Intel Corp. on Wednesday launched its upgraded Centrino notebook platform, formerly code-named "Santa Rosa." (File Photo)

    BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Intel Corp. on Wednesday launched its upgraded Centrino notebook platform, formerly code-named "Santa Rosa," which will boost the performance, graphics and battery life of mobile computers.

    Intel is generating wider interest this time because its new platform, a technology bundle of a processor, chipset and wireless card, are the first to use flash memory chips, which should translate into faster performance and longer battery life.

    The new hardware will boost performance and battery life by storing some data on flash memory. Flash chips can be accessed more quickly than a hard drive and also use less power.

    "Probably the thing most people will notice is the graphics controller, for better video capability," said Mike Trainor, Intel's chief mobile technology evangelist.

    Intel says it has also improved the integrated graphics of Centrino laptops and is supporting the latest version of the Wi-Fi wireless technology that can deliver a maximum access speed of 300 megabits per second.

    The new product runns on PCs from Hewlett-Packard Co., Dell Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., Gateway Inc. and others.

    Intel has seen strong sales for its original Centrino platform, and the company said it has already tallied 230 platforms from various PC vendors that will be designed around the new Centrino.

    (Agencies)