Centrino Pro has all the features from the Centrino Duo and adds in remote management technologies designed for businesses and large networks. Basically, it’s a mobile version of the vPro technology found on desktops. The Centrino Pro features let IT administrators make configuration changes to a computer on the network. Centrino Pro also allows for asset management and remote diagnostics independent of the machine’s operating system, meaning the machine doesn’t have to be on for IT staff to access it.
The processors are only a small part of this new platform. They are built on the same architecture as the previous generation. They all support an 800MHz bus and Intel has raised the maximum available clock speed to 2.4GHz. Intel is using the same name for this platform as the previous version so the processor number is going to be the easiest way to determine whether the laptop has the new or the old Centrino Duo. The new processors and initial pricing are as follows:
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 (2.4GHz): $530
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz): $316
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz): $241
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 (1.8GHz): $209
- Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 (1.6GHz): $316
- Intel Core 2 Duo L7300 (1.4GHz): $284
The new chipset increases the frequency of the front-side bus to 800MHz. Thiswill help all the components of the system communicate more quickly. However, every component has to be rated at the higher speed and 800MHz RAM won’t hit the market until later this year.
The new Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics now offer DirectX 10 support and have a higher allocation of Video RAM; up to 384MB. This will help Vista’s graphical interface run more smoothly but also means that more of your system RAM can be claimed by graphics. You’ll likely want to stack your laptop with more than the standard 1GB of RAM just to keep the whole system running smoothly. For games, you still want to stick with the Nvidia 8800 series graphics card. ATi does not have a DirectX 10 mobile card available yet.
The new chipset also includes a number of features designed to lower power usage and extend battery life. Dynamic front-side bus switching lets the system drop into a “low-frequency mode”, making the system slower, but it conserves energy, while an Enhanced Deep Sleep mode is designed to use less power when the system is idle.
With the Intel Turbo Memory option, available on both Centrino Duo and Centrino Pro systems, flash memory is incorporated onto the motherboard. The Turbo Memory stores a cache of commonly accessed information, such as the operating system and software, so you can boot the computer or launch applications without spinning the hard drive.
The only enhancements to wireless is support for 802.11n networking. Of course, taking advantage of the faster speeds and better range of 802.11n will require you to purchase a Draft N router.