Dual Core On Stage At Computex

Taiwanese vendors offered a look at new and upcoming products, many of which were based on the new dual-core processors from Advanced Micro Devices and Intel.

For AMD, Computex was a chance to show its support for its vendor customers, launching its Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor at the show.

Despite the hoopla, Computex didn't hold any surprises, said Eugene Kiang, CEO of Bold Data Technology, a system builder based in Fremont, Calif. "There was nothing really compelling, no 'gotta have' products," Kiang said. "We're at a point where performance doesn't really matter, unless you are into hard-core gaming. Normal office users don't need that kind of power. We've reached a plateau."

Most motherboard makers focused on dual-core processors, planning to introduce products over the next couple of months as the processors start shipping in quantity.

Elitegroup Computer Systems, Fremont, showed motherboards for Intel's dual-core Pentium D processor, which started shipping late last month. David Chien, director of the channel sales division of Elitegroup's Taiwan office, said he expects the Intel processors to become available in quantity in the fourth quarter.

Elitegroup also showed a full line of notebook PCs with Intel, AMD, Via or Transmeta processors. Displays ranged from 12.1 inches to 17 inches. All can be ordered preassembled or as bare-bones products, said Jason Fan, vice president of sales.

Asus Computer also started shipping Pentium D-based motherboards late last month, including one with high-end Dolby Master Studio sound on board, said Timothy Lin, product marketing manager for its Fremont office. He also showed a number of Athlon X2-based motherboards, including several that have been dual core-ready for nearly a year and only need a BIOS upgrade.

Acer received its share of attention with its Ferrari-branded high-end notebook PC and its black carbon-fiber housing. The company also showed its Pentium M-based TravelMate 3000 with a 12.1-inch wide-screen display, weighing less than 3 pounds. Johnson Yeh, brand management director at Acer's Taiwan office, said the unit supports two simultaneous displays; each can be split vertically into two separate displays.