Intel released some 4th-Gen Core Ultrabook definition last week and today, following the official launch of 4th-Gen Core (Haswell) and the Computex Keynote (round-up here), Intel have published more information.
Ultrabooks with screen sizes less than 14” need to be 20mm or less. WiDI 4.1 is included on every Ultrabook along with touch, an array mic, 6 hours of HD media playback and security features but surprising to us is the inclusion of Thunderbolt on all Ultrabooks with the 4th-Gen Core. We’re trying to get clarity on this Thunderbolt requirement (what about models that get a 4th-Gen Core refresh for example?) and we’ll update when we hear back from Intel.
Update: The requirement for Thunderbolt is an error in the PDF. Intel confirmed that in terms of connectivity, at least one USB3.0 is required. Thunderbolt is an option.
The following is a re-formatted copy of the press release available here. (PDF)
HP have confirmed that two Windows Touchscreen Ultrabooks are coming. Starting with the $799 HP Envy Touchmart Ultrabook 4 and going up to the 15.6” HP SpectreXT Touchsmart Ultrabook starting at $1399
The HP Envy Touchsmart 4 is already available to order with Core i3 or i5 and RAM up to 8GB, Hybrid HDD up to 500GB. The SpectreXT, (first announced at end of August) should be available to order soon and could be something of a challenger for that entry-level MacBook Pro Retina. A 15.6” fullHD screen, thunderbolt, Beats audio SSD and RAM options and a weight of 4.7 pounds are attractive features. We’re looking out for the fine specs – especially that battery which we hope HP haven’t cut corners on.
Thinking of upgrading a desktop PC? Upgrading a Netbook. A 10″ Tablet? Now that Ivy Bridge 2nd-Generation Ultrabooks are here and we’re heading into a period of marketing and competition it’s the perfect time to consider converging to an Ultrabook.
A few weeks ago I turned off my desktop PC. It’s the first time it’s been shut down and disconnected for the 3.5 years that I’ve had it. In it’s place is nothing, until I plug my Ultrabook in. The reason I’m doing this is simple; The Ultrabook is better than the desktop for all but a few use cases.
Another huge day for the Ultrabook world as Computex gets started on day one! Most of the big surprises like the Asus TaiChi and Transformer Book were outed on Day 0, but there was still a flood of exciting news today. We worked hard to bring you detailed coverage here at Ultrabook News and now we’ve got a handy round-up of all the Computex Day 1 news; come on in and check it out!
Starting with the Acer Aspire S5, you’ll see some upcoming Ultrabooks equipped with Intel’s new high speed Thunderbolt interface. While we welcome the interface, we wonder if something like Belkin’s new dock — priced at a cool $399 — is really worth it.
Looking for a guide price for Thunderbolt docks that might fit with that Acer S5? The Matrox DS1 thunderbolt docking station has just been announced. Breaking out a DVI port, one USB3.0, 2x USB2.0 a Gig-Ethernet port and audio interfaces, it will certainly help reduce clutter. But for $249 is it worth it?
I’ve been to a number of Intel Developer Forums over the years and can tell you that it’s the most important event on my calendar. Not only do you get to see new products launched and have the ability to report about the news coming out of the event but you get to answer deep technical questions and talk to very experienced engineers. You come away with not only an idea about what’s launching today but, if you read between the lines, you can work out what’s going to happen in the next year. IDF Beijing starts on the 11th April. I’m not attending this one (I usually attend the San Francisco event in Sept) but I can guarantee there will be a busy week ahead as news develops and the technical session PDFs get released.
So what do we want to find out about the Acer S5 Ultrabook? Acer launched it at CES in January where we got our first hands-on and this week Acer are showing it off at CeBIT. We’re there too and looking forward to another rendezvous.
According to the CeBIT exhibitors list, Acer will be showing the ‘thinnest Ultrabook in the world’ with Acer Green Instant On, Acer Always Connect, the MagicFlip port panel and Thunderbolt port.
Intel released some 4th-Gen Core Ultrabook definition last week and today, following the official launch of 4th-Gen Core (Haswell) and the Computex Keynote (round-up here), Intel have published more information.
