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]