AMD Launches Fusion In India

AMD India has formally launched its Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) series called Fusion in the country, and has announced in the next two months almost all major OEMs will launch a Fusion based notebook or desktop.

“The APU represents a tectonic shift in computing, probably the biggest since x86 was launched 40 years back. AMD Fusion will eliminate the need for consumers to choose between power and performance enabling exciting new computing experiences at price points that offer tremendous value. This will also allow our partners to offer exciting new form factors on a robust computing platform.” said Ravi Swaminathan, Managing Director and Regional Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, AMD India

The APU comes in the following two versions based on performance and (low) power draw. The E-Series, an 18-watt TDP APU formerly codenamed “Zacate” is for ultrathin, mainstream, and value notebooks as well as desktops and all-in-ones. Also AMD is shipping C-Series, a 9-watt APU formerly codenamed “Ontario” for netbooks and small form factor desktops and devices.

Swaminathan claimed that nearly dozen models will be launched in the next two months by various OEM partners. AMD showcased models from vendors such as Toshiba, Lenovo and Sony. Sony has already started shipping a Zacate based mini-notebook in the Sonya Vaio YB series. However a spokesperson mentioned that actual retail availability could be as late as early March. Prices are expected to start at Rs 16,990 for netbooks and Rs 22,500 for notebooks. Swaminthan said that AMD will soon announce programs for system builder channels. "Fusion is not just a mobile PC story, we have a story on the desktop too, and soon we'll announce new channel programs,"

“The concept of synergizing the CPU and GPU allows amazing user experience in any form factor, and are designed to provide significant advantages in power and design simplicity over competing multi-chip solutions,” said, Manju Hegde, Corporate Vice President, Fusion Experience Program. “Through Fusion, AMD is targeting the “sweet spot” for accelerated HD experiences across notebooks, desktops and HD netbooks.”