Intel to launch Ultrabook devices

CEBU, Philippines - Computing innovator Intel is set to unveil the new generation PC with the launch of Ultrabook devices designed to deliver the most complete and satisfying computing experience.

Intel Microelectronics Phils., Inc., marketing manager Randy Kanapi was in Cebu recently to pre-orient consumers on the new technology that will hit the computing world in 2012.

Kanapi said the Ultrabook, although it is the most sophisticated device, is seen to attract a larger PC using market segments, while Intel is providing US$300 million—Ultrabook Fund in partnership with devices’ makers to make this technology affordable to many.

Intel aims to capture 40 percent of the laptop consumer market to use Ultrabook in the next few years, starting next year, he said.

At present, laptop makers such as Acer, Toshiba, Asus are already producing Ultrabook devices that are now available in the market. In the first quarter of 2012, HP, Lenovo and other brands will have their own Ultrabook version, Kanapi said.

Ultrabooks are designed to give people the power to create and consume with a sleek, light, secure, and elegant device that offers an immersive and responsive experience without compromising performance, all at mainstream price points.

“Today’s devices powered by our 2nd generation Intel Core processors are giving people a personal computing experience that they’ve never had before and we wont stope there. We know people desire and demand more from their computers—to create, consume and share—which is why we have challenged ourselves and the industry to make Ultrabook the most adaptable, compete, and satisfying device,” said Mooly Eden, Intel Corporation vice president and general manager for PC Client Group.

The first Ultrabook devices, scheduled to be available during this year’s holiday shopping season, are based on 2nd generation Intel Core processors. They will come in range of sleek form factors, said Kanapi.

The 2nd generation Intel Core processor family introduced earlier this year delivers an entirely new visual computing experience as a result of improved performance and processor graphics.

Eden said that to-date, Intel has shipped 75 million 2nd generation Intel Core processors, making it the fastest-shipping processor in the company’s history.

It also underscores the continued strong demand for personal computing worldwide, as approximately 1 million computers are sold each day, led by growth in emerging markets.

The Ultrabook vision is a multi-year, industry-wide effort that will roll out in three phases. Eden added that phase one is in process and will be realized this holiday season with the introduction of the first Ultrabook devices, while phase two will begin with the launch of Intel’s 3rd generation Core processors in the first half of 2012. —(FREEMAN)