AMD launches Turion Ultra notebook platform

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has launched Turion Ultra, its next-generation notebook processor.

The launch gives AMD a lead over Intel in the laptop market, after Intel postponed its own Centrino 2 platform release due to problems with its integrated graphics chip set.

AMD’s new platform uses technology from graphics company ATI, which AMD acquired in 2006 for $5.4 billion.

Along with ATI Radeon graphics, the platform combines an AMD Turion X2 Ultra processor with an RS780M chipset. Wireless capability is provided by Wi-Fi chips from Atheros, Broadcom, or Marvell.

AMD’s mobile platform is a key part of the company’s growth strategy. Its notebook sales grew 53% in 2007, compared with 33% for Intel.

The global laptop market grew 37% from 2006 to 2007, with particularly strong growth in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe.

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