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Pentium 4 Launch Delay Frustrates Computer Makers

Chipmaker Intel Corp. says it plans to ship its long-awaited Pentium 4 processors by the end of the year, following a report that some of its clients are frustrated by delays.

"The target that we've given is the second half of the year, and that's still the case,'' said Intel's Director of Public Relations, Tom Waldrop. "We haven't publicly given a specific date. We have of course communicated with our customers.''

According to CNET Networks, personal computer makers have complained that Intel has delayed delivery of the Pentium 4 processor.

CNET reported on its Web site that the unidentified sources said Intel's planned Oct 30 release date has been postponed until the week of Nov 20 and possibly later. One PC maker said Intel was unable to give a firm date for the processor's release. Others said Intel had told them absolutely it would ship three weeks late.

Industry talk blames the delay on a problem with how the 850 chipset interacts with PCI graphics. Intel has not confirmed the technical glitch.

This is not the first time Intel has delayed a processor launch. Last year, the company discovered a glitch with the 820 chipset that pushed the launch of the "Coppermine" Pentium III processors from September to October.

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