Intel: We fundamentally believe in the concept of touch, and touch on a clamshell. We believe it's going to take off in 2012 or at least 2013, especially with . It really feels like now is the right time, now that the hardware and software are working really well together. We're strongly encouraging our partners to incorporate touch on the Ultrabooks.

We expect several touchscreen laptops in convertible form factors, like the , to show up later this year, as well as screens that swivel around and slide over the keyboard.

In terms of cost, yes, the touchscreens definitely will add to it. There's no doubt about that, but it's hard to say now how much it will add. It's up to the consumer whether it will be worth [the investment]. For example, if there's a touchscreen Ultrabook for $800 versus one without for $700, at least the option will be there. Again, it's all about choice.

PCW: Speaking of touch, though, with Apple’s recent launch of the superhigh-resolution iPad and repeated mention of this being a "post-PC" era, can Ultrabooks even compete? What do you say about the notion that the $500 iPad is killing off the PC?

Intel: The Ultrabook offers an extremely unique value proposition. Every time we've done market research, consumers have told us, "We love touch, but don't touch our keyboards." Even for email, people prefer keyboards. There's no tactile feedback on touchscreens.