Intel launches Core M 'Broadwell-Y' processors -- silent, powerful and long battery life

A powerful computer is an easy thing for manufacturers to build. Throw in a hardcore processor and some high-end components and the sky is the limit. Unfortunately, raw power is not the sole focus of consumers. No, many mobile computer users also want super-long battery life and silence to go with the performance. This, you see, is where things get tricky.

The Surface Pro 3 gets rather close to this, but the whirring of the fan in the hybrid is audible sometimes. Plus, the Surface components are a bit expensive for many consumers. Today, Intel delivers a fanless solution that should meet the needs of many -- the Core M Processor line, otherwise known as Broadwell-Y.

"Delivering the optimal blend of mobility and performance, Intel's new processor was purpose-built for amazing performance in the thinnest, fanless ultra-mobile devices. The Intel Core M processor can power razor-thin devices with Intel Core processor-level performance and deliver up to double the battery life when compared to a 4-year-old system", says Intel.

The company further explains, "the Intel Core M processor package is 50 percent smaller and, at 4.5 watts, has 60 percent lower thermal power than the previous generation. This lets OEMs design sleek, fanless systems less than 9 mm thin -- thinner than an AAA battery and today's sleekest laptops. There are already more than 20 Intel Core M processor-based OEM products in the development pipeline. The first systems based on the Intel Core M processor will be on shelves for the holiday selling season".

Intel lists some of the upcoming products: that will feature the Core M:

• In Q4, Acer will expand its popular 2-in-1 series of notebooks with the Aspire Switch 12, featuring a 12.5-inch FHD display with unique kickstand and magnet keyboard to move smoothly between five modes.
• ASUS introduced the ASUS Zenbook UX305, an incredibly light and thin Ultrabook with a 13-inch QHD display and the ASUS Transformer Book T300FA 2 in 1, which was unveiled during the Intel keynote. The Transformer Book T300FA is a high-performance 2 in 1 and is expected to be available in Europe this fall for an estimated €599. Looking ahead, ASUS plans to go even thinner with the ASUS Transformer T300 Chi.
• Dell has announced its first commercial 2 in 1, the Latitude 13 7000 Series, which combines a lightweight business Ultrabook and a detachable tablet in one powerful, no-compromise device.
• HP further extends its award-winning ENVY portfolio with the addition of two new HP ENVY x2 detachable PCs, available in 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch form factors.
• The new Lenovo ThinkPad Helix, available in October, is 12 percent lighter and measures 15 percent thinner than its predecessor while packing even more power thanks to the Intel Core M processor.

The company lists the following models:

So, as you can see, major computer manufacturers are on-board with the Core M chips. This should have a positive impact on the PC business, especially with the new machines landing before and during the Christmas shopping season. Consumers should be in for a real treat when they visit their local Best Buy or Staples and see the amazingly thin and sexy laptops on the shelves. Clearly, this will be a winner.

Do you want your next laptop or tablet to have an Intel Core M processor? Tell me in the comments.