What Tabs? Asus Launches Ultrabook Intel 2nd Gen

And Intel is hoping to shift 40 per cent of laptops users to the Ultrabook by the end of 2012.

Launched today at Computex in Taipei, Ultrabook will carry the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core processors which will increasingly “combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness in thin, elegant form factors,” said Intel executive vice president, Sean Maloney.

The Ultrabook will be shaped by Moore’s Law, which states that the number of transistors on a chip will double every two years, and silicon technology in the same way they have shaped the traditional PC for the past 40 years, he added. .

This newest generation family of processors will enable “thin, light and beautiful designs that are less than 20mm thick, and mainstream price points under US$1,000,” he added.

He also reiterated Intel’s push to accelerate the pace of innovation for Intel Atom processor-based system-on-chips (SoCs) for netbooks, smartphones, tablets and other companion devices. 

“Computing is taking many forms,” said Maloney. “Technology innovation is a catalyst, and we believe the changes Intel is making to its roadmaps, together with strong industry collaboration, will bring about an exciting change in personal computing over the next few years.”

ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih joined Maloney on stage to showcase the newest computer category on the block.

“At ASUS, we are very much aligned with Intel’s vision of Ultrabook,” said Shih. “Our customers are demanding an uncompromised computing experience in a lightweight, highly portable design that responds to their needs quickly.

Transforming the PC into an ultra thin, ultra responsive device will change the way people interact with their PC.”

Building on the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core technology, Maloney outlined the next generation Intel processor family codenamed “Ivy Bridge,” which is scheduled for availability in systems in the first half of 2012.

Laptops based on “Ivy Bridge” will bring improved power efficiency, smart visual performance, increased responsiveness and enhanced security. “Ivy Bridge” is the first high-volume chip based on Intel’s 22 nanometre (nm) manufacturing technology that uses a revolutionary 3-D transistor design called Tri-Gate announced in May.

Maloney also highlighted complementary USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt technologies which are part of Intel’s ongoing work to drive the PC platform forward.

Following “Ivy Bridge,” planned 2013 products codenamed “Haswell” are the third step toward achieving the Ultrabook and reinventing the capabilities of the laptop in ultra thin and light, responsive and more secure designs.

With “Haswell,” Intel will change the mainstream laptop thermal design point by reducing the microprocessor power to half of today’s design point.

Other planned milestones include Intel’s Atom processor-based platforms for tablets, netbooks and smartphones.

The Atom processor will outpace Moore’s Law, accelerating from 32nm through 22nm to 14nm within three successive years. 

Each new processor will highlight reductions in transistor leakage, active power and an increase of transistor density giving birth to more powerful smartphones, tablets, and netbooks with more features and longer battery life, according to Maloney.

Currently Intel is preparing its next gen netbook platform, codenamed ‘Cedar Trail’ based on its 32nm technology giving ultra thin, fanless designs with new capabilities.