The newest Intel computer chip, known as the Core i7 will be produced and marketed to the rest of the world right here in Costa Rica.  The new chip is 40% faster than the previous Core 2 Duo.  Moreover, the chip reduces consumption of energy by the computer some 40% and is free of contaminants such as led and halogen.  Production of the new chip began at the Intel plant here in San Jose, Costa Rica in October and so far this is the only place in the world where the chip is being produced.  Later Intel plans to commence production at plants in Malaysia, the Philipines and China.  However, the Costa Rica plant is not just the site for manufacture of the chip, but also played a crucial role in the chip’s design.  A group of 80 Costa Rican engineers played a role in the development of this revolutionary new chip, which Intel states is the largest technological advance it has achieved in the last ten years.  The Core i7 will be offered in three versions priced between $284 and $999.  The fastest and priciest version is 3.20 Gigas.  The chip will be on the market for desktops in the first three months of 2009 and for laptops in the second half. 

Link to Article in La Nación