notebooks

Dell offers Blu-ray notebooks for under $1,000

Keith Shaw — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:57:37 -0400

If you've been aching for a new notebook with a Blu-Ray drive now that the high-definition DVD format war is over, Dell is offering a Dell Inspiron 1525 with optional Blu-ray disc playback starting at $879. The notebook also features a 15.4-inch widescreen display with 720p resolution, and an HDMI port for connecting to high-def displays or HDTVs. The disc drive is backwards compatible, playing traditional DVDs and CDs in addition to Blu-Ray discs. The notebook also includes Dell's MediaDirect feature, which lets users access media files without booting up the system. Color choices on the notebook include designs Chill, Blossom, Commotion, Sunshine Yellow, Midnight Blue and Ruby Red.

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Panasonic upgrades Toughbook tablet

Keith Shaw — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:49:56 -0400

The Panasonic division that makes its Toughbook notebooks today announced upgrades to its Toughbook 19 line of rugged, convertible tablets. The new Toughbook 19F now includes the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and expanded memory capabilities, just like the Toughbook 30F clamshell version. The 5.1-pound tablet also includes an optional integrated digital camera (2 megapixels), for use in "inspection and incident documentation" applications, Panasonic says. The notebook has an estimated street price of $3,199, through Toughbook resellers or the company's Web site. The version with the integrated camera will be available in May for a street price of $3,699, the company says. Rugged features on the notebooks, which Panasonic says meet military specifications, include hard drive heaters, shock-mounting, sealed keyboards and magnesium alloy cases. The new tablet includes an anti-glare and anti-reflective sunlight display (10.4-inches with 1,024 by 768 pixels) as well. Connectivity features on the notebook include 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and "mobile broadband-ready" wireless WAN (which means you get to pick which carrier the notebook connects to). The tablet also includes a backlit keyboard and built-in GPS for navigation or tracking applications. Other features include an 80GB hard disk drive, 1GB of SDRAM standard (upgradeable to 4GB), and an optional external USB combo drive.

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New Intel processors = boatloads of new PCs

Keith Shaw — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:50:38 -0400

Whenever Intel launches a new set of processors, we see a bevy of product announcement from notebook and PC manufacturers. Today is no different, as Intel announced faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, as well as its latest Centrino processor technology for notebooks. Intel says more than 230 designs from PC manufacturers, resellers and integrators will take advantage of the new technologies, ranging from large, wide-screen notebook models to small energy-saving portable notebooks. Highlights of the Intel announcements include improved performance when running multiple applications simultaneously, such as downloading videos while doing a virus scan (like you do); and power management features that aim to make batteries run longer than the Boston-to-Las Vegas flight. The Mobile Intel 965 Express chipset family includes Intel Clear Video Technology that enables high-definition video, as well as the Intel TV Wizard, which lets users connect HD-enabled TVs to a PC. For wireless, Intel said its Next-Gen Wireless-N technology provides 802.11a/g/n (remember kids, 802.11n isn't fully baked yet) capabilities. An optional feature, Intel Turbo Memory, can access "frequently used software applications twice as fast," which also saves on power consumption and increases battery life, Intel says.

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AT&T expands notebook network card options

Keith Shaw — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:54:23 -0400

AT&T today announced two new devices in its LaptopConnect portfolio that can access its 3G BroadbandConnect service (UMTS/HSDPA). The Option GT Max 3.6 Express ExpressCard and the Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U USB device can access the AT&T network in more than 165 major markets. For users outside the 3G coverage area, the devices can connect to AT&T's EDGE high-speed wireless data network. Around the world (at least in 125 countries), the devices can work where AT&T has international data-roaming agreements. Now available, the Option GT card supports PCs with Windows XP, 2000 and Vista, and works with newer notebooks that have ExpressCard slots (ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54). The card features a flip-up antenna and "Advanced Receiver Technology" for improved 3G performance, AT&T says. Available on May 7, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U plugs into a standard USB port, has an integrated battery and supports Windows XP, 2000 and Vista machines (a Mac client is also available for download from Sierra Wireless).

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Improve notebook battery life via power adapter

Keith Shaw — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:32:46 -0400

Antec's new NP-100 Notebook Power Adapter system is now available. The NP-100 ($79.99) aims to prevent "frequent short-term battery draw caused by underpowered adapters in peak usage conditions." The NP-100 reduces heating and extends the life of a notebook computer battery by eliminating this frequent charge/discharge cycle, Antec says. With 100 watts of output power, the NP-100 is designed to work with almost all laptop computers, and includes seven changeable connectors and six output voltage settings. It also includes features such as Over Voltage Protection, Short Current Protection, Over Current Protection and Over Temperature Protection.

