Intel's Lightpeak is now rebranded as the Thunderbolt interface. First computer to offer this is the new generation MacBook Pros. Thunderbolt has raw speed of 10 Gbps which is more than 2 times faster than USB 3.0, 12 times faster than FireWire 800, and up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0. Two 10-Gbps channels on the same connector mean you can daisy-chain multiple high-speed devices and a display, without using a hub — and without reducing performance. It replaces the Mini DisplayPort on the new MacBook Pro models, however Apple's existing Mini DisplayPort-based displays will work unmodified with the Thunderbolt port.
Thunderbolt adapters will allow MacBook Pro users to connect to USB, HDMI, Firewire, Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel. Thunderbolt will support much longer cable lengths (USB cables max out at 5 meters).
Intel says Thunderbolt is "designed for" audio and video, so let's expect to see it appears in digital audio equipments in coming months.
Ipad2 to be announced in March reportedly will sport a Thunderbolt port.
