Here Come The Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks


After many delays, Intel’s Ivy Bridge processors were finally unleashed on the world last month. Now here comes the notebook version. Next week we’ll get a look at the first wave of Ivy Bridge ultrabooks, courtesy of Intel.

In a blog post, Intel says it will show off Ultrabooks powered by its new third-generation Intel Core processors at Computex Taipei 2012 next week. The company also reports some shocking numbers: Intel is aware of 110 ultrabooks in the pipeline. That’s a huge number considering there are only 21 ultrabooks out there right now. In addition to the slim but traditional clamshells we’ve seen so far, Intel says there are “30 touch-enabled systems” on the way, 10 of which will be convertibles.

Intel has also updated the specifications that define Ivy Bridge ultrabooks:

  • Thin designs: Ultrabook devices must be 18mm or less in thickness for systems with displays less than 14 inches and 21mm or less for systems with displays 14 inches or more; some current systems are much thinner.
  • Responsive: All 3rd generation Intel Core Ultrabook devices wake in a flash — going from a very deep sleep state (S4) to full use (keyboard interaction) in less than 7 seconds and wake from “sleep” mode even faster. Additionally, they must be responsive while active, meaning they will load and run favourite applications quickly.
  • Extended battery life: Ultrabook devices must offer at least 5 hours of battery life, with many meeting the recommended level of 8 hours plus in even the sleekest form factors.
  • Security enabled: Anti-Theft technology is a hardware-based technology that makes it possible to lock down an Ultrabook system if it’s lost or stolen and helps secure sensitive information stored on the device’s hard drive.

    Ultrabook™ systems come enabled with Intel® Identity Protection technology to provide a more secure online experience for activities like shopping, banking or gaming online. It uses chip-level authentication similar to hardware tokens and is widely regarded by security experts as a more secure approach than software-only authentication.

  • Fast I/O: Ultrabook devices based on 3rd generation Intel Core must have either USB 3 or Thunderbolt technology to enable incredibly fast transfer capabilities.
  • Processor: Powered by the Intel Core processor family for Ultrabook.

The biggest changes to the requirements are increased battery life and a high-speed I/O port. There is still no word on when exactly you’ll actually be able to buy an Ivy Bridge ultrabook, but, hey, we’ll take this as a starting point. [Intel via The Verge]


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