Transmeta Unveils 256-bit Microprocessor Plans

nam37 writes "PCWorld has an article about how Transmeta has outlined its initial plans for a new 256-bit microprocessor dubed the TM8000. They claim it will offer significant advantages over their current TM5x00 line of chips. The processor will be a switch to a 256-bit VLIW (very long instruction word), allowing twice as many instructions in one clock cycle and greater energy efficiency." The article also touches on the popularity Transmeta enjoys in Japan, noting that 92% (CD: corrected from 55%) of the company's revenue comes from there.

Comments

The Japanese don't play dice with the Universe

[Graymalkin]

There's a very interesting difference between gadget production in Japan and in the US. One important aspect besides pure technolust that drives the production of all forms of technological toys is the expected return. In Japan a tech product needs to only sell about 25,000 units in order for a company to see it as viable. In the US that prospect is ten times higher at 250,000 units. Ergo, Japan sees far more keen little toys because there's no impetus to sell hundreds of thousands of them which allows for a much larger number of what the US would see as production failures. The logic stems from the fact there is far more techno toy demand in Japan so a minimum demand product that just barely sells out its 25,000 unit inventory might be succeeded by a subsequent product that outsells production capability driving the price up through increased demand. There's also a ton of local intranational production facilities as well as a close proximity to Taiwan and Korea which vastly lowers the cost of all the microelectronic components because they don't need to be shipped across the Pacific. I know the pangs of technolust well, I want one of those Sony PCG-U1 in a way I'm not entirely comfortable with feeling about a computer. In short that is why Japan sees so many damn cool toys. The increased demand allows for smaller successful production runs and more product variety.