Intel promises $599 touchscreen ultrabooks by year’s end

Intel has released a new, low-power Core processor for ultrabooks and pledged that touchscreen ultrabooks will be available for as low as $599 by the end of the year.

Ultrabooks are Intel’s effort to breathe new life into the laptop market with thinner and lighter designs. They haven’t been selling like hot cakes, in part because of price, so Monday’s developments could help change that.