Intel shops around ultrabook reference designs

In an effort to promote the ultrabook category, Intel has provided a reference design of components for an ultrabook as an example for notebook manufacturers.

The DigiTimes reported that Intel provided a BOM, or bill of materials, for the reference ultrabook at between $470 and $650 for 21mm devices and $493 and $710 for a thinner 18mm model.

DigiTimes notebook industry sources said Intel’s move was aimed at ensuring that ultrabooks appeared on the market below the $1,000 mark as the company had initially promised.

The chipmaker is reportedly set to meet representatives of the notebook industry next week in Taipai where the firm will promote next-generation designs based on new 22nm ‘Ivy Bridge’ CPUs.