Intel Is Developing Standardized Docking Solution For Upcoming Ultrabooks

According to VR-Zone's report, Intel is developing a standard docking format for their future Ultrabook platform. The new docking system would include a Thunderbolt connector as well as a proprietary connector.

Reportedly the non-Thunderbolt port would be used for power supply and for direct access to the Ethernet controller, which provides support for technologies such as Microsoft's Connected Standby and Intel's vPro.

Apple has designed a simpler solution and its Thunderbolt Cinema Display includes a single cable that splits into a Magsafe power cable and a Thunderbolt cable. The Thunderbolt cable provides support for Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, USB 2.0 and video from your notebook to the monitor.

The separate non-Thunderbolt connector in Intel’s solution would probably prevent it from implementing on Macs. Belkin has also announced its own Thunderbolt docking format that works much like Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Intel is actively marketing its concept of Ultrabook which is very similar to Apple's MacBook Air. Intel’s Ultrabooks are widely expected to be the popular product at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012 in January.