Intel is shipping new Xeon processors for computer workstations and laptops. The chips are available at speeds up to 1.7 GHz and will use Intel's NetBurst microarchitecture, which, the company says, boosts performance for such functions as video, audio, advanced Internet technology and three-dimensional graphics.

Workstations using the new chips are expected before the end of second quarter. Intel also unveiled a series of power-saving chips for ultra-light laptop PCs, including a 750 MHz mobile Pentium III processor that, operating in the battery-saving mode at 500 MHz, consumes less than one watt of power.