Intel launches new chip range for mobileware

Intel Corp has launched a major line of new chips at CES, claiming the technology will help fuel mobile growth.

Intel's new chip range comes as much of the action in consumer technology lately has shifted to smartphones and tablet-style PCs, not the conventional laptop and desktop computers that are Intel's stronghold.

These new chips, code-named Sandy Bridge, represent the biggest change to Intel’s processors since at least 2003 and will change the notebooks we buy in particular, says the company.

If you’re buying a notebook this year, a 2nd Generation Core processor will be faster, of course, but the notebook may no longer need a separate graphics card—meaning you’ll get noticeably longer battery life and get more for your dollar, says an Intel press release.

The rise of tablets, in particular, has been seen as a threat to an earlier wave of small, low-priced portable PCs called netbooks.

Intel's new Core chips have built-in features such as graphics circuitry that are often sold on accessory chips.