Next rev MacBook Pro platform launched by Intel – Centrino 2 (Montevina) – [Updated – quadcore?]

By now it is a forgone conclusion that Apple will use Intel’s latest Centrino 2 platform in its new Macbook Pro Line-up.  Back when Apple used PowerPC, no one knew what chips Apple would use or when they would come out.  Now that Apple is on the very transparent Intel roadmap, we know what is next.  That next is the Centrino 2 line.  Oh and quad-core in August??

The code-name Montevina refers to the fifth-generation Centrino platform, now formally named Centrino 2. It was scheduled for release at Computex Taipei 2008, which took place on June 3 – 7, 2008, but was delayed until July 14, due to problems with integrated graphics and wireless certification. 

Some fun facts about the Centrino 2 Platform:

• Centrino 2 will top out at 29 Watts compared to Penryn’s 34.
• Clock speeds ranging from 2.26 GHz to 3.06 GHz
• RAM support for DDR2-667, DDR2-800, DDR3-800, DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1333 SO-DIMMs
• Main support for DisplayPort with an external connector attached to the motherboard along with full supplemental support of HDMI, DVI, and VGA standards.
• an Intel WiFi Link 5100/5300 mini-PCIe adapter (code-named Shiloh), and the add-on card WiMAX (802.16) (code-named Dana Point), or the Intel combo WiFi/WiMAX Link 5150/5350 mini-PCIe adapter (code-named Echo Peak).
• NAND flash-memory caching branded as Intel Turbo Memory (code-named Robson 2).
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN controllers 82567LM and 82567LF (code-named Boazman)

More From Crave:

There are five new processors available within the Centrino 2 family. Athe the high end is the Core2 Extreme Mobile Processor X9100, which it says is the "highest performing mobile processor." Intel has removed overclock protection, and generally tuned it to impress gamers. To demonstrate, an Intel employee played the PC version of Assassin’s Creed on a notebook with the Extreme Mobile Processor.

The company says it will enable the new 2.8GHz processor to consume 60 percent less electricity than its 2.33GHz processor on a single task, and it will get that task done 30 second faster.

Also in Centrino 2, 802.11n Wi-Fi will be standard. Intel says to expect five times faster wireless connections, and twice the range, but to get ready for WiMax coming this fall. Though not available immediately, future versions of Centrino 2 will come with built-in WiMax capability.