CES 2012 preview: Intel Atom smartphone, Nokia Lumia 900 and Samsung tablets all on the horizon

We rate the likelihood of the rumoured products making an appearance in Vegas

With the Consumer Electronics Show 2012 set to kick off on 9 January, V3 has taken a look at some of the technology treats that are likely to make an appearance at this year's extravaganza in Las Vegas.

The major players at CES 2012 include the usual suspects of Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft (for the last time), Nokia, Nvidia, Samsung and Sony. Apple will not be at the event, though, so any thoughts of an iPad 3 or iPhone 5 announcement will have to wait until the next major Cupertino event.

However, the other heavyweight manufacturers will be looking to create a buzz of anticipation for the products they unveil that will then be released later in the year. We take a look at what the main players are rumoured to be releasing and assess the likelihood of these products appearing based on our past experiences.

Lenovo Ivy Bridge Thinkpads
The Chinese manufacturer had a bumper 2011, overtaking Dell to become the second largest PC vendor and it plans to keep the momentum going in 2012. The firm has shown its hand early and will showcase its latest range of ThinkPad laptops at CES.

The X1 high-end laptop is the jewel in the crown and is aimed at business users. The device will feature Intel's latest Core chips and will also contain a second processor running a separate, low-power environment called Instant Media Mode. This is designed to be used for low-power processes such as web browsing or watching films and aims to double battery life to 10 hours.

Lenovo also plans to offer devices with third-generation Intel chips based on the upcoming Ivy Bridge architecture, expected later in 2012.
Likelihood - 10/10

Intel Atom powered smartphone
Rumours abound that Intel will finally delve into the mobile market in an attempt to grab market share from ARM-based chips, which are found in almost all smartphones and tablets.

Many expect Intel to announce that an Atom-based chip codenamed Medfield will be used in devices made by LG and Samsung.

The unveiling of devices will show Intel's intention to make serious moves into the mobile market, which it has so far failed to break as its chips have been too large and power hungry to be used in small devices.
Likelihood 9/10

Nokia Lumia 900
Fresh from launching the Lumia 800, its first Windows Phone device at the back-end of 2011, Nokia is tipped to unveil its successor in the form of the Lumia 900.

Specifications are thin on the ground, but it has been suggested that the handset could feature a 1.4GHz processor, a larger 4.3in ClearBlack Amoled display and an 8-megapixel camera.

Depending on the launch date and considering Nokia's exclusive partnership with Microsoft it could also ship with the latest version of Windows Phone OS.
Likelihood: 7/10

CES 2012 preview: Intel Atom smartphone, Nokia Lumia 900 and Samsung tablets all on the horizon

We rate the likelihood of the rumoured products making an appearance in Vegas

Windows 8 tablet

There are rumblings that a Windows 8 tablet could be launched at the show, with some sources even suggesting that it may be built by Nokia.

Although Nokia has little pedigree in this market and has been struggling in the smartphone sector, such an announcement would generate some much needed buzz for the Finnish manufacturer.

In reality, Microsoft is likely to provide an update of the Windows 8 roadmap and display more tablets prototypes that were seen at its Build conference last year. Anything else will be an unexpected bonus.Likelihood: 5/10

Asus Transformer Prime Mini
The Taiwanese manufacturer produced one of the surprise packages of 2011 when it released the critically acclaimed Asus Eee Pad Transformer. Asus has already followed this with the Transformer Prime, which will be the first tablet to ship with Nvidia's quad core 1.3GHz Tegra 3 processor.

In an effort to take the fight to Apple and Samsung, Asus could also debut the Asus Transformer Prime Mini, a 7in version of its popular hybrid. It is unlikely the first iteration of the 7in model will feature the Tegra 3 processor, but other specifications should be similar to the original 10in Transformer.
Likelihood 7/10

Samsung 7in ultra bright tablet
Never one to shy away from the limelight, Samsung always has a big announcement or two up its sleeve at major events.

Despite the on-going legal battles with Apple, Samsung may launch yet another tablet, and this one is expected to have the brightest screen yet. It is expected to be a 7in Amoled tablet with a dazzling 400nit brightness.

Samsung is also likely to unveil a few laptops and smartphones too, with whisperings that the Samsung Galaxy SIII, which could feature 3D technology, will be on display. However, it is more likely to be held back for Mobile World Congress in February.Likelihood 8/10

The best of the rest A raft of Android devices are expected to be launched, with manufacturers trying to gain attention by referencing Ice Cream Sandwich, while Panasonic is expected to make a major announcement centreing on 3D as it gears up for the 2012 Olympics.

Elsewhere, all eyes will be on Sony as it aims to bounce back from a horrible 2011. The Japanese firm launched tablets at the end of the year, but has failed to gain momentum in the market and will be hoping it can turn things around in 2012.

CES 2012 starts on Monday 9 January and key speakers at the show include Microsoft head-honcho Steve Ballmer making his swansong appearance, Intel chief executive Paul Otellini and Qualcomm boss Paul Jacobs.

V3 will be reporting live from these keynotes and bringing you news, hands-on reviews and video demos of all the must-see products from the show floor.