Intel promises ultra-thin laptops (photos)

Intel announced a new line of ultra-low-voltage chips that will be primarily for 12-inch to 13-inch ultra-thin laptops and available in June. The new ultra low-voltage chips, will range from Celerons to Core i7 according to John Morris' blog.

But the big win, according to Larry Dignan, will be lower chip prices.

Credit: Intel

A presentation by Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager of Intel’s PC Client Group, points out the latest trend in computers is for specialization.

Here are the biggest needs identified by laptop users.

This chart shows that the majority of portable computer sales will be for devices under 14 inches - with ultra-portable sales increasing.

Intel's new line of ultra-low voltage chips.

Ultra-thin processors now support new features such as Turbo Boost, which Intel claimed works particularly well in ultrathins.

Intel claims big improvements over the SU7300 processor.

Intel also promises big power savings.

Manufacturers have promised 40 laptop models so far that will carry Intel's ULV chip.

Following are some notebooks that are currently using Intel iCore chips. Models with ULV processors will be available in June. Sony's 14-inch Vaio weighs 5.3 pounds and uses a Core i3 chip.

Fujitsu LifeBook P770 uses a Core i7 chip, has a 12.1-inch screen and weighs about 3 pounds. It starts at $1,895.

Alienware M15x Gaming runs on a Core i7 chip with a 15.6-inch screen. It costs $1,924.

Don't forget that Intel is the source for Mac processors. This MacBook Pro Spring Edition has a 17-inch screen, an i5 chip, and weighs 6.6 pounds.

The Panasonic Toughbook 52 uses a Core i5 processor to run its 15.4-inch screen. It cost $2,716.

The Samsung NP uses an i5 chip for its 15.6-inch frame. It weighs 5.7-pounds and starts at $829.