Intel is currently in the process of introducing to the market a new line of processors based on the Sandy Bridge architecture. These processors are causing quite a buzz in the tech blogosphere, and rightfully so.

Sandy Bridge is basically a codename within Intel, but what it boils down to is architecture. Sandy Bridge takes the 32 nm manufacturing process from previous processor models (which were codenamed Westmere, or Nehalem-C) and applies it to new architecture, combining the memory controller and the graphics processor into one enclosure.

This accomplishes a few things for these next generation processors. First, they will be able to natively play Blu-Ray movies, allowing for a more high-definition experience to a wider array of users. By combining these two components of the processor, they are able to decode more efficiently, and a wider range of video file types, which is how they will be able to handle Blu-Ray decoding.

These processors will also be easier on battery life. By combining the memory controller and the graphics processor into a 32 nm enclosure, versus the previous 45 nm enclosure that once separately housed the graphics processor, the two can be powered together, reducing the strain on your laptop’s battery.

One other thing of note about these processors is that they facilitate a switch becoming more and more popular in notebooks today, and that is having discrete graphics cards. Similar to how your laptop dims itself when placed on battery power, to conserve energy and make your battery last longer, this processor will be able to run graphics at a low level on your machine. When you’re plugged in, you can use software on your laptop to tell your computer to switch to the discrete graphics card for the better quality, but when you’re just working on a document for school, you can switch over the Intel Sandy Bridge chip, and cut off the full graphics card, thus saving you even more battery life.

This new processor is expected to ship at the end of 2010, and it definitely looks to shake things up for Intel.