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As well as new Pentium-M models - using the Dothan core - the main feature of the new platform is Alviso's support for DDR 2, Serial ATA, PCI express and new power management features. There's also support for the High-Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia - Intel heightens High Definition Audio

The Dothan has already replaced the original Banias Pentium-M processor, and Intel has been constantly evolving its wireless networking support (most recently with the a/b/g tri-mode 802.11 networking support). The platform as a whole - and the concept of a platform is increasingly

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important to Intel - is now undergoing an update.

The Sonoma platform will be more strongly targeted at consumers, emphasising its multimedia capabilities, than the more business-oriented 'Centrino' marketing.

Only yesterday Intel confirmed its intention to follow the 'platform' route, a template successfully started with Centrino - Intel goes for five way reorganisation. Essentially, all aspects of the company will concentrate on creating inclusive contexts for technology that add value to the hardware or software. For example, the Centrino brand includes the wireless networking support and associated chipsets, as well as the core processor.

Notebook builders are still free to use the core Pentium-M processor, but if they want to buy in to the associated 'platform' - with all the brand recognition that implies - they also have to buy into the surrounding technologies.

Expect Sonoma offerings from all the major notebook builders - such as the Toshiba Portege A200 and IBM ThinkPad T43 - on the back of the launch.

The initial Centrino platform was launched in March 2003 - Centrino officially emerges - and represents Intel's ground-up redesign of notebook computing.