Even though there are still only a small handful of devices and peripherals that actually support the new super fast Intel, Apple 10Gbps Thunderbolt connection. Intel is already claiming that with just a cable upgrade the new Thunderbolt ports will allow even faster connectivity.

Intel has unveiled that using fibre optic Thunderbolt cables will significantly increase the speed of transfers of data when compared to the already available copper wire cables.

Intel spokesperson Dave Salvator explains:

"Copper cables provide adequate data transfer for use over short distances of up to six meters (about 20 feet), but optical cables will be good for data transfers over longer distances of tens of meters”

The great news is the new fibre optic cables will be backward compatible to the already existing Thunderbolt ports in machines and devices, enabling a relatively pain free upgrade with just the purchase of a new cable required. The new fibre optic Thunderbolt cables should be arriving sometime next year Intel says.

Source: Gizmodo : Mac World