Micro Express Supports Intel Interchangeability Initiative with New Notebook

Micro Express HEL8016 (view large image)

Micro Express has announced the HEL8016 notebook, one of the first notebooks to fully support the Intel Interchangeability Initiative. The HEL8016 is made for Micro Express by Compal and supports Intel's Core Duo processor and high definition audio. As part of the Initiative, the HEL8016 not only features interchangeable parts, such as the keyboard, battery, LCD screen, disk drive, AC power adapter and optical drive, but it's also compatible with the upcoming Intel Core 2 Duo CPU.

What isthe Intel Interchangeability Initiative?

To accelerate deployment of new notebooks, Intel created the Interchangeability Initiative in partnership with original design manufacturers (ODMs) and what Intel calls ingredient suppliers. The program is based on the idea of common building blocks (CBBs). CBBs are notebook ingredients that comply with mechanical and electrical specifications to ensure interchangeability. This allows ingredients from different combinations of suppliers to be tested for interchangeability across different notebook platforms. The current list of CBBs includes the hard disk drive, optical disk drive, liquid crystal display panel, battery pack, keyboards, AC/DC adapter and customizable notebook panel.

The end result are machines that have known plug and play capabilities with several components so they can come to market more quickly and reliably. The current program supports 14" and 15.4" widescreen notebook models. The program started in 2004 and has grown to include 7 CBBs and more than 30 ingredients. Intel expects this list to grow as more ingredient manufacturers and ODMs come on board.

More on the Micro Express HEL8016 Notebook

The HEL8016 is shipping now, at a price of $1199. More information can be found at the Micro Express site, top-level specs are as follows:

• 15.4" WXGA (1280 X 800) Display
• Nvidia Geforce 7600 with 256MB Video Ram
• Centrino compliant platform
• Verified by Intel for interchangeability of key components as part of Intel Interchangeability Initiative
• 512 MB of RAM
• 60-GB SATA Hard Drive
• 8X DVD+/-R/RW Multi Format optical Drive
• Fingerprint ID Detector
• 802.11b/g built in WiFi
• 1.3M CMOS Camera
• Bluetooth Module optional
• The top cover of this notebook can be customized by applying a Customizable Notebook Panel

 

That is pretty cool. So are they saying that everything including graphics cards will be replace able. I wonder how many manufactures will do this?
Tim

 

The GPU is not a CBB yet, but I'm sure they're working on it.

 

Innovation? Hardly.

This just extending the "built-on" or barebones PC concept even further.

There is a downside to this technology (from the manufacturer's perspective). The parts are not proprietary, so the manufacturer make less money from service/repair/maintenance costs.

 

FWIW, exisiting Core Duo based notebooks are compatible with Core 2 Duo as well. Mine already has a BIOS update available.

 

Actually this laptop apparently has an MXM III slot for the graphics card, so it is indeed replaceable. Of course, companies would have to start selling such cards on the open market (right now they are just used to make it easier for companies to reconfigure a laptop into multiple versions to sell).

 

The interchangeability push sounds like it will kill innovation. Companies like Sony and Apple are so interesting just because they like to break the mould and take a chance with a better product.

 

Now instead of having to hope one or two companies will innovate the way you want, we will have plethora of companies that can innovate. Those innovative products will then be compatible with everyone notebook on the market that complies with the initiative. Kill innovation? This will expand it! That's what happens when you open something up so anyone can make a part that will work with the larger system.

Besides, there's nothing that will stop Sony and the like from being stick-in-the-muds and keeping closed standards...unless that ends up NOT being competetive with open standards.

-Drachasor

 

So far only Asus, Quanta and Compal have models supporting Intel's Interchangeability initiative.

The above Micro express (the Compal HEL80) is also availabe at Discountlaptops, and will probably be picked up by powernotebooks and istnc

 

Where did you read that it had an MXM III slot?

 

I don't that this hurts innovation. And it doesn't prevent Sony or anyone else from doing their own thing. I think it actually makes it easier to bring certain types of systems to market cost effectively. $1200 for this system isn't bad at all.

 

33percent, a sales rep from one of the companies who is going to sell the model helped me on the forums. In an email I asked him if it would have an MXM slot (didn't specify type). He told me he was 99% sure it had an MXM III.

Admittedly it is possible he is mistaken, but since he seems to know that there is an MXM III that implies he knows what he is talking about.

Hmm, anyone know what the interchangeability standard requires as far as graphics? It would make sense for them to require MXM for higher-end graphics cards.

-Drachasor