Andrew Moore-Crispin

Today, Intel took the wraps off its latest processor line, the Intel Centrino 2 and Centrino 2 with vPro Technology processors for laptops. Also introduced was a dual core mobile processor the Intel Core 2 Extreme, along with five new Intel Core 2 Duo processors.

Developed under the codename Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 offers significant power savings and performance enhancements, Intel says.

When Intel released the initial Centrino with integrated Wi-Fi chipsets in notebooks, it paved the way for a broad rollout of the 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. Now, with Centrino 2, the faster 802.11n spec is on board with WiMAX (broad range wireless) coming later this year.

The company says that nearly 250 consumer and business notebook PC designs are on the way incorporating these new processors.

Also in the works are eight new processors, to be unveiled within 90 days, including the first ever quad-core mobile processors.

In short, if you’ve been holding off on making a laptop purchase until the next major processor refresh, the wait is over.

For full details on Intel Centrino 2 and Intel Centrino 2 with vPro Technology, visit Intel’s Centrino info site