According to CNET, future versions of the chip will feature a significant drop in power consumption, ending up with well north of 17 watts. There is a chance the new chips will be efficient enough to use in tablets, and let’s not forget that Microsoft is already using an Ivy chip in the Surface Pro.

Intel is apparently trying to fill the gap between power efficient Z-series Atoms, which trade performance for efficiency, and proper Ivy-based processors with plenty of oomph for discerning consumers.

Of course, the new chips have applications far beyond tablets, as they could end up in ultrabooks and other ultraportable devices. If Windows 8 tablets take off next year, power efficient Ivy Bridge parts could be in high demand.

More here.