Intel lines up 14 Ivy Bridge processors

(Phys.org) -- A new lineup of 14 Ivy Bridge processors are out of the bag from Intel. Thursday’s announcement by Intel involves new processors for mobile computers and desktops, but special attention is focused on four of those processors, which are destined for the Ultrabooks market. Intel made Ivy Bridge news last month with an announcement of quad-core parts destined for high-end laptops and desktops. The newest crop includes dual-core parts catering to more market segments,

Of the group of processors, six are desktop-grade. The rest are mobile, and four are the ultra-low voltage. They will carry a U at the end of their name. The new processor announcement is well timed as days ahead of the planned debut of new Ultrabook devices powered by Ivy Bridge processors, which will make their debut at Computex Taipei 2012. Some Ultrabooks sporting Intel's latest Ivy Bridge Core processors will start to go on sale, including models with touchscreens.

The ultra-light computers carrying the Intel name will be promoted aggressively. Intel sources say that the number of Ultrabook type machines, about 11, on the market today, will grow to over 110 designs in the pipeline. Some of the touchscreen Ultrabooks will be convertible, whereas the laptops can be turned into tablets. To support success, Intel has had to invest on processor technology that can elevate Ultrabooks. Intel Ivy Bridge designers have improved battery life and they have enhanced some security features.

Intel technologists also say that they have raised the bar on specs to define a device that can become a third-generation Intel Core-based Ultrabook device. A revised definition of what it takes to build an Ultrabook includes requirements affecting performance, mechanical design, battery life and processor component characteristics for an Ultrabook. The third-generation Intel Core Ultrabook devices wake up from deep sleep state to full use (keyboard interaction) in less than seven seconds and are able to wake from sleep mode fast. They will load and run favorite applications quickly. Ultrabook devices must offer at least five hours of battery life, while many meet the recommended level of eight hours-plus. Ultrabook devices based on the new processors must have either USB 3 or Thunderbolt technology to enable rapid transfer capabilities. Also, the Ultrabook systems use chip-level authentication similar to hardware tokens.