Toshiba Corp. is expanding its low-end notebook line this week, as well as announcing build-to-order configurations that include Intel Corp.'s newly announced mobile Pentium III processors.
Toshiba claims it offers 60,000 build-to-order configurations in its Tecra 8100 notebook line. Two preset Toshiba configurations also feature the new processors.
For US$3700, the first has an 800-MHz Mobile Pentium III processor, a 10GB hard drive, 128MB of PC100 memory, and a 14.1-inch TFT display. The second featured configuration uses the 850-MHz Mobile Pentium III and has a 20GB hard drive, for a price of $3900. Currently available, both include 6X DVD-ROM drives and Windows 2000.
Also on Monday, Toshiba is unveiling two legacy-free notebook series for its consumer and SOHO Satellite lines. The two-tone subdued navy blue and silver units have two Universal Serial Bus ports, weigh about seven pounds, and are bundled with Windows Millennium Edition.
New on the Low End
The 1715XCDS, scheduled to ship in October priced at $1200, is designed for notebook newbies. The slightly higher-end 2805 series adds an enhanced audio system and TFT displays. It comes in three configurations, starting at $1700 and ranging to $2700.
Toshiba's Satellite 1715XCDS notebook replaces the 1600 series as its entry-level unit, says Chris Pollitt, director of portable product marketing for Toshiba computer systems division.
To keep the price down, the 1715XCDS has a 13-inch dual scan display. It features a 600-MHz Intel Mobile Celeron processor, a 6GB hard drive, 64MB of memory, and a built-in 24X CD-ROM drive with CD controls below the keyboard.
All models of the Satellite 2805 have a TFT display, a Yamaha sound system with a subwoofer, and a DVD-ROM drive.
The S201, scheduled to ship in October priced at $1700, is a step above the 1715XCDS with a Celeron-650 and a 13.3-inch TFT display. For $2200, the S301 bumps the series up to a Mobile Pentium III-650 with SpeedStep technology, a 10GB hard drive, 128MB of memory, and a 14.1-inch TFT display.
The $2700 S401 has a 700-MHz Pentium III with SpeedStep, a 20GB hard drive, and a 15-inch display. It will ship by the end of the year, Pollitt says.