PC vendors ready 2.2GHz Pentium 4 systems
PC makers are preparing computer systems loaded with Intel's new 2.2GHz Pentium 4 processor, due to launch on 7 January.
Manufacturers such as IBM, Gateway, Compaq, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Micron are each planning to introduce PCs powered by the 2.2GHz Pentium 4 chip.
IBM will launch a 2.2GHz PC before the end of January, a company spokesperson said.
According to industry sources system pricing for PCs sporting the 2.2GHz Pentium 4 chip is expected to be around the $2,000 (£1,384) range, depending on individual configuration,
PC makers are staggering their individual 2.2GHz-based product releases over the course of the next 60 days. Vendors face competition from dedicated, high-performance game systems like Microsoft's Xbox.