Official Merom (Core 2 Duo) Launch on Monday?

eWeek reported that PC manufacturers are expected to announce availability of new Core 2 Duo (Merom) notebooks on Monday August 28th.

The Core 2 Duo for notebooks, otherwise known by the code name "Merom," offers buyers a performance upgradean increase of about 20 percent, according to Intelbut holds power consumption to nearly the same level as its predecessor, the Core Duo.

According to Intel, the Core 2 Duo processors fit into existing notebook systems with only a system software update required to work. The new chips are to range from 1.66GHz to 2.33GHz. Apple is expected to join in with Core 2 Duo based Macs as early as September, according to early reports.

The next major upgrade to Intel's notebook design isn't expected until early 2007 with a new notebook platform named "Santa Rosa". Santa Rosa will combine the Core 2 Duo processors with new supporting chips as well as Intel's AMT (Active Management Technology) and Robson technology. Robson uses flash memory to improve startup times and to cache frequently used applications. Previous rumors have placed Robson technology in future Mac notebooks.