Intel outlined the release strategy of the "ultrabooks", the new category of laptops powered by the company's next generation low-power chips.

At Computex last month in Taiwan, Intel's Sean Maloney and Mooly Eden provided further details on the changes Intel is making to the Intel Core processor roadmap to enable a new mainstream line of mobile computers, called Ultrabook. The new devices will combine performance, responsiveness and security in thin and light, elegant form factors. Intel describes an Ultrabook as a tablet or a PC, according to the users' needs.

Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini said in the company's most recent earnings announcement that he's pleased with the industry response and customer commitments around this new product category.

Sean and Mooly explained that Ultrabooks will arrive in phases. Phase 1 was kicked off when Intel introduced its latest Ultra-Low Voltage 2nd Generation Intel Core processors in June that will bring new systems to shelves this holiday season. Phase 2 centers around the next generation Intel microarchitecture code name Ivy Bridge processors scheduled for availability in systems in the first half of 2012. Laptops based on Ivy Bridge will bring improved power efficiency, smart visual performance, increased responsiveness and enhanced security. Faster I/O such as USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt technologies are also part of Intel's work to drive the PC platform forward. Intel microarchitecture code name Haswell is the third phase toward accelerating the Ultrabook and reinventing the capabilities of the laptop in ultra thin and light, responsive and secure designs. With Haswell, Intel will transform the computing experience with more power efficient processors that allow a more dynamic experience in insanely sleek systems.

Starting from late 2011, you'll begin to see systems that offer:

Thin/light designs
- Less than 21 mm thick - some much thinner than even that.

Ultra-fast start up
- Intel Rapid Start Technology gets your system up and running faster from even the deepest sleep, saving time and battery life.
- PC wakes up almost instantly - Quick access to your data and applications

Extended battery life
- Ultrabooks will offer 5 hours of battery life even in the sleekest form factors with some systems delivering 8 hours or more for all-day usage.

Security enabled
- Bios/Firmware enabled to expose hardware features for Intel Anti-Theft Technology and Intel Identity Protection Technology