anticipated Pre just keeps slowly trickling out... today, we hear that Taiwanese OEM Chi Mei Communication Systems will have the honor of assembling the smartphones. The company's not one of the largest out there, but it also manufactures phones for Motorola. This info comes to us courtesy of DigiTimes, so make of it what you will, but they also say that production could begin as early as March. Considering that it's March now, well... we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?[Via Brighthand]
Apple touch-screen netbook in Q3?
Boom: Apple netbook in Q3 -- that's the rumor being spread by the Commercial Times / DigiTimes tag-team of electronics tattlers. Apparently, Wintek will supply the touch-panels to Quanta computer who'll be tasked with assembling Apple's netbook. Take this one with a grain of salt though -- while these two Taiwan-based magazines tend to be accurate with insider info related to Taiwan-based companies like Acer and ASUS, they can often be wide of the mark with rumors related to foreign companies. Unless of course we missed the launch of the Blu-ray Xbox 360 and G5 PowerBooks. [Image courtesy of Frunny]
Nokia laptop a Snapdragon or Atom-based netbook?
Adding further fuel and confusion to the Nokia laptop fire sparked by yesterday's comments from CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasuvo, we have DigiTimes reporting that Nokia is actively seeking Taiwanese manufacturing and design partners for its netbook -- a very specific laptop form-factor. DigiTimes' sources wag their gossipy fingers in the direction of Compal and Foxconn (aka, Hon Hai Precision Industry) as the two most likely joint design manufacture (JDM) partners. However, instead of an ARM Cortex A9 Sparrow-powered device as speculated by Mobile-Review, DigiTimes claims that Nokia is developing a netbook powered by either Qualcomm's Snapdragon (currently based around the ARMv7 architecture used in the ARM A8 Cortex CPU) or Intel's Atom platforms. Of course, we could be looking at multiple form-factors from Nokia (MIDs, Netbooks, and laptops) in harmony with their successful approach to the mobile phone market.Update: The chipset rumors are actually more closely aligned than they appeared at first glance. Mobile-Review said the Nokia's Sparrow-based device wouldn't ship until 2011 -- that's plenty of time for ARM-based Snapdragon to adopt the Cortex A9 processor.
Kindle 3 rumor with touchscreen 8.5 x 11-inch display returns
Now that the Kindle 2 is out, it's time to get back onto the Kindle rumor mill. You might recall that in addition to the early leaks of the device that become the Kindle 2, a bigger screened Kindle mimicking an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper for students was rumored. According to DigiTimes' sources apparently within Prime View International (PVI), the makers of the Kindle's electrophoretic display (EPD), Amazon's next Kindle will launch by the end of this year and will be "larger in size and equipped with touch functions." Of course, that's no big stretch to the imagination -- Plastic Logic has been kicking around its 8.5 x 11-inch touchscreen eBook reader ('Shopped with a Kindle logo above) for months now with a plan to launch in 2010. Let's just see if Amazon can get this out in time for the back to school selling season.[Via Mobile Read]
ASUS Eee PC 'Shell' ultra-thin netbook launching in April?
Between the Commercial Times and DigiTimes, no secret is safe within ASUS. The former is reporting (via the latter) that ASUS will launch its second generation ultra-thin Eee PC in April as followup to the Eee PC S101. The Eee PC Shell, as it's supposedly called would mark a welcome departure from ASUS' staid alphanumeric naming convention and is said to be easier to carry than the S101 while bringing higher specs and a longer battery life for just NT$17,000 - 20,000 ($486 - $571) -- that's well below the S101's $699 suggested retail price. The name Shell, of course, would seem to imply a curved, clamshell design. Now, with one of ASUS' favorite events, CeBIT, starting next week, we'd expect an announcement to be days away if the rumor is true -- a high probability what with the launch of yesterday's Eee PC firesale and Intel's new CULV processors for ultra-slim laptops prepped for a March launch.
Acer's 10.1-inch Aspire One netbook trickles out
First shipments of Acer's 10.1-inch Aspire One netbooks are now underway in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Large volume shipments are on schedule for the rest-of-world beginning mid-February according to the DigiTimes' typically reliable Acer sources. And after watching the 8.9-inch Aspire One steal the crown of world's best selling netbook away from ASUS, we thought you'd like to know that Acer's version of the 1.6GHz Atom N270 netbook with 1GB of RAM, SDHC card slot, 3x USB, and optional 3G was nearly here. Still no pricing unless "aggresive" means something specific to you.Update: Acer just announced a February 20th launch in Japan and the first 10-inch Aspire One was spotted by HKEPC on a shelf in Hong Kong.
