Anand at anandtech.com has given an explanation of the mystery that surrounds the processor being used in the new Macbook Air notebooks. I was certain that Apple wasn’t using the smaller, faster Penryn (Santa Rosa Refresh) processors which come out this year and Anand confirms it. He goes on to tell that Apple is indeed using the existing Santa Rosa Merom processors running at Low Voltage, and here is the kicker, these aren’t the traditional LV (Low Voltage) processors provided by Intel. For those unfamiliar with Intel’s mobile processor technology, it comes in forms of Standard Mobile Processors, Low Voltage (LV) and Ultra Low Voltage (ULV). But instead Paul Otellini, CEO Intel and Jobs’ newest Lapdog has got his engineering team to produce the chips running at lower than Standard Mobile Processors in a package designed for the Penryn platform.

This is neither a good or a bad thing, but just shows Apple has managed to walk its own path here. The real concern here is of heat dispensing. Even at a lower voltage, the body of the laptop is really small and will require extensive engineering to remain cool over longer periods. Judging from Apple’s previous shortcomings, I wouldn’t really be surprised if more thighs are burnt. Gel packs anyone ?