NVIDIA is developing an updated hybrid graphics and system chipset that may be used for ultraportables based on Intel's Consumer Ultra Low Voltage platform, according to leaks. Known as MCP89E, it would be compatible with existing designs and Centrino 2-era processors but would consume less power than the existing model, in part by strategically reducing the feature set. The new platform would support only 8 PCI Express lanes instead of 20 and drop support for both regular PCI as well as DDR2 memory, instead preferring DDR3 alone.

In return, MCP89E would add support for two displays through either DisplayPort or HDMI and would support the new, 6Gbps SATA III standard for 4 peripherals instead of the 6, 3Gbps SATA II devices MCP79 can recognize.

When the newer platform would ship isn't evident. The first CULV systems are now poised to ship in the summer through at least Dell and HP but won't necessarily use NVIDIA's platform. While Dell, Toshiba and a handful of other manufacturers have used MCP79 in specific models as the GeForce 9400M, the most avid adopter of the design so far has been Apple, which uses the 9400M in every system except for the Mac Pro.

CULV is intended to make ultraportable systems more affordable and create a bridge between netbooks and traditional ultraportables. Most systems should cost between $699 and $899 and carry screens between 11 and 13 inches across. [via Notebook Italia]