Tech Blog

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Thunderbolt, developed by Intel and championed by Apple, is the latest and greatest in data transfer technology.  The concept: one cable to rule them all.  Thunderbolt uses the technology behind both PCI Express and DisplayPort controllers to transfer data at lightning fast speeds (see what I did just there) while simultaneously being able to process your video signal as well.  What does this mean?  It means that instead of using a video cable, and a usb cable, and managing multiple types of ports, cables and cable styles (remember there is at least four different types of usb connectors) we can now envision a day when there may only need to be multiple Thunderbolt ports on your computer, all using the same type of cable, to handle all your computer needs.

So how fast exactly is Thunderbolt?  Its fast, really fast.  Lets compare some of the well known data transfer methods to see how it stacks up.  USB 2.0, still the most common data transfer method, transfers data at a maximum data transfer speed of 480Mbps.  eSata, a transfer method that only really caught on with the "tech heads" transfers data at approximately 3Gbps, older eSata devices may transfer at 1.5Gbps.  USB 3.0, the immerging new USB standard we are starting to see on store shelves in both newer more expensive laptops, and external drives, clocks in at 5Gbps.  Thunderbolt tops them all, transferring data at a whopping 10Gbps - while STILL moving video data at the same time.  Keep in mind these numbers are theoretical maximums, the data transfer speeds never get this high - yet regardless we can clearly see where the advantage lies.

So where can you buy Thunderbolt devices?  Currently, Thunderbolt is really only widely available in Apple products, where it is prominently featured in all their current computer models and monitors.  Both Intel and Apple are certainly hoping that the technology becomes standard fare amongst users and so far it looks promising: both LaCie and Western Digital have gotten on board with Thunderbolt and have plans to release Thunderbolt supported drives very soon.  Also, digital audio device manufacturers Avid and Apogee are also supposedly making Thunderbolt products.  In September Intel also confirmed that we will start to see Windows laptops supporting the Thunderbolt connection, with both Sony and Asus committing to making laptops for the spring season.

Thunderbolt is a fantastic product and something the computer world could really use.  One cable, that does everything AND transfers a full length HD movie in less than 30 seconds!  One cable would not only make peripheral buying, but computer buying in general a whole lot easier.  The people who are mixing audio, editing huge movie files, and processing large quantities of pictures are buying Macs by the truckload JUST to get their hands on Thunderbolts speed.  Don't bet against Apple and Intel.  If there are any two companies in the computing world who could push a new technology onto the scene and make it work its these two.  I'd strongly consider making Thunderbolt part of your buying decision the next time you are making a computer purchase, and expect to see it in stores this spring on PC laptops.