Every year in Taiwan, we get to see pretty much every PC maker getting together at Computex to show the latest and greatest on devices that we’ll soon see on the market and we get to see new prototypes of what’s possible with new technology. This year Intel stole the show with a new prototype tablet designed running Windows 8.1 and powered by a new 14nm Core M (Broadwell) processor that will enable PC makers to build thinner, lighter, and fanless portable computers.
The prototype presented at Computex 2014, it’s called “Llama Mountain” and it’s a reference design, meaning that we’ll never see this particular design on any store, instead Intel will ship the device to manufacturers on the hope they will refer to this model to build new devices.
Although, it’s just a reference design, the tablet has really impressive specifications. For example, it’s really thin, only 7.2mm (0.28 inch) thick, which is thinner than the Apple’s iPad Air at 7.5mm and it’s also thinner and lighter than any hybrid laptop on the market today.
At Computex 2014 Intel showed off two models of Llama Mountain powered by Broadwell. The first was a 12.5-inch with keyboard detached and only weighing 670 grams (1.47 pounds) and there was also a 10-inch hybrid only weighing 550 grams (1.21 pounds).
The lightness, thickness, and small footprint is possible thanks to the new Core M processor that is more power efficient than previous processors. Battery is always a problem with any device, but with the new Intel’s Core M a 32Wh battery can juice up a device up to 8 hours. Just imaging how many more hours can you get with 61Wh or 91Wh battery, which manufactures can opt to use. It’s a game changer.
