Intel Demos East Fork Mobile PC

Intel is showcasing its concept platform code-named East Fork at Computex Taipei 2005. Similar to the Apple Mac Mini, Intel’s "New Mobile Form-Factor for the Digital Home" is the same size as a typical optical drive, but is built around the dual-core Intel Pentium M mobile processor. AOpen has also introduced its Mini PC at Computex (see AOpen: Mini PC ‘Not Competing’ with Apple Mac Mini).

Xbit labs [picture] - Given small sizes of East Fork concept model, some observers have already called it Apple Mac mini twin, even though there are some noticeable differences between the concepts. Apple Mac mini is an affordable computer not designed for truly demanding tasks, whereas East Fork is expected to provide serious horsepower – especially in case of multitasking – thanks to its dual-core processor code-named Yonah. Moreover, some computer makers may position East Fork computers as systems for the living room. The Japanese web-site [PCWatch] even reports that Intel is looking forward to work with some digital content providers to popularize its East Fork concept. Given different positioning of the East Fork and Apple Mac mini, it is likely that the former will also cost more than the latter.