So what’s this Thunderbolt stuff, and why is it in your new MacBook Pro? Intel just broke it down for us, and now we’ll do the same for you. Simply put, Thunderbolt’s a familiar-looking port, a brand-new chip, and a cord, which allows devices to pipe two data streams simultaneously — in both directions — over a single cable at up to 10 gigabits per second to start, primarily using PCI Express x4 for data and DisplayPort for video. The Thunderbolt controller chip — required for the system, but Intel says it’s hardware-agnostic and doesn’t require an Intel processor or chipset to use — acts as a miniature router of sorts that rapidly switches between the two bidirectional channels of data.

Read more at engadget >

Technical Specifications of Thunderbolt

1. Dual-channel 10 Gbps per port
2. Bi-directional
3. Dual-protocol (PCI Express* and DisplayPort*)
4. Compatible with existing DisplayPort devices
5. Daisy-chained devices
6. Electrical or optical cables
7. Low latency with highly accurate time synchronization
8. Uses native protocol software drivers
9. Power over cable for bus-powered devices

With the 10 Gbps performance of Thunderbolt you can:

1. Transfer a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds
2. Backup 1 year of continuous MP3 playback in just over 10 minutes

Read more details at Intel >