Despite a month long delay in shipping, analysts say Intel's first quad-core laptop processor will keep the chipmaker well ahead of arch rival Advanced Micro Devices.

Intel unveiled the Centrino 2 quad core processor, code-named Montevina, Monday night. The company had announced late in May that the initial shipments of the chip platform would be pushed back from June because of problems with its integrated graphics technology and a licensing misstep.

The platform released Tuesday includes five new Core 2 Duo processors, the new chip set, a Core 2 Extreme processor running at 3.06 GHz and wireless technology that supports WiMax and 802.11. The company said it is shooting to unveil eight more laptop-focused processors over the next three months. The upcoming hardware is expected to include Intel's first mobile quad-core products along with second-generation products for ultra-thin and light notebooks.

"There are some major enhancements to the platform," said Jim McGregor, an analyst at In-Stat. "Quite honestly, they've had performance leadership in this segment for quite some time and this just builds on that. The delay is of no concern. A month is nothing. It's a slip."

While Intel was taking care of its technical and licensing issues, AMD was busy releasing its first laptop-specific processor. AMD announced the new processor -- code-named Puma -- at the Computex trade show in Taiwan, where Intel had initially planned to unveil Montevina. AMD had long been a wannabe in the laptop-specific chip arena. Instead, the company had initially modified desktop processors for mobile systems. Puma marked the first time the company took direct aim at the laptop market with a targeted processor.

Dan Olds, principal analyst with the Gabriel Consulting Group, said while it was a good move for AMD to get into the laptop market, Puma isn't enough to make a huge dent in its rival's lead, despite Intel's chip delay.

"With this new product and their commanding position in the market, Intel is ensured that they will get their share of sales," he added. "Intel doesn't absolutely need this upgrade in order to remain competitive. They're still ahead on almost every measure and in almost every segment."

Both analysts pointed to several "impressive" advancements in Centrino 2 - lower power to extend notebook battery life, support for WiMax and support for integrated and discrete graphics.

McGregor said the processor platform may be strong enough to drive new laptop sales. "If people want to use their computers for entertainment or for gaming, then this is when they'll say, 'Maybe this is a good time to go out and buy'."

"When we first introduced Intel Centrino back in 2003, there were very few Wi-Fi hotspots, YouTube videos and social media didn't really exist, 'thin and light' only referred to weight goals and desktop PCs outsold notebooks by a very wide margin," said Mooly Eden, general manager of Intel's Mobile Platforms Group. "Today, notebooks outsell desktops in the US, and we're paving the way to HD entertainment, rich online gaming, faster broadband wireless speeds and an easier and more secure way for businesses to manage, update and repair their notebook fleets."