VIA's PN266T Mobile Chipset for P3 P-M

Choosing from the multitude of processors that are currently available is no small feat. Choosing a combination of processor and chipset can be just plain maddening, especially if you're looking for a mobile computer. Mobile components are a little trickier to test than desktop parts, mostly because it's not so easy to yank the things apart and see what's inside. So, if you're looking for a laptop, you pretty much have to wait for a mainstream product review of complete mobile units, see what sounds best and what you can afford, and take your chances. Personally, I think they should let us build the darn things ourselves. If you're looking for a laptop based on Intel's Pentium III Processor-M, Pentium III, Celeron, or VIA's C3, the latest component you might see on the spec sheet is VIA Technologies' ProSavageDDR PN266T (AKA Twister-T DDR). The PN266T supports DDR266 memory and reduces power consumption through a 30% reduction in memory voltage over VIA's PN133 chipset. The ProSavageDDR PN266T also has S3 Graphics ProSavage8 technology, which the company says gives you the equivalent bandwidth of AGP 8X integrated into the North Bridge. ProSavage8 is an enhanced version of the ProSavage4 core. The chipset also provides a 133MHz front side bus and, with the VIA V-MAP 8233 Series South Bridge, you get integrated two channel AC'97 Audio, an integrated MC'97 modem, support for ATA 33/66/100, and 6 USB ports. Options include an integrated 3Com networking MAC. The ProSavageDDR PN266T also provides integrated dual channel LVDS and support for Intel SpeedStep power management.