NEW DELHI: Intel’s low-cost, low-power microprocessors, code named Diamondville, slated for launch in mid-2008, are expected to spawn a new range of devices, apart from being another bet on WiMAX wireless standard by the world’s largest chip maker.

Intel south Asia MD R Sivakumar told ET that the new microprocessors, based on the 45 nanometre technology, would make possible smaller and cheaper laptop-like powerful devices. “Some of the devices expected would have features like a 5 to 7 inch screen, pull-out keyboard, scroll display or a virtual keyboard. These could find use in different segments like education, healthcare, and even for entertainment or could be used by a salesforce. The prices could be as low as Rs 4,000- 6,000 for these handheld devices,” he said.

Most of the devices based on the new architecture would be WiMAX-enabled, while it’s expected that devices launched next year would be both WiMAX and Wi-Fi enabled. “There is a lot of momentum abroad to promote WiMAX. India has the opportunity to leapfrog wired broadband to building one of the largest WiMAX networks in the world,” Mr Sivakumar said. Without commenting on specific price points that could be achieved through the new microprocessors, he added,

“I think the period of excitement where we have talked of achieving certain price points is going to happen. Prices will come down to low-teens or even sub-Rs 10,000. There will be a variety of price points and people will peg their device according to their utility.”

Intel last year announced its plans to develop purpose-built, low-cost, low-power processors. “In 2007, there were some 300 million personal computers in the world. Apart from the concern about the amount of power consumed by these PCs, there is also concern about heat generated by them, Mr Sivakumar said. The new low-cost microprocessors would make possible devices that would consume power less than 20 watt.

Earlier, Intel’s marketing and operations director for South Asia, John McClure, had told ET that Intel’s microprocessors would enable laptops that would cost Rs 8,000-12,000.

Adding the duties, the price for the consumer would be about Rs 9,640- 14,460. This is because laptops attract a countervailing duty of 12.5%, additional customs duty of 4% and value-added tax of 4%.