What Is Thunderbolt And Will It Change Your Life?

Though you're probably hearing about it for the first time now, Intel’s been working on a new interconnection technology for the last few years. "Light Peak", as it was called up until it was rebranded "Thunderbolt" today, promises a new world of screaming-fast data transfers. The claims are spectacular: 10 gigabit per second transfers (both upload and download!), dual protocol support, and power over the cable. Light Peak… excuse me, Thunderbolt, is truly the interconnect of the future. The technology launched today on Apple’s latest MacBook Pros, but Apple is just one of a bunch of companies with plans to support Intel’s technology. Thunderbolt devices will slowly trickle out of major industry players over the coming year. It’s going to be an uphill battle for the standard — the USB horde won’t go without a fight. If you’re going to throw your support behind just one camp in this silly battle (first person to get a Thunderbolt tattoo wins!), you may want to give Thunderbolt a long look. It’s good.