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The much delayed Dothan chip was originally expected before the end of 2003 and then at the start of 2004.

It is manufactured on a 90 nanometre process using strained silicon, and is a replacement for the 'Banias' core of the Pentium M processor, which is one element of the Centrino trinity for mobile computing (processor, chipset and WLAN capability being the three main ingredients).

What this means for the end-user - Intel claims - is improved performance for laptops, in terms of better multi-tasking and application response, and smoother video playback.

Dothan's appearance also marks the debut of Intel's new processor naming scheme. The three new processors

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based on the new Pentium-M core are dubbed the Intel Pentium M processor 755, 745 and 735. The family-based numbering scheme is intended to reflect other factors rather than placing the emphasis on the clock speed.

In terms of pricing the 755, 745 and 735 processors will cost $637, $423 and $294 respectively (based on 1,000-unit orders). Note that the existing, Banias-based Pentium M chips have seen price cuts of up to 30 per cent (for the 1.7GHz model).

Dothan is part of Intel's wider plans for its Sonoma update of the Centrino platform scheduled to appear before the end of 2004. As well as the Dothan CPU, it will also contain the Alviso chipset with support for such features as the 'Azalia' High Definition Audio and improved wireless networking.

See also:

Intel's Dothan Notebook processor now due next month

Intel sets serial numbers for 90nm Dothan processors

Intel to employ new naming scheme for 90nm processors

Interview: Intel's Don MacDonald talks Centrino

IDF Fall 2003: Next-gen Centrino processor takes a bow