Should Ultrabook users hold out for Ivy Bridge?

Since being introduced by Intel® last year, the Ultrabook™ has made a significant impact on the computer industry. And the company is set to make another splash with the release of its Ivy Bridge platform, which promises further innovations for the new generation of notebook computers.

However, the lack of hard details about the exact release of Ivy Bridge has given some prospective Ultrabook purchasers pause. Originally slated for early 2012, the chipset has since been pushed back to some time in the second quarter. Various outlets have placed its release anywhere from April to early summer.

That has left consumers with a choice between holding out for the latest Ultrabook technology, or purchasing one of the first-generation devices today.

In waiting, computer users can rest assured in knowing they'll be on the cutting edge of laptop technology, as Ivy Bridge is expected to boost the computing power, battery life and all-around performance of Ultrabooks. However, many of the Ultrabooks on the market today already provide adequate capabilities for the casual user, and some buyers may not be willing to wait for Ivy Bridge.

Prospective Ultrabook buyers will ultimately have to decide if they have the patience to wait for Ivy Bridge, or if they can simply no longer resist the urge to upgrade.