Advanced Micro Devices has leapfrogged Intel -- at least momentarily -- in the endless race to claim the fastest PC chip around.
AMD's new 750 MHz Athlon chip tops Intel's current thoroughbred, running at 700 MHz, to become the fastest chip available in an Intel-based computer.
Athlon is designed to boost the performance of PCs running high-end applications, such as data-intensive 3-D graphics, audio, video, product design, and rendering programs.
AMD said the chip will be used by Compaq Computer and IBM, as well as other computer makers, in their high-end machines.
In any case, Athlon's claim as top gun is expected to be short-lived. Intel already has faster chips in the pipeline.
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Seattle showdown: The largest trade summit in history promises to be an acrimonious affair -- both inside the hall and out -- when it gets under way in Seattle this week.
While a number of thorny national issues are sure to divide World Trade Organization delegates inside the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, there will be plenty of action in the surrounding streets, where environmental and labor activists are promising huge demonstrations aimed at derailing the summit.
A number of arrests have already been made after activists unfurled anti-WTO banners across several Seattle landmarks. Organizers have vowed to try and prevent the WTO summit from being held at all, charging the delegates with ignoring environmental and labor safeguards and putting profits ahead of people.
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From the wireless front: Cisco Systems will discuss plans to provide wireless technology for both voice telephone service and Internet access, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
The fixed wireless technology, which will be introduced Wednesday, represents an alternative to high-speed digital telephone lines and cable TV Internet modems.
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Another piece of the puzzle: Redback Networks, a supplier of high-speed Internet access equipment, agreed to acquire Siara Systems in a deal valued at US$4.3 billion.
Redback plans to use Siara's optical networking equipment and software to supply a wider range of products across broadband networks, the company said Monday.
Reuters contributed to this report.
