Laptop demand lifts Intel profits

Intel is benefiting from higher laptop sales

Intel, the world's biggest computer chipmaker, has seen its latest profits surge 43%, lifted by strong demand for its laptop microprocessors.

During the three months to the end of September its net profit rose to $1.9bn (£935m) from $1.3bn a year earlier.

The California-based firm said it had benefited from ongoing efficiency efforts, and that revenues for the third quarter had risen 15% to $10bn.

It now expects to see revenues increase still further in the fourth quarter.

'Optimistic'

The figures mark a turnaround for Intel after a price war with rival Advanced Micro Devices hit its results at the start of this year, and late 2006.

"We are very pleased with the results and optimistic about our business," said Intel president and chief executive Paul Otellini.

Ashok Kumar said the results were better than expected.

"I think people were expecting more cautious comments about the fourth quarter," he added.