Intel Corp. has unveiled some additional details concerning processors code-named Merom, which are mobile versions of Intel Core 2 Duo central processing units (CPUs), as leading notebook makers begin to install the chips into their laptops. Intel claims that compatibility with already shipping code-named Napa platform will allow hundreds of notebook makers to transit to new chips seamlessly.

“For laptops the new processor has doubled the performance, giving consumers and businesses an immersive mobile experience while keeping power consumption and battery life unchanged. The dual-core processing power of the Core 2 Duo processor helps people handle the toughest of multi-tasking scenarios no matter where they are,” said David Perlmutter, senior vice president of Intel’s mobility group.

Intel’s new Intel Core 2 Duo mobile microprocessors use 667MHz processor system bus and are drop-in compatible with notebooks powered by Intel 945-series and 965-series core-logic sets. Currently the lineup includes T7600 (2.33GHz, 4MB unified L2 cache), T7400 (2.16GHz, 4MB unified L2 cache), T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB unified L2 cache), T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB unified L2 cache) and T5500 (1.66GHz, 2MB unified L2 cache) models.

Intel Core 2 Duo processors have thermal design power (TDP) of 34W, which is 3W more compared to previous-generation Intel Core Duo CPUs. While the difference may not seem significant, users should be aware that the laptops running Intel Core 2 Duo mobile chips will have lower battery life compared to predecessors, even though they will perform a bit faster.

More than 200 Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based designs from PC manufacturers, resellers and integrators around the world will incorporate the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor this year, according to Intel.

The mobile version of the Intel Core 2 Duo processors T7600, T7400, T7200, T5600 and T5500 are priced at $637, $423, $294, $241 and $209 respectively, in 1000-unit quantities.