Intel’s decision to delay the release of the Timna processor for cellular
phones and other wireless devices has resulted in a large number of design wins
for National Semiconductor’s Geode chip. National announced that some 40
electronics manufacturers have opted to use the Geode system-on-a-chip IC. They
include Compaq, America Online and 3Com.
In June, Intel said it had delayed the introduction of its low-cost Timna
until the first quarter of 2001. Manufacturers who might have been interested in
Timna are now turning to Geode and the Crusoe Linux-based chip from Transmeta.
The Geode and Crusoe chips cost around $50. The Timna was expected to be
launched at $70.
National currently sells three versions of the Geode chip for TV set-top
boxes, inexpensive computer terminals, and handheld devices that access the
Internet.