Dell to add AMD chips to notebook lineup for Q4 2006?

Though Dell already broke up with Intel in the server market this May, Digitimes reports that the company is about to do the same for its notebooks. According to anonymous "sources at Taiwan-based notebook makers," Dell is set to launch a full range of AMD-based laptops based on the Sempron, Athlon 64, and Turion 64 X2 processors in the forth quarter of this year. AMD-powered Dell notebooks should mean less-expensive computers and more consumer choice--and of course, inexpensive, low-end notebooks hitting the streets during the holiday buying season.

Adding AMD Turion 64 X2 processors would also shake up Dell's high end. Using both the Core 2 Duo with EMT-64 and the Turion 64 X2 in, say, the XPS lineup, would give power users a choice of dual-core, 64-bit processors, which will be particularly useful when the 64-bit capable Windows Vista goes mainstream early next year. Digitimes thinks lower prices would also seriously heat up competition between Dell and HP--one of AMD's biggest customers.

So what would you call cheaper notebooks, more choice for high-performance machines, and more competition in the industry? A triple treat for consumers.

When (if) Dell does launch AMD-based notebooks, be sure to check CNET for full reviews.