Intel launches high-speed cable

24 February 2011, Last updated at 18: 25 GMT Thunderbolt will use Future versions of fiber Chip manufacturer Intel announced to roll out a new technology for connecting computers and peripherals.

The system, known as Thunderbolt, promises of fast transfer speed twice as USB 3.0.

However it does not reach its maximum theoretical why Intel chose to use cables copper instead of fibre optic cables.

The company stated that it would gradually switch to higher speeds over time.

Apple will become the first manufacturer to use Thunderbolt, on his Macbook Pro.

The company of Cupertino is said to have been an important factor of development, although it remains to be seen as can other manufacturers will adopt the new standard.

Light peak

Intel has been working on the technology for several years.

It was first announced, under the codename peak light in 2009.

At launch, its top speed is limited to 10 gigabits per second-twice as fast as USB 3.0, but still much below the maximum theoretical using optical cables.

Continue reading the main story of all methods for connecting computer to external devices have a theoretical maximum speed of transfer dataUSB 2.0-480 Mb/secondFirewire Mb/800 800 secondUSB 3.0-4.8 Gb/10 Gb copper-secondThunderbolt/secondThunderbolt fibre channel-100 Gb/secondIntel claims that future versions will be able to reach 100 Gb/sec.

The data transfer rate may be welcomed by those consumers who use high definition video, said Sarah Rottman Epps, an analyst at Forrester Research.

"This is not an innovation that consumers have been asking for, but is the one who will appreciate," she said.

"Especially when transferring video, which is when [USB] begins to feel slow."

The system also promises to reduce the number of cables that a user has their computer configuration for the connection.

Is able to transport multiple types of signal at the same time, letting you power, display devices and use a single cable.

However, in the short term, users may need to invest in special adapters to connect their older devices Thunderbolt socket.

His arrival on the market of consumers also questions about the future of other standard connector, such as USB and Firewire.

Most high-profile supporter of Thunderbolt, Apple, should gradually move to a single connector, according to Karen Haslam, editor of Macworld UK.

"In the long run there will be no need for Apple to support these multiple formats with individual ports-existing products can run through an adaptor," he said.

Not everyone is convinced that Thunderbolt will become the standard.

Ian Chiu, Publisher of the site that everythingusb.com told BBC News that the cost of components might put off some manufacturers.

"I don't know how Intel will Thunderbolt attractive for all other PC manufacturers," he said.

"HP, Sony, Dell, Acer, Asus make most of their money from low-end notebook and media-end.

"On the other hand, Apple Macbook Pro line-up has turned the prosumer, professionals and other persons who are not as price conscious," Mr Chiu said.