Intel details WiMAX, 802.11n Centrino 2 plans

Intel has announced more details on its plans for wireless in Centrino 2 systems, a Taiwanese publication reports. The centerpiece option is its "Echo Peak" module, which combines 802.11n Wi-Fi with support for WiMAX, the company's cellular-like standard that has greater range. This will however come at a significant cost to end users, as Intel is charging OEMs themselves $43 to $54, depending on specifications.

By contrast, the 802.11n-only "Shirley Peak" modules will cost builders $19 to $30, which identifies them as intended for budget computers. Either way, Intel expects Centrino 2 to account for more than 50 percent of its notebook platform shipments by the fourth quarter, a factor which should help spearhead the acceptance of 802.11n outside routers.

Shirley Peak modules are expected to ship en masse in the second quarter of 2008; Echo Peak modules, by contrast, are expected to begin production in the second half of the year. [via DigiTimes]

Filed under: networking
Other story tags: Intel, notebooks, WiMAX, Centrino 2, Centrino, Wi-Fi, Montevina, 802.11n