http://blog.teachbook.com.au

Following on from the previous post about Intel’s light peak (thanks Ricardo).
http://blog.teachbook.com.au/index.php/2011/02/intel-light-peak/
Thunderbolt is the new technology that Apple has integrated into its new Macbook Pro line.  This is the same technology referenced in Ricardo’s article and was formally called Light Peak.  This technology was developed by Intel and collaborated on by Apple in order to get it into the market quicker.

Basically this technology is looking to replace HDMI and USB in one fowl swoop.  The new Thunderbolt technology is a new way of connection of display and peripherals and will eventually be extended into more components.

• The technology allows for faster file transfer and video stream (up to 10 Gbps!!!!!).  This is about twice as fast as USB 3.0 and 20 times faster than USB 2.0.
• Intel has been quoted by mashable saying Thunderbolt can transder a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds!!!
• The technology allows for two-way transfer of data including and makes use of the PCI Express bus.
• On one wire video and data is handled
• The technology can work on data streams in bother directions at the same time, using the full 10Gbps bandwidth in each direction, according to Intel.
• PCI Express is built in, so Thunderbolt will now make external devices as fast as internal ones, according to Apple.
• It provides 10 watts of power to peripherals, compared to 8 watts of FireWire 800 and 5 watts for USB 3.0

This technology will allow Apples mini DisplayPort to be daisy-chained for multiple connections according to Engaget.  Thunderbolt devices and peripherals will start being shipped in the US Spring.

For more information about Thunderbolt technology and Apple products check out:

• http://mashable.com/2011/02/24/thunderbolt-explained/
• http://mashable.com/2011/02/24/macbook-pros-thunderbolt/
• http://www.apple.com
• http://www.intel.com