Intel's new SpeedStep mobile processor technology makes its debut this month. The technology, designed primarily to conserve battery power when your notebook is not plugged into the mains, has been included in models from Dell, Hi-Grade, Fujitsu Siemens and Toshiba.

Dell's Inspiron 5000 range is powered by the Pentium III SpeedStep processors, or standard Pentium IIIs and Celerons, at up to speeds of 650MHz. Also included is Dell's SXGA+ LCD screen technology capable of high resolutions, an integrated floppy disk drive, internal modem, media options bay for additional peripherals, plus hard drives from 6-18Gb. Prices start from £1,761.32

Hi-Grade's UltiNote AS8400 series, also powered by SpeedStep Pentium IIIs up to 650MHz, comes with fantastic multimedia credentials in the form of the S3 Savage/MX graphics chip, DVD-ROM drive and 14.1in TFT screen. With a built-in modem and Ethernet card, prices start from £1,878.82p

SpeedStep processors have also been implemented across Toshiba's notebook range - from the Portege 7200CT to the Satellite Pro 4320 and new Tecra 8100 series. Prices for these start at £3,401.62p, £2,696.62p and £3,107.87p

respectively.Finally, Fujitsu Siemens has announced that it too is to supply the SpeedStep processors in its Lifebook E and X ranges. Prices start from £3,154.87p.