IS this gradually coming together of all parts on the Mobo including CPU,GPU,NB,SB just Intel trying to lock out mobo mfrs and keep all the gvash for itself? I mean soon you wont be able to tell the diff between M/b's .. so why not just buy from the Mfr. Cosy up to AMd and then DraGonBall 'em. the all chinese PC, inc MAO-OS, locking out full internet @source.

Otelini:

i'm aware that 18 months is a generation. i was just trying to emphasise the fact that it seems entirely unnecessary on intels part to have two almost identical sockets, when they could have one. this would provide a far easier transition between cpu generations, and would generally be an all round good thing. personally i like to keep motherboards until they start smoking/passing out as much as i do on a weekend.

MABM

Maybe now they can concentrate on stability and reliability.

You probably wouldn't want the same motherboard to use your spanking new Sandy Bridge, even if they were compatible. I know I wouldn't.
18 months is a generation in x86 cicles. It's natural, and expected, that things changes.
Not that I'm happy with Intel mess of sockets and products names, though.

better off waiting for sandy bridge actually. what do intel think they're playing at? why not just change the platform now and stick with it? unless i'm grossly mistaken, socket 1156 is incompatible with sandy bridge processors, making it redundant inside 18 months?

...are you saying that for the non-enthusiasts (or those of us who can't afford to spend £400 on a motherboard and CPU combination before considering memory etc) will be better off waiting for the P55 boards?

Rob