Intel has unveiled a family of processors for low-cost mobile
computing. The company said the chips will power a range of
ultra-thin laptops, weighing between 0.9kg and 2.2kg.
Until now, users wanting lightweight ultra-thin laptops had to
opt for high-end machines like the Sony Viao and Apple MacBook Air,
costing £1,000+, or go downmarket and purchase a sub-£200
netbook.
Intel said machines powered by the ultra-low voltage (ULV)
processors will enable sleek consumer laptop designs less than an
inch thick, at mainstream prices. Intel said the processors also
consume less power to enable longer battery life.
Along with the processors, Intel has unveiled the Mobile Intel
GS40 Express Chipset for ULV-based laptops. The chipset supports HD
playback, Windows Vista Premium support and native support for
integrated HDMI.
Sales of Atom-powered netbooks have cannibalised
Intel's mainstream mobile processors, which cost considerably
more to manufacture. Intel may be able to attract users with the
ULV chip powering lower-cost laptops that offer the convenience of
Netbook.