Intel introduces ultra-portable laptop chips

Intel has rolled out a line of processors to take aim at the market for ultra-portable notebooks.

The company said that the Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) line of 32nm Core i3, i5 and i7 chips would look to balance performance and extended battery life for small notebooks ranging between 2 and 5 pounds (0.91 and 2.26 kilos)

The chips boast a 32 percent increase in performance combined with a 15 percent drop in power consumption. Overall the new chips are 32 percent smaller than the previous processor line.

"Intel's leadership in 32nm high-k metal gate process technology, combined with breakthrough architecture and design has enabled thinner, lighter and faster notebooks than previous models, with terrific battery life," said Intel PC client group vice president and general manager Mooly Eden.

"Not only are laptops becoming ultraportable, but with the new processors inside, users will see faster response times and less waiting."

The company said that it expects to deploy the new chips in more than 40 different notebooks. Among the vendors who have signed on to produce systems based on the processors are Asus, Lenovo, Acer and MSI.