“Transmeta, a Silicon Valley start-up, will shortly announce a
breakthrough in microprocessor technology that could dash the hopes
of Intel, the world’s biggest chipmaker, to dominate the
potentially huge market for pocket-sized computers used to access
the internet.”
“The Financial Times has learned that Transmeta has developed
low-cost chips that are far smaller and consume a fraction of the
power of competing Intel devices, yet are able to run standard
personal computer software. The low power consumption is critical,
making it possible to keep a mobile computer running all day on a
single battery charge….”
“International Business Machines is understood to have
contracted to manufacture the chips on behalf of Transmeta and the
first products using the chips are expected in the second quarter
of this year. IBM declined to comment on its connections with
Transmeta.”