IBM ditches Transmeta notebook plans

IBM has cancelled plans to launch a notebook based on Transmeta's Crusoe chip, dealing a major blow to the startup just days before its flotation.

IBM has cancelled plans to launch a notebook based on Transmeta's Crusoe chip, dealing a major blow to the startup just days before its flotation.

The PC company confirmed it would not offer a Thinkpad 240 notebook running the Crusoe chip this year as planned, but will still consider using Transmeta chips in future products.

In a statement, IBM said: "The project with Transmeta, the Thinkpad 240 with a Crusoe chip, has been cancelled. We are always looking to enhance the customer's notebook computing experience and will continue to consider Transmeta, along with other suppliers, for future models."

Following demonstrations of prototype notebooks running Crusoe at the PC Expo show in June, IBM had said it would be offering Crusoe-based versions of its Thinkpad 240 consumer notebooks in the fourth quarter of this year.

Transmeta, which was expected to float on 6 November, claims that the Crusoe chip consumes about 1w of power when running, compared with an Intel Pentium chip's 15w to 20w. By using significantly less battery power, it enables lightweight notebooks to work for up to eight hours, according to the company.

Earlier this year, however, notebook manufacturer Toshiba poured cold water on Transmeta's claims about the low power consumption and heat generation of the Crusoe chip, despite the fact that it is an investor in the chip maker.

Steve Crawley, Toshiba's UK product manager, said at the time: "Crusoe gives a reasonable increase in battery life, but it is nothing like Transmeta's publicity is claiming."

Research company Gartner has warned that Transmeta needs to clinch deals involving the use of its processors in high-end notebooks and internet access devices if it is to remain in business.