Intel explains changes to Core CPU branding - Meet Core i3

On a post on the company's corporate blog Intel informed readers of forthcoming changes in the chipmaker's brand structure.

Intel will simplify its Intel Core range of products, getting rid of confusing Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad and similar names in favor of simpler Core i3 and Core i5 designations joining the recently unveiled Core i7 chips. These will not be brands but rather modifiers that will have different features and benefits. As an example, Calder cites upcoming codenamed Lynnfield CPUs will carry the Intel Core brand but be available as either Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 depending on their features and capabilities. The mobile Clarksfield processors, its most advanced, will go under the Core i7 name.

Core i3 will be reserved for entry-level products, Core i5 for mid-range products and i7 for flagship offerings. Celeron will be retained for affordable, entry-level PCs, Pentiums will relate to basic computer and Atoms will remain tied to netbooks, smartphones and other handheld devices. The hierarchy will flow from Celeron at the bottom end, through Pentium, to Core.

As the third way of rebranding itself, Intel will change and transition its platform brands over time. Intel vPro will remain as the top-of-the-line security and manageability technology and be teamed with Intel Core i5 or Core i7 chips. Starting in 2010, Calder promises Intel's business client systems will be called either Intel Core i7 vPro or Intel Core i5 vPro. This will result in a send-off for the Centrino processor brand, though it will remain in place for Wi-Fi and WiMAX-enabled products in 2010.

The transition will take time, and during this time, some of the older brands will remain even through next year.

BTW you guys .. this obviously is also product rebranding .. much like GeForce 9800 GTX to GTS 250 etc.