Looking to soup up their notebooks, but not their prices, some big-name computer makers are eyeing Intel's powerful but relatively inexpensive Pentium 4 desktop chip as an alternative to the company's mobile processors.
The manufacturers also hope to woo buyers looking for a second or third home or office system that marries desktop-like performance to greater portability.
According to sources, both Gateway and Compaq Computer are considering building consumer-oriented notebooks using Intel's desktop Pentium 4 processor, as opposed to its mobile-specific Pentium III-M or forthcoming mobile Pentium 4-M chip. Toshiba recently launched a Pentium 4-based notebook in Canada, with a U.S. version expected soon.
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