Earlier this year, everything pointed to a June launch of Intel's Montevina-based Centrino 2 platform, but those wanting to get their hands on such a notebook will have to wait for a few weeks. Intel has made today a statement announcing that it has to postpone the launch of Centrino 2 due to technical reasons. The Intel platform should be rolled out with new Penryn processors running on a 1066MHz FSB, three northbridges with upgraded graphics (GM45, GM47, and PM45), and 802.11n/WiMAX wireless controllers.

When hearing about such a delay brought up to a major platform, anyone would expect that it has been caused by a problem regarding the processor or the chipset. Well, the launch of the Centrino 2 platform has been delayed due to two reasons, namely an issue with the integrated graphics controller on the GM45/GM47 and FCC certification problems with the Shirley Peak 802.11n wireless controllers. According to Bill Kircos, Intel spokesman, the final testing revealed the graphics anomaly and a workaround has been discovered. The WiFi/FCC issue is all based on "paperwork and certification mistake we made," said Kircos.

Kircos also announced a new date for the launch of Centrino 2. "Both of these led us to establishing a launch date for our mobile processors and discrete chipsets of the week of July 14th, and taking a couple of weeks to get the right readiness and volume for the rest of our components -- we're looking at early August for that."

Intel seems to go through a rough period this summer, as a shortage on its IGP Chipsets has already been announced for the third quarter of the year. The company has to get extra cautions with the Centrino 2 platform and not to delay it even more, because the Back to School shopping season is close. Intel will have to ensure it has full supplies of all necessary components as we assume the Centrino 2 marketing will be at full throttle at that time, and the company wants the "Centrino 2" high prize for sure.

Nvidia will surely make great fuzz on Intel's problems with the integrated graphics controller, as it has been picking continuously on its IGP performance. Only last month, NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang said that they were "going to open a can of whoop a**" on its competitor and classified Intel's IGPs as "a joke".