GreenBkk.com Tech | Intel: new 'Thunderbolt' data-transfer system is blazingly fast

Intel: new 'Thunderbolt' data-transfer system is blazingly fast

By John D. Sutter, CNN
February 24, 2011 3:21 p.m. EST | Filed under: Innovation

Intel's new Thunderbolt cable and port system claims to be 20 times faster than USB 2.0.

(CNN) -- It's geeky but true: An Intel technology called "Thunderbolt" is creating quite a storm in the computer and gadget worlds this week.

Here's why this may matter to you: Thunderbolt will allow you to transfer photos, videos and files from other devices to a computer faster than ever before.

Think about the last time you plugged in a HD video camera to your laptop and tried to transfer your kids' hour-long soccer game onto your hard drive. If you were using a USB cord (it looks like this) or a FireWire cable (it looks like this), that may have taken you quite some time.

Intel's new Thunderbolt cable and port system claims to be 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and 12 times faster than FireWire, both of which are its main competitors.

"Thunderbolt technology can transfer a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds," Intel says in a news release.

For tech-heads in the audience, Thunderbolt transfers files at a rate of 10 gigabits per second. Its closest competitor, USB 3.0, allows for file transfers at a rate of 5 gigabits per second -- so Thunderbolt is twice as fast.

Here's a big catch, though: Intel developed this technology in coordination with Apple. So, for now, it's only available on Apple's new MacBook Pro line, which debuted on Thursday, the same day Intel announced Thunderbolt.

Those high-end computers are pricey, ranging from $1,200 to $2,500.

Silicon Alley Insider writes that tech companies may be slow to adopt this new data-transfer platform, but that new Thunderbolt gadgets are coming:

"It's going to be awhile before Thunderbolt becomes widely adopted, but several manufacturers have said they intend to develop new hardware that's compatible with it. Most of the gadgets will be geared towards video and audio editing professionals, but more consumer-grade devices are sure to trickle through as the year goes on."

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)