Ten things to know about Intel's Thunderbolt

Rick Merritt, EETimes
2/24/2011 2:54 PM EST

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Intel and Apple sent quite a shock wave through the PC and consumer electronics communities today with the launch of Thunderbolt, a high-end interconnect that leapfrogs both Firewire and USB 3.0.

Plenty of questions remain unanswered. But Intel has shed light on some of the major issues. Here's the EE Times FAQ on Thunderbolt.

1. When will a full spec be openly available?
2. What is Thunderbolt?
3. What are the applications for Thunderbolt?
4. Will Thunderbolt kill USB?
5. Who will supply silicon for Thunderbolt?
6. Will Thunderbolt support optical cables?
7. Wasn't Thunderbolt supposed to support optical cables, too?
8. What's the roadmap for Thunderbolt?
9. Who is supporting Thunderbolt?
10. How will Thunderbolt avoid the problems of Firewire?