Intel Corp has launched the 82961KD laser printer co-processor chip designed for use with the 80960 embedded RISC microprocessor. The new chip is claimed to reduce the amount of memory needed to produce high-quality documents as well as reducing the overall component count, raising the quality and lowering the price of high-end laser printers. The co-processor, in conjunction with the 80960, compresses information on each page stored in memory and sends it in bursts as the page is being printed. It is being used first in a monochrome printer introduced on Monday by Lockheed Corp’s CalComp Inc at the MacWorld Expo in Boston. The printer sells for $4,500, and uses a fifth the amount of memory to produce a 600 dots per inch image. The chip is expected to go into full production by the fourth quarter. In quantities of 1,000-up, the 16MHz chips go for $51.70, and samples are ready now.
