VNU Net: Hitachi's Transmeta PC Won't Reach Europe

By Jo Ticehurst, VNU Net

Hitachi will launch a notebook PC based on Transmeta's Crusoe microprocessor in November, but the device will not be on sale in Europe.

A spokeswoman for Hitachi confirmed that a Transmeta-based notebook would be launched in Japan and the United States, "but we have no plans to sell the product in Europe," she said.

Hitachi, IBM, Gateway and Sony are the only companies to commit to launching products based on Transmeta's low power consumption Crusoe chip, which it claims prolongs the battery life in ultra lightweight computers.

Compaq said it is considering using the chip, whereas notebook specialist Toshiba said it has no current plans to include the chip in any of its products -- even though it is an investor in Transmeta.

Crusoe enables lightweight notebooks to provide up to eight hours of battery life. It includes Transmeta's LongRun power management technology, which enables the processor to optimise its performance to the actual application it is running, while continually adjusting its speed and voltage so that it delivers the maximum battery life.

Transmeta said the ultra light notebook designs are also quieter, because the Crusoe chip does not require noisy fans to keep cool.

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• The Register: Hitachi plans Transmeta Crusoe notebook for November(Sep 07, 2000)
• osOpinion: What do YOU want in an IBM Crusoe powered ThinkPad?(Jul 31, 2000)
• IEEE Spectrum: Transmeta's magic show(May 16, 2000)
• PC Week: Transmeta raises $88M in latest funding round(Apr 24, 2000)
• InfoWorld: Palm V designer plays with Transmeta's Crusoe chip(Mar 11, 2000)
• Upside: Transmeta keeps lid on details(Mar 01, 2000)
• Motley Fool: Inside Intel Again: Merced vs. Crusoe(Feb 26, 2000)
• InfoWorld: Transmeta steps onto the European stage(Feb 22, 2000)
• VNUnet: Transmeta unveils European influence(Feb 22, 2000)
• The Register: Transmeta launches in London(Feb 21, 2000)
• Byte.com: Will Transmeta Make It With Crusoe?(Feb 14, 2000)
• CNN/IDG: Crusoe cruises ahead(Feb 11, 2000)
• TheNewOS: A Look At Transmeta Crusoe(Feb 11, 2000)
• VNUnet: Why it's not all plain sailing for Crusoe(Feb 04, 2000)
• Sharky Extreme: Transmeta Crusoe Preview At Platform 2000(Feb 03, 2000)