At its IDF developer conference in San Francisco Tuesday, Intel unveiled 4-core laptop processor that uses just 45 watts . The Core 2 Extreme is the latest addition to the Centrino 2 platform launched in July. David Perlmutter, Executive VP and General Manager of Intel's Mobility Group also introduced the latest dual-core processors for ultra-thin notebooks like the MacBook Air.

Perlmutter detailed other planned enhancements to Intel's mobile platform, including a line of high-performance solid-state SATA drives. He said the company's new anti-theft technology -- which will allow IT managers to remotely disable stolen laptops -- will be available later this year.

Also at its twice-yearly forum for developers, Perlmutter provided a sneak-peek at a working version of the long-awaited "Capella" laptop platform. Capella, rumored to be unveiled in mid-to-late 2009, includes a "Turbo Mode" that speeds up processing without increasing power usage.

"Calpella will redefine how we compute on-the-go by giving users a stunning new computing visual experience, better manageability and security, enhanced turbo mode features and evolutionary power management, " Pearlmutter said "It is all about dramatic mobile performance without compromise."