Intel announces Ultrabook laptops

At Computex 2011, Intel has announced a new roadmap for its Atom processor family enabling thinner notebooks. Intel defines this new category of mainstream thin and light mobile computers as Ultrabooks. Intel aims to shift 40 per cent of consumer laptops to the Ultrabook by the end of 2012.

Intel Corporation's Executive Vice President, Sean Maloney, said that by the end of 2012, 40 percent of the consumer laptop market segment will encompass an emerging new breed of no-compromise computers, called "Ultrabook," which will increasingly combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and security in thin, elegant form factors.

The Ultrabook family of products will enable thin and light designs that are less than 20mm (0.8 inch) thick, and mainstream price points under $1,000. Systems based on these chips will be available towards the end of 2011. One of the launch products available will be the ASUS UX21 Ultrabook, which is being showcased at Computex 2011.

What remains to be seen is how these devices will create a space for themselves in a market that is already crowded with netbooks, tablets and ultra thin notebooks such as the Samsung 9000 series, MacBook Air and the soon to launch Dell XPS 15Z. Up till now, the only notebook to seamlessly integrate the features of a notebook and a tablet in one device is the MacBook Air. The boot time is quick; the device can perform all the tasks of a laptop and also features an app store. The difference may come in the form of performance and the under $1000 price point.

Stay tuned, as we bring you all the reveals from Computex 2011 and more details about the Ultrabooks as soon as we get our hands on them.