More STYLE in Toshiba’s Latest Offerings

By Chandra Devi

TOSHIBA’S Computer Systems Division recently launched five new notebook PCs which incorporate more stylish and sophisticated features. The lineup comprises the business-oriented Portege M800, consumer entertainmentfocused Satellite M300 and A300, and the entry- level Satellite L310 and L300.

Satellite M300 and A300

Also looking good with the Fusion Finish and Horizon Line design are the Satellite M300 and A300 notebook PCs. These machines come with full entertainment features such as the Regza-Link, built-in FM tuner, Harmon/Kardon integrated stereo speakers and Dolby Sound room technology.

With the Regza-Link capability, users can connect to a HDMICEC (high- definition multimedia interface consumer electronic control)- enabled TV, and able to control the multimedia function on the Satellite notebook PCs with the TV remote.

Selected models also feature a DVD SuperMulti drive and LabelFlash technology which allow users to label DVDs with pictures. These notebook PCs incorporate the SmartFace technology too.

The retail price for the Satellite M300, which comes with a 14.1- inch TFT display, Windows Vista, Intel Core 2 Duo chips, and X3100 integrated graphics power, starts from RM3,599.

The price for the A300 with a 15.4-inch display, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition and ATI mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics starts from RM7,499.

Both models are available in Glossy Mercury Silver.

Portege M800

As serious as it is, the Portege M800 business laptop has lots of appeal in terms of style. It has a high gloss exterior known as the Toshiba Fusion Finish and Horizon Line design. Fusion Finish is a special manufacturing process that involves fusing molten resin into the mold, providing an attractive metallic effect. The Fusion Finish is available in two colours, Cool Pearl White and Glossy Mercury Silver.

Other notable style elements on this notebook are the touch- sensitive multimedia controls, flushed touchpad with chrome mouse buttons, and a white LED (light emitting diode)- lighted Portege logo.

This ultra-portable notebook weighs less than two kilograms, has a 13.3- inch screen, and is suitable for road warriors. Toshiba has also included some EasyGuard technology features to protect the notebook against the rigours of the mobile world.

Two new features onboard the Portege M800 are the SmartFace technology and Business Card Reader built into the Webcam. With the SmartFace application, users no longer need to remember passwords. Instead, the technology allows password creation by digital mapping key features of users’ face.

The Webcam also acts as a business card reader. It automatically scans business cards and stores them accordingly. However, this feature is only available on Microsoft Vista Business pre-installed machines.

For performance, the Portege M800 features the Intel Centrino Duo Processor technology. It retails from RM4,299.

Satellite L310 and L300

Although classified as entry-level, the Satellite L310 and L300 do not lack in features. They both make good desktop PC replacement for home use, have features such as high resolution TFT (thin-film transistor) display, X3100 graphics power, DVD SuperMulti Double Layer Drive, five-in-one card reader, built-in Webcam, USB sleep and charge ports, Bluetooth, wireless local area network and Ethernet LAN.

The L310 weighs about 2.35-kilograms (kg) and has a 14.1-inch display with a resolution of 1,024 by 768. It is priced from RM2,299.

Meanwhile, the Satellite L300 weighs 2.57kg and has a 14.4-inch display with resolution of 1,280 by 800. It is priced from RM1,899.

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