In my last blog, I dove into the exciting 2 in 1 category which gives you a notebook when you need it and a tablet when you want it. These new computing options are powered by the Intel 5th Generation Core family and the newly released Intel Core M processor. In this blog, I’d like to dig deeper into the new Core M class of processors as I’ve been experiencing a lot of confusion from the IT community as to where Core M fits into the Intel portfolio.
Let’s start from the roots. Core M was designed firstly with the consumer market in mind but Intel quickly realized it was a fit for business users as well. Customer feedback indicated that there were a lot of business users out there that valued thin, light, fanless systems with long battery life and yet higher performance than most tablets. Sounds like a lot to ask doesn’t it? So, our engineers designed a version of the Core processor that consumed a fraction of the power -- less than 5 Watts for you techy folks. This resulted in a whole new processor category now identified by the Core M brand which makes it easier for customers to associate this product with the mobility features listed above. The first question I get asked is, “where does Core M fit relative to 5th Gen Core”? The answer is that Core M falls right below a Core i3 relative to performance as measured by SYSmark 2014. Basically, in order to meet the thin, light, fanless and long battery life needs, our engineers had to reduce power, which in turn reduced performance. However this also results in an exciting product line with both mobility-optimized and performance-optimized products to meet various computing needs.
For example, let’s take a look at the offerings of PC manufacturers. Originally Core M was meant for 2 in 1s and tablets. OEMs have expanded the use of Core M by putting it into standard clamshell notebooks so that its battery life advantages apply to additional form factors. Dell, Lenovo, and HP all have Core M business offerings. I’ve provided links to those below as well as a link with more information on Intel’s Core processor family. At the end of the day, just remember, Core M = thin, light, fanless form factors with longer battery life.
Dell Latitude 7000 Series 2-in-1