Intel has announced and debuted its latest newest processors for 2010. I know this isn’t a big deal because processors are released all the time. Well actually this is a big deal of sorts.

The Core i3 and Core i5 are part of the newest family of Intel chips released for 2010. The Core i5 and i3 are the first Intel laptop processors to combine two processor cores and a graphics function in one chip package (previously, the graphics chip was in a separate chipset), resulting in better overall power efficiency.

Why does this matter? Well for one it allows Intel to provide better integrated graphics.

With Intel® HD Graphics, the processors deliver stunning visuals and smooth high-definition (HD) video playback. It’s also the industry’s first integrated solution to deliver multi-channel Dolby* TrueHD and

DTS* Premium Suite home theater audio. In addition, Intel HD Graphics support mainstream and casual 3-D gaming without the need for an add-in video card, and offer full support for the new Microsoft Windows* 7 operating system.

The Core i3 and i5 part ways on Turbo Boost technology, which speeds up or slows down individual cores to meet processing or power efficiency needs. This will only be offered in only in the higher-end Core i5 and i7 processors.

Another interesting feature is Hyper-Threading, which makes a comeback after being dropped from the Dual Core, Core 2 chips supposedly for power inefficiencies. Both the i3 and i5 come with Hyper-Threading, which can double the number of tasks–or threads–a processor can execute, which according to   Intel can give a Core i5 twice the preformance of a similar Core 2 Duo E5200 processor.

Now when Intel makes processors where do they go? Into desktops and laptops and some manufacturers debuted both entry level and high end laptops with Core processors at this years CES trade show.

Acer

The Acer Aspire AS7740-5142, starting at just $750 the i3-powered is one of the lower end new notebooks.

• 2.13 Intel Core i3-330M Processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
• 4GB DDR3 1066MHz Memory
• 500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive; 4X Blu-ray Disc/DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
• 17.3″ HD+ Widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit Display; Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD
• Windows 7 Home Premium (64 Bit edition)
• 4X Blu-ray Disc/ DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive

Apart from the new shiny processor and the huge bus speed of the RAM (1066 MHz), the finally sticking point is the built-in Blu-ray drive that makes it a legitimate HD player.

Also selling for the same price is the Aspire AS5740G-6979 which ships with an i5 processor and has similar specifications except for the optical drive, which is a DVD-RW drive and not Blu-ray. It seems not to be shipping yet.

Dell

Dell has also introduced laptops using Core i3 and i5 processors inside.

These are not the only laptops with i3 or i5 processors but I like showcasing budget and medium priced laptops. For this same reason I didn’t include the Core  i7 which is seen in more high end and premium laptops. Tell me if you don’t like this approach in the comments.

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