Even so, Intel should be ready in case an Android tablet or Microsoft's Windows 8 can generate non-iPad excitement in the tablet market, according to Patrick Moorhead, an analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy. "Intel didn't miss much by sitting out a few rounds," he added. "With Windows 8 expected in Q4, [Intel's] timing is actually good. The fact that Intel is gearing up the fabs shows confidence in their offering."

Intel has been moving in the tablet direction for a while.

In January, Intel created a stir at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas as several PC vendors , which are lightweight mobile PCs with rapid-start technology and long battery life.

Intel expects about 75 Ultrabooks to be released throughout 2012. Some of those Ultrabooks , meaning they act and look like both laptops and tablets.

"It's a little too soon to know how much headway the Ultrabooks are making versus their tablet competitors, primarily Apple," said Olds. "I think the Ultrabook systems provide much of the tablet goodness that users want - fast boot times, small form factors, and long battery life. And the Ultrabooks have an advantage in that they also run the PC software that users already own and know."