Intel Core M processor for tablets and laptops trims the fat and the fan

Intel Core M
The most energy efficient Core processor yet

Intel just unveiled a stunningly slim 2-in-1 tablet and laptop to showcase its latest Core M processor.

Announced at Computex 2014, the 12.5-inch tablet prototype is a new reference PC design that measures a mere 7.2-milimeters thin.

It's profile is impressive, but equally eye (or ear) catching is that it doesn't need a whirring fan to stay cool. With the extra weight of the fan taken off, the tablet weighs a stark 670-grams.

The device also comes with a clip-in keyboard and it could be the first in a long line of extremely thin tablets and laptops.

Intel, Core M, Broadwell, computer processors, Computex 2014, Newstrack

One of the slimmest Intel-powered tablets yet

The silicon maker described its new 14nm chipset as the most energy efficient Core processor in the company's history. According to Engadget, the new system-on-a-chip boasts a 20% to 40% performance improvement while lowering power needs by up to 45% and producing 60% less heat.

Intel promises customers will see the first Core M processor powered devices on sale starting next year.

Cut the fan

We've already seen some slender devices such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, but in our review the obtrusive fan still holds the device back by making it unnecessarily noisy.

With Intel's Core M processor we could finally see more tablets become as light as the iPad Air while still having all the power to run a full version of Windows 8.1.

Beyond tablets, laptops such as the rumored 12-inch MacBook Air could become even slimmer as they also move to a fan-less, passively cooled design.

Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee was a former computing reporter at TechRadar. Kevin is now the SEO Updates Editor at IGN based in New York. He handles all of the best of tech buying guides while also dipping his hand in the entertainment and games evergreen content. Kevin has over eight years of experience in the tech and games publications with previous bylines at Polygon, PC World, and more. Outside of work, Kevin is major movie buff of cult and bad films. He also regularly plays flight & space sim and racing games. IRL he's a fan of archery, axe throwing, and board games.