Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is expected to focus its attention on Ultrabook laptops at the annual Intel Developer Forum starting on Tuesday next week.

Powered by the second-generation "Sandy Beach" processors, Ultrabooks are envisioned to incorporate features such as instant-on capabilities and long battery life in a sleek form factor measuring 0.8 inches or smaller.

According to CNET News, which received an overview of the conference, topics with an Ultrabook flavor include "Next Generation Display Technology for Ultrabook" and "PC Client Platform Innovation," the latter of which is to be led by Greg Welch, who heads Intel's Ultrabook group.

It is no secret that Intel intends to take on Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) popular MacBook Air, which has slowly but steadily gained a dominant slice of the compact laptop market.

However, while computer makers such as Acer, Lenovo, Asus and Toshiba have signed up to make Ultrabook, it is not clear how enthusiastic or confident they are of its success. A recent report from DIGITIMES pegged their initial shipment volumes at a very conservative 50,000 units, even as other reports claim that some vendors such as Asus have plans to launch as many as seven Ultrabooks next month.

Another inevitable question: Will Ultrabooks gain market share at the expense of traditional laptops?

For more:
- check out this article at CNET News
- check out this article at PCWorld
- check out this article at DIGITIMES

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