First Look: Toshiba Delivers New Notebooks

Wayne N. Kawamoto
Managing Editor, www.smallbusinesscomputing.com

The Computer Systems Group (CSG) of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS) announced the value-priced Satellite 1000/1005 notebook series. Starting at $1,099, the Satellite 1000/1005 Series offers an Intel Mobile Celeron 1066MHz (1.06GHz) processor and DVD-ROM thats equipped with a 14.1-inch dia.active matrix display and 256MB of RAM. For added flexibility, the series is equipped with a swappable modular bay that enables users to switch between the optical and floppy drives, or add a hard drive.

For users with enhanced processing needs, the Satellite 1800/1805 Series offers high-end features that include heightened multimedia capabilities and large displays. Starting at $1,349 this Satellite series provides users with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW multi-function drive, up to a 15-inch TFT display and a 10/100 Ethernet connection. For fast processing, the 1800/1805 Series has Intel processors starting at 1100MHz (1.1GHz) with 256MB of RAM.

The Satellite 3005 Series offers customers enhanced flexibility via a swappable modular bay that can hold additional productivity accessories such as a second battery or second hard drive. Weighing just over 5.5 pounds, this series has the NVIDIA GeForce2 Go graphics processing unit with 16MB of DDR video memory, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW multi-function drive and quick processor speeds starting at 1133MHz (1.13GHz).

For increased expandability, the Satellite 3005 Series features three USB ports, built-in i.Link (IEEE 1394) port and SmartMedia card slot for additional peripheral connections. With an integrated 10/100 Ethernet port and V.90 modem, the Satellite 3005 Series is the ideal mobile office, with prices starting at $1,699.

Toshiba’s new Satellite Pro 6000 includes built-in integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) wireless capabilities (select models only) that may eliminate the hassle of cords and cables and the cost of installing a wired network. Featuring increased security for wireless communication, the Satellite Pro 6000 Series integrates 128 Bit security protection to ensure that the integrity of vital corporate data and e-mail transmissions are not compromised. Additionally, the Satellite Pro 6000 Series can take advantage of optional Bluetooth connectivity, which may be ideal for sharing presentations and transferring documents wirelessly.

The Satellite Pro 6000 Series starts at $1,899 and will be available in January 2002 through Toshiba’s traditional distribution channels, VARs, shoptoshiba.com and mail-order partners.

At 2.6 pounds and .6-inches thick, Toshibas Portege 2000 features the Toshiba-designed 1.8-inch, 20GB hard disk drive that is 49 percent smaller than any main hard drive on the market. The notebook also has integrated Wi-Fi technology so users can connect to a wireless network anywhere on their corporate campus or on layover while traveling. The Portege 2000 also provides an industry-standard RGB port for connection to a monitor, two USB ports for additional peripherals and IR.

Toshiba says that the Portege 2000’s primary battery offers up to two hours of battery life and is constructed of lithium-polymer metal. This battery stores energy in a flat form factor, as compared with the cylindrical shape of standard notebook batteries, helping to maximize the overall thinness of the notebook. For long cross-country flights, the notebook comes standard with a slim and light battery slice that provides up to four-and-a-half extra hours of battery life, totaling up to six-and-a-half hours for power users.

For enhanced multimedia storage needs, the Portege 2000 includes a Secure Digital(SD) Media slot, which, for example, can hold a 256MB SD Memory Card with storage capacity up to four hours of music or 80 minutes of video. The flash-memory-based removable storage card has cryptographic security, protection of copyrighted data and a high-data transfer rate for fast copy/download with devices such as PDAs, digital/still video cameras and MP3 players.

For added functionality, the optional Slim Port Replicator has four USB ports for a variety of added peripherals, an RGB port for connection to an external monitor, Ethernet connection and AC-in. To complete the package, a DVD or CD-ROM drive can be connected via either a USB port or the PC card slot.

The Portege 2000 comes with a three-year parts and labor standard limited warranty including Toshiba’s Notebook Depot repair program. Through this program, a notebook is shipped to Toshiba’s depot, repaired and returned anywhere in the United States within 48 hours after receipt at the depot (service Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Warranty service also includes the option of carry-in service to one of Toshiba’s Authorized Service Partners, located in major metropolitan areas in the United States. In addition, all portable computer customers receive telephone technical support through Toshiba’s InTouch Center, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The notebook will be available in early February through mail-order, shoptoshiba.com and traditional distribution channels and will be priced around $2,199.

Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing addresses the technology needs of small businesses, which are defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees and/or less than $7 million in annual sales.

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