Intel has finally announced the launch of Thunderbolt, a new technology for connecting computers and peripherals. The Thunderbolt system which is said to be able to transfer data twice as fast as the USB 3.0 was first announced under the codename, Light Peak, in 2009. For now, Thunderbolt top speed is expected to be limited to 10 Gbps which is still far below its theoretical maximum speed due to the current use of copper wires instead of optic fibre cables. According to Intel, future versions of the Thunderbolt connect will be able to attain 100 Gbps.
With many manufacturers such as computer and HDTV makers, waiting to take advantage of the new system, Apple will become the first to use the Thunderbolt. Already, the organisation is expected to gradually move towards using a single connector starting with its Macbook Pro laptop. However, it remains to be seen whether Thunderbolt will be appealing to consumers or not, with price expected to play a major role.
Talking Point
What does the future hold for other connector standards, such as USB and Firewire?
I cant wait to get my hands on this technology, I am hopefully getting the new iMac when it is released!
This connector is versatile and will provide quick data access and saving. It will be also very useful in time saving.
I don’t know what to say about firewire but USB will be improved and will find this connector in the future for sure. Thunderbolt only raised the bar. I read that the new macbooks will have this thunderbolt connector, it is true?
Possibly. If it’s a feature in the new macbook pro, i don’t see why the new macbook wouldn’t use it as well.
Intel is one of the oldest and strong giant in technology world. Like always they launched an other useful piece of technology and i think this thundercolr connector would end up the trend of USB.
I hope that all computer will using this connector that make easy to connect and transfer larger files.
There is going to be better connectors in the feature, technology advancement day in day out
Thunderbolt looks like a great new technology, but i have doubts about it since even USB 3.0 isn’t yet implemented on all computers (i know mine only has 2.1 i believe), so how can they expect to bring this on the market?
But he future does look bright in this area.
Yeah this could be the future, but its all in the price and cost.
We need something like this as the internet is getting faster and the files are getting bigger.
I find it quite annoying when I connect my phone with my pc it takes such a long time to transfer a couple of gbs.