Intel has launched the Intel-based Ultrabook category of computers at the Computex computer show in Taipei.
The new chairman of Intel China Sean Maloney unveiled the new category of laptops which are thin and light, but double up as a tablet device once folded.
At the show, Taiwanese netbook maker Asustek showed the Asus UX21, the first in Ultrabook class.
Asus chairman Jonney Shih said, "Transforming the PC into an ultra-thin, ultra-responsive device will change the way people interact with their PC."
Intel hopes to benefit from the growing portable computer market and specifically in the tablet market started by Apple. Intel expects Ultrabooks to account for 40% of laptop sales by the end of next year.
Intel vice-president Mooly Eden said that the Ultrabook is a "different category." He added that the Ultrabooks would be different from both tablet and notebook, and that the new product would appeal to a different category of consumers.
"There’ll be some confusion if you look at the fold factor; when you open it you’ll see a PC but if you’re on the go, just fold it and suddenly it’s a tablet. Is it a PC? Is it a tablet? I think it doesn’t matter," Eden said.
Eden also said that though Intel could be considered a late entrant in the tablet market, it is not a "failure."
"We’re late. Today there are many tablets that don’t have Intel inside, but we’re putting in a lot of effort in order to catch up. And I believe we have caught up in tablets," said Eden.
Intel said it will unveil more models made by other manufacturers soon. The company added the new models would go on sale by year end and will be priced under $1,000.
Intel expects to have 35 tablets based on its chips to hit stores by the end of the year.
