Low power laptops go all day, use little power


Substation Relay Protection Training

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$699
Coupon Price:
$599
Reserve Your Seat Today
The Intel Atom processor used in small Netbook mobile computers has become popular for people looking to stay connected, but the arrival of larger laptops with ultra-low voltage chips may steal some of its mobile thunder.

New notebooks featuring Intel's CULV (consumer ultra low-voltage) processors will offer impressive battery life by drawing much less power.

New laptops featuring the CULV processor boast batteries that can approach eight-hours of use, using low voltage chips that require as little as one-sixth of the power of regular laptop CPUs. The energy-efficient computers can draw as little five watts when in use, compared to up to 35 watts for previous models. Over time the energy savings will add up, minimizing the computer's carbon footprint.

Several companies have already introduced new notebooks around the platform, Acer, Asustek and Micro-Star International, to name a few, with more due out by summer. MSI has just released their sub-three-pound X-Slim X340 laptop, and although it has a 13.4-inch screen and is under an inch-thick, is currently listed on Amazon for a lightweight $799.

Lenovo has also announced the expected July arrival of their IdeaPad U350, running a CULV processor, which is starting at $649 with a similar-sized screen to the X-Slim, but will keep you tethered for a few hours more. Acer has taken a different approach, moving significantly past netbook sizes with the Aspire Timeline series sized at 13.3-, 14- and 15-inch models.

Netbook computers using the Atom processor, which debuted last, have smaller screens and offer battery life of approximately four hours.

Some of the new low power laptops will be on display at Computex Taipei, one of the world's largest shows and exhibitions.

Recently, Intel has been rumored to be working with Microsoft to require that manufacturers looking to load Windows 7 Start/Home Basic will have to keep screen sizes to smaller than 10.2 inches, down from the current 11.6 inches. This would further the new notebook trend to trade minor performance and weight concerns for lower prices and longer unplugged life.

With recent rumor and Intel slashing CULV vendor prices, a new genre of laptop is emerging. With the advent of further mobile evolution, the laptop market may very well become more affordable, even outside of netbook options.

Related News

Electricity Prices in France Turn Negative

Negative Electricity Prices in France signal oversupply from wind and solar, stressing the wholesale market…
View more

Electricity users in Newfoundland have started paying for Muskrat Falls

Muskrat Falls rate mitigation offsets Newfoundland Power's rate stabilization decrease as NL Hydro begins cost…
View more

Gaza’s sole electricity plant shuts down after running out of fuel

Gaza Power Plant Shutdown underscores the Gaza Strip's fuel ban, Israeli blockade, and electricity crisis,…
View more

Over 30% of Global Electricity from Renewables

Global Renewable Electricity Milestone signals solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal surpass 30% of power generation,…
View more

Canadian Electricity Grids Increasingly Exposed to Harsh Weather

North American Grid Reliability faces extreme weather, climate change, demand spikes, and renewable variability; utilities,…
View more

Iran Says Deals to Rehabilitate, Develop Iraq Power Grid Finalized

Iran-Iraq Power Grid Deals reinforce electricity and natural gas ties, upgrading transmission in Karbala and…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.