Intel highlights new chips

Intel's annual devlopers forum in Palm Springs, Calif., is turning into a coming-out party for new chips.

Along with revealing details about its Itanium chip this week, Intel is expected to fill developers in on plans for the new low-cost processor, code-named Timna, and a new high-end desktop processor, code-named Willamette. Both Timna and Willamette are due in the second half of this year.

Timna will be aimed at producing full-function PCs that cost as little at $399.

At the other end of the price and performance spectrum, Willamette will be paired with a new chip set, code-named Tehama, to offer a faster system bus and support for Rambus DRAM.

The report is online at www.zdnn.com .