Intel focuses on Ultrabook laptops at CES 2012

Intel focused on super-portable Ultrabook laptops at its CES 2012 press conference. 

Originally unveiled at Computex 2011, Ultrabooks have a lot in common with Apple's Macbook Air, combining portability with slimmer designs and faster processing ability than current generation netbooks. With extended battery life and a full-size, physical keyboard Ultrabooks sit somewhere between a tablet, a netbook and a laptop.

Ultrabooks are already available in the UK from companies such as Toshiba, but Intel hopes that improved technology will see the range really take off. A number of Ultrabooks running on Intel's Ivy Bridge processor line will soon be available, with further developments in processor technology coming next year. These processors are specifically deigned with Ultrabooks in mind.

Intel said that 75 Ultrabooks were now being designed by various companies, including Asus, Samsung, Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba and HP. A number of these models will be shown off at CES 2012, with the main event starting on Tuesday.

Intel showed off some prototype Ultrabooks that use touchscreen technology and voice control running Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system.

We'll be getting hands-on time with some of the Ultrabook devices over the next couple of days and will share our thoughts on the Computeractive Blog.