Intel Core M: Super-thin, fanless convertible notebooks will be here

At IFA, a global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, Intel launched the new Intel Core M processor, which will power new 2 in 1 devices from a variety of manufacturers including: Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba. Delivering the optimal blend of mobility and performance, Intel's new processor was purpose-built for amazing performance in the thinnest, fanless ultra-mobile devices. The Intel Core M processor can power razor-thin devices with Intel Core processor-level performance and deliver up to double the battery life when compared to a 4-year-old system.

"We've been on a multi-year mission to address end-user requirements and transform mobile computing," said Kirk Skaugen, senior vice president and general manager of personal computing at Intel Corporation. "The introduction of Core M marks a significant milestone in that journey. Core M is the first of a new product family designed to deliver the promise of one of the world's thinnest laptops and highest performance tablets in a single 2 in 1 device."

Faster Performance, Even More Battery Life

The Intel Core M processor enables up to 50 percent faster compute performance and 40 percent faster graphics performance versus the comparable, previous 4th generation Intel Core processor. Consumers with older PCs will notice a more significant performance improvement. The Intel Core M processor delivers up to two times the compute performance and up to seven times better graphics compared to a 4-year-old PC, for example.

In 2013, Intel delivered the biggest generation-over-generation battery life improvement in the company's history. The Intel Core M processor and platform power reductions raise the bar on battery life even higher. The Intel Core M processor can handle more than 8 hours of video play, which is up to 20 percent (1.7 hours) longer battery life versus the previous-generation Intel Core processor4 and double the battery life of the average 4-year-old PC.

Thin, Fanless in 1s Available for Holiday 2014...and Beyond

The Intel Core M processor package is 50 percent smaller and, at 4.5 watts, has 60 percent lower thermal power than the previous generation. This lets OEMs design sleek, fanless systems less than 9 mm thin – thinner than an AAA battery and today's sleekest laptops. There are already more than 20 Intel Core M processor-based OEM products in the development pipeline. The first systems based on the Intel Core M processor will be on shelves for the holiday selling season.

At IFA, manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo unveiled new, coming-soon Intel Core M processor-based devices across a range of sizes, styles and price points.

In Q4, Acer will expand its popular 2-in-1 series of notebooks with the Aspire Switch 12, featuring a 12.5-inch FHD display with unique kickstand and magnet keyboard to move smoothly between five modes.

ASUS introduced the ASUS Zenbook UX305, an incredibly light and thin Ultrabook with a 13-inch QHD display and the ASUS Transformer Book T300FA 2 in 1, which was unveiled during the Intel keynote. The Transformer Book T300FA is a high-performance 2 in 1 and is expected to be available in Europe this fall for an estimated €599. Looking ahead, ASUS plans to go even thinner with the ASUS Transformer T300 Chi.

Dell has announced its first commercial 2 in 1, the Latitude 13 7000 Series, which combines a lightweight business Ultrabook and a detachable tablet in one powerful, no-compromise device.

HP further extends its award-winning ENVY portfolio with the addition of two new HP ENVY x2 detachable PCs, available in 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch form factors.

The new Lenovo ThinkPad Helix, available in October, is 12 percent lighter and measures 15 percent thinner than its predecessor while packing even more power thanks to the Intel Core M processor.

 Intel also previewed a forthcoming Intel Core M processor-based design from Toshiba, and said broader availability of Intel Core M processor-based devices is expected in the first half of next year.

 To further system choice and availability, Intel said it is working with ODMs including Wistron and others. Wistron plans an Intel Core M processor-based design inspired by the Intel "Llama Mountain" reference device. Intel first unveiled the stunning, fanless Llama Mountain reference device, which measures 7.2 mm thin and weighs a mere 670 grams, at Computex in Taiwan earlier this year.

A "Conflict-Free" Processor; Additional Features

Intel Core M is a "conflict-free" product, which means this product does not contain conflict minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten and/or gold) that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or adjoining countries.

The Intel Core M processor is available in several versions: the up to 2.0 GHz Intel Core M-5Y10/5Y10a processors and the up to 2.6 GHz Intel Core M-5Y70 processor. The Core M-5Y70 is the highest performing Intel Core M processor and is also available with Intel vPro technology for business 2 in 1s with built-in security features to help protect data, user identities and network access.6

Additional Intel Core M platform features include support for high-quality audio, Intel Wireless Display 5.0, Intel's second-generation 802.11ac products and will evolve to support wireless docking with WiGig from Intel.