Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) introduced a new generation of ultra-low voltage (CULV) Core processors on Monday, and looks set to remove restrictions that in the past have prevented the use of these processors in devices with displays that are larger than 10.2 inches. The lifting of restrictions is expected to occur in the second half of this year in tandem with the launch of Intel's dual-core Atom N550 processors.

For now, the new range of processors announced by the company spans its entire mobile product line and is built on the latest 32-nanometer manufacturing process. As reported by CNET News, the unveiled chips are the Core i3-330UM (1.2GHz), Core i5-540UM (1.2GHz), Core i7-660UM (1.33GHz), and Pentium U5400 (1.2GHz). Intel says that they are "more than 32 percent smaller and deliver more than 32 percent better performance"--all the while consuming 15 percent less power.

With more than 40 new laptop designs based on these chips expected to hit the market in June, the demand for CULV products seems higher than ever. Personally, I was reminded why I switched from my CULV laptop to my current Core2 Duo machine recently, when I had to reformat it prior to loaning it to a friend--I found it to be excruciatingly slow.

I suppose individual mileage will vary depending on usage patterns. Do you own a CULV-based laptop? What do you make of its performance?

For more on this story:
- check out the article at InformationWeek
- check out the article at eWeek
- check out the article at MarketWatch

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