XE300M22-A01US carries a 2.5GHz, Sandy Bridge-era dual-core chip on top of the usual 4GB of memory and 16GB solid-state drive.

ENGADGET

Cloud Ready Client makes use of instrumentation that Intel has embedded in its new Sandy Bridge-generation processors (which explains why Lenovo introduced the capability at IDF).

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In September 2010, Intel launched its second-generation core architecture, Sandy Bridge, a 32-nanometer chip that can put CPUs and GPUs onto a single piece of silicon designed for tasks like handling high-definition video.

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Intel plans to crack that nut this week in time for the annual Computer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with its new family of Core 2011 processors (previously code-named Sandy Bridge).

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Meanwhile, the 14-inch R840 and 15.6-inch R850 are also getting Sandy Bridge CPUs, USB 3.0 ports, chiclet keyboards and all-around trimmer silhouettes.

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On the other hand, most reviewers found that non-gaming CPU performance fell far short of Ivy Bridge and even Sandy Bridge mobile chips.

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The MacBook Pro line in early summer 2011 received new Sandy Bridge processors to accelerate proficiency with no aesthetic differences from previous uni- body design.

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And -- surprise, surprise -- this refresh adds a USB 3.0 port and Intel Sandy Bridge processor, which the company says should bump the rated battery life to a max of 11 hours, up from eight.

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You can rest assured that hundreds -- if not trillions -- of new laptops will be rolling off of production lines this quarter with Intel's Sandy Bridge platform inside, and those looking for a little love over in Japan won't have to wait much longer.

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