Intel and its Ultrabooks manufacturers have been finding it tough sticking to that sub-$US1000 promise, but what’s this? Intel’s mandated the minimum components cost will be between $US493 and $US710 for the 0.7-inch thick, 11-inch to 13-inch wide laptops?
If manufacturers wish to use the Ultrabook name and platform, and create a slightly fatter and larger laptop at 14-17 inches and 0.8 inches fat, the cost of components before being put together must be between $US475 and $US650. Whatever their size, this lithe beauties will all run on Ivy Bridge and will include Thunderbolt ports in their MacBook Air-like exteriors.
I suppose Intel’s put the manufacturers over a barrel here — do they risk Intel’s wrath by pricing the Ultrabooks at over $US1000 as rumoured, or make a very thin (if at all) profit? I suppose we’ll find out in September, when Asus’ UX21 and HP’s two laptops arrive. [Digitimes via Electronista]