Intel has recently released details of its Shelton'08-based low-cost notebook platform (Basic Platform) to partners and has set the launch schedule for the third quarter this year, according to sources at PC makers.

The platform adopts Intel's single-core Diamondville CPU with a core frequency of 1.6GHz, 533MHz FSB and power consumption of 3.5W. The platform's total power consumption is around 8W, translating to battery usage time of between 3-4 hours.

The platform also consists of a 945GSE chipset, which includes built-in DirectX 9 graphics and supports single channel DDR2 memory. An 802.11g Wi-Fi module, USB/PATA port SSD (solid state drive), and a 7in or 8in panel will typically round out the platform, noted the sources. At the initial launch, the notebooks will be priced between Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000 depending on finial hardware specifications and design. Intel is also planning to launch a dual-core version Diamondville CPU in the second or third quarter next year.

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Currently, Micro-Star International (MSI) and

Gigabyte Technology have already started product development, while Dell, Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Acer are expected to follow at a later time. Since the PC makers will all adopt the same basic platform while also facing competition from Asustek Computer's next generation Eee PC, key

factors for success will be design, channel marketing and price, according to channel vendors. Additionally industry sources warned that since the platform is standardized, corresponding components such as medium-size panels and batteries could encounter shortages again as they did in the latter half of 2007.