A portable computing device you will no doubt hear more about in the coming months is a new form-factor PC called the ‘ultrabook.’ The ultrabook class of PCs will deliver a more complete operating system than tablets and smartphones offer, while creating an experience similar to tablet PCs such as Apple’s iPad. In addition, they typically contain features such as always-connected wireless, solid state hard drives for larger and more responsive storage capabilities, longer battery life, and instant-on operating systems. Best of all, the price range is typically less than $1,000.
Intel has become a big supporter of the product category. Intel’s ultrabook design calls for second-generation core microprocessors and the forthcoming Microsoft Windows 8. The ultrabook actually could bring about a convergence of major mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, netbooks, and notebook PCs.
Windows 8 will also facilitate capabilities such as the use of touch screens and voice activation. Laptops have been faced with competition from tablet PCs, but ultrabooks allow users to touch the screen rather than being forced to use a keyboard and mouse or trackpad. Intel also said it has reached a deal with Nuance Communications to develop voice-activated technologies to work with ultrabooks.
Microsoft said Windows 8, as it’s currently referred, has the most dramatically changed look and feel since the company introduced Windows 95, a pivotal version of its operating system that came out 16 years ago. While Apple has found great success with the iPad by creating software tailored narrowly to the finger gestures possible on a touch-screen device, Microsoft said Windows 8 will be flexible enough to accommodate new tablet devices including ultrabooks, as well as more traditional PCs that rely on keyboards and mice. Microsoft has said in the past that it aims to release a new operating system about every three years, which suggests Windows 8 could come out by fall 2012.
Intel has also recently embraced probably the most radical shift in semiconductor technology in more than fifty years that may eventually populate ultrabook products; a design that could produce more powerful chips for gadgets without taxing their batteries.
The company plans to change a key part of each chip into a vertical, fin-like structure; a similar principle to the way high-rise buildings pack more office space in a city. Intel said its latest technology could bring more computing power to smartphones and tablet computers while sharply reducing power consumption. Intel is the first chip manufacturer to commit to using the so-called 3-D approach in high-volume production.
So look for the line to blur quickly between notebooks, tablet PCs, and even smartphones with the new ultrabook class of PCs. Consumers will benefit by being able to do all the things you would do on a laptop computer but still have the sleek, ease of use of a tablet!
KEVIN WADE This is a sponsored “Tech Talk” article. Kevin is founder and CEO of IntelliSystems (www.IntelliSystems.com), which has been operating in Augusta since 1993. The company is located at 1115 Greene Street in Downtown Augusta. Tune in Thursdays at 12:45 on WRDW 1630 AM for “Tech Talk.” For more information, call Kevin at (706) 722-2024 or email him: Kevinw@intellisystems.com
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