Ultrabook could be the form factor of 2012

Chipmaker Intel® has been building up the hype behind its Ultrabook™ computers for some time, and now it has gone a step further, touting the technology as the form factor of 2012, according to a report from Middle East technology news provider ITP.net.

"Ultrabooks are basically the no compromise platform going forward -- you see them coming in with more powerful processors than some of the laptops we are seeing today, much more power saving, fanless, slim, sleek," says Samir Al Schamma, general manager of Intel Middle East and North Africa.

The news provider notes that approximately 30 new Ultrabook models will be displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Kicking off the year at such a high-profile event may work in the Ultrabook's favor, giving people an early look at a new technology with which they may otherwise be unfamiliar at this point.

There are several features that separate the Ultrabook from more traditional laptop computers. For one, an Ultrabook must be based on a Core™ i3, i5 or i7 processor. At its thickest point, the device can be no larger than 21 millimeters, making the Ultrabook convenient for portability.

Industry observers say the Ultrabook has the potential to bridge the gap between laptops and tablets. Whether this prediction is fulfilled could depend on the success of the technology's first year.