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Other PC makers are reportedly looking to slim down their laptops like Apple did this month with its MacBook Air. Intel has reportedly sold a version of the miniaturized Core 2 Duo processor in Apple's recently released MacBook Air to other manufactures, which could then build Windows-based competitors to the ultrathin and light notebook.

The two unknown companies reported to be using the MacBook Air's processor are Fujitsu and Lenovo, CNET claims to have confirmed. The systems themselves have not been leaked but are expected to roll out "shortly," the alleged sources say. The extra-small packaging of the processor is nonetheless expected to offer a blend between the thinner and smaller designs of ultraportables and the performance of a standard notebook.

Apple asked Intel to develop powerful chips for MacBook Air that are 60 percent smaller than the normal size, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said during a keynote address at the Macworld Conference and Expo earlier this month. Intel obliged, which led to the development of smaller Core 2 Duo processors.

The MacBook Air comes with miniaturized Intel Core 2 Duo processors running at either 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz, with the Intel 965GMS chip set and integrated graphics. Manufactured using the 65-nanometer process, the chips belong to Intel's Merom family of processors.

While Apple got the scoop on that new chip--which, since the company asked Intel to build it, seems fair--Intel has other customers. After the MacBook Air was introduced, Intel representatives said the chip would be offered to the rest of the PC industry if they were interested. And much of the technology used in the chip will become part of Intel's mainstream offerings when the Montevina platform is released later this year.

While the Fujitsu model is uncertain, the closest candidate system from Lenovo for the previously custom Intel processors would be its leaked ThinkPad X300. However, initial plans have pointed to the 13.3-inch notebook using only a 2GHz low-voltage Core 2 Duo; a small-package processor would require both additional configuration levels as well as slightly modified mainboards that support the currently unique socket for the new processors.

No details were available on the specifications that will come along with the new Lenovo and Fujitsu laptops, but they are expected to be out shortly. It will be interesting to see how the companies respond to the design gauntlet thrown down by Apple with the MacBook Air; they might not be able to duplicate the exact design, but they could offer features like an optical drive and a user-replaceable battery that may have some prospective MacBook Air customers hesitating before taking the plunge.