“Intel wants to integrate more functions into the processor
chip. But the launch of the Timna integrated processor has been
postponed into next year because of problems in another chip.
Transmeta is more fortunate, having persuaded IBM to attempt to
showcase the Crusoe processor in a prototype notebook. This could
herald the all-day-on-one-battery computer.”
“Meanwhile, Transmeta is one step nearer to seeing its
Crusoe chip in a commercial Windows system. Crusoe relies on
software emulation of the Intel instruction set, offsetting the
overhead of translation by high speed and clever cache techniques.
More significantly, Crusoe has very low power consumption, holding
out the prospect of laptop computers that run all day on a fully
charged battery.”
“No PC maker has yet committed to Crusoe, but Transmeta will be
delighted that IBM has stated that it will demonstrate a ThinkPad
built around Crusoe at PC Expo later this month. IBM has yet to
commit to building Crusoe based ThinkPads for sale, but must be
giving the possibility serious consideration. The company rarely
makes such public gestures thoughtlessly.”