Intel PowerBooks, iBooks to Use Napa Chip?

Intel said this week that it expects its new dual-core processor for laptops, known as Napa, to be included in over 230 types of laptops shipping in 2006, but the company was mum about whether or not that will include Apple.

Dean Takahashi, writing for the San Jose Mercury News, said in his Wednesday column that the new processors, which are expected to perform 30-68% faster while consuming 28% less battery power, "could address the pent-up demand among the Macintosh faithful who have been disappointed with Apple laptops that run on PowerPC chips."

Creative Strategies analyst Tim Bajarin told Mr. Takahashi that the new processors will also be a boon to Windows computer makers, since theyill be ready to run the Windows Vista operating system that will arrived in late 2006.

In the first quarter of 2006, Intel will also launch Viiv, a desktop computer brand that the company said will make digital entertainment easier for consumers to enjoy at home. Viiv computers will be interoperable with TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players and other technology that has the Viiv label on it.

Whether or not Apple has plans for Viiv in some form remains to be seen.