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HP: The Computer is Pretty Again

Keith Shaw — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:10:11 -0400

Forget about a big, black box anymore -- a new line of HP consumer PCs has been "designed to complement any room of a home" and includes piano-black finish with refined silver trim and subtle, blue LED light accents. I guess HP is realizing what Apple and other PC makers have known for a while – the computer no longer is sitting in a cluttered den, office or basement – they're becoming part of the furniture in other rooms. Other design features of the new HP computers include moving the power button to the top of the chassis for easier reaching, a built-in bay for removable digital storage, and a more easily accessible media card reader. New systems include the HP Pavilion s3000 Series Slimline PC (pictured), which is less than a third the size of a regular PC; the Pavilion a6000 Series Desktop, which includes LightScribe technology for burning labels directly on a CD or DVD; and the Pavilion Media Center TV m8000 Series Desktop, which includes an optional HD-DVD drive. Other customization features include the option of adding a 15-in-1 card reader, DVD burner and optional HP Pocket Media Drive storage bay. HP also announced three new widescreen monitors (19-, 20- and 22-inch models). HP says the new desktop PCs range from $299 to $849, with monitors starting at $169. More details are available at the HP Shopping Web site.

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HP, Cingular launch "global notebook"

Keith Shaw — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 11:42:00 -0500

Forget the world phone – the cool kids are gonna want the world notebook. HP and Cingular Wireless today launched a notebook PC in the U.S. that features "built-in global mobile broadband capabilities." The latest HP Compaq nc6400 notebook will include integrated Cingular Wireless UMTS/HSDPA-based connectivity, which means business users will be able to connect to a high-speed wireless data network in more than 115 countries that support the UMTS or GPRS/EDGE network. HP says the notebook includes a tri-band UMTS modem that supports data rates of up to 3.6Mbps in the U.S. and other countries. In the U.S., Cingular's UMTS/HSDPA network is currently available in 145 metropolitan areas, including 65 of the top 100 largest cities in 33 states, Cingular says. Average download speeds range from 400Kbps to 700KBps, with 1Mbps bursts. The notebook will include integrated dual antennas and bundled Cingular software (Cingular Communication Manager) to help users establish a wireless connection. In addition to the wireless WAN connection, the nc6400 will include WLAN and Bluetooth connections. The notebook includes a 14.1-inch display, Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and support for 3D graphics. The notebook is expected to be available in late December, with a $1,599 starting point. Unlimited Cingular Broadband Connect service will cost $59.99 per month, with international plans available. Cingular says a North American plan of 100MB for $109 per month allows for access to Canada and Mexico, as well as unlimited domestic data access. A global plan of $139 per month for 100MB of data covers more than 24 countries worldwide, as well as unlimited U.S. access.

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Lenovo adds MIMO to N100 notebooks

Keith Shaw — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:17:55 -0400

Lenovo this week updated its N100 widescreen notebook this week, including putting the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, making the notebook "Vista Premium-ready" and adding MIMO wireless LAN technologies (based on the draft 802.11n specifications). The notebooks begin at $799 and will be available at the Lenovo Web site and through its business channels. The N100 includes a 15.4-inch VibrantView LCD screen, which lets users view high-end graphics and video content in low-lit environments, Lenovo says. Other features include the NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 graphics cards with either 64MB or 128MB of memory on certain models. The system also includes the Lenovo Care tools, which include one-button system recovery, automatic updates that download and install critical updates, and a connectivity configuration utility for wired or wireless, as well as profile configuration (home, office or vacation, for example).

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Toshiba puts HD-DVD on Qosmio

Keith Shaw — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 11:48:30 -0400

One of my favorite notebooks, the Toshiba Qosmio, has been given an upgrade. The latest version of the notebook, the G35-AV660, now includes an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a high-definition DVD-ROM drive. Other multimedia features, such as an integrated TV tuner for pausing live TV and recording shows through a DVR, as well as playing video and audio files, continue to be included on the system. The 10.1-pound notebook (it's tough to call this portable) costs $3,499.99 through Toshiba's Web site. No, that's not a typo. Other features on this high-end system include two 5400 RPM serial ATA 120GB hard drives, 2GB of DDR2 memory, Ultimate TrueBrite widescreen display (1,920 by 1,200 resolution and 1080p high-definition support), QosmioEngine digital video processing system, HDMI port with support for 1080i to connect a high-def TV for output of HD DVD movies, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system and support for Dolby Home Theater. For audio, the notebook includes a 1-bit digital amplifier and Bass Reflex Speaker technology from harman/kardon. The notebook includes four USB 2.0 ports, RJ-45 LAN port, RJ-11 modem port, i.Link (IEEE 1394), and S/PDIF optical audio output port, in addition to the TV out and RGB out ports. In addition to the Ethernet and modem ports, the system includes integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless. A 5-in-1 media card slot supports Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMediaCard and xD Picture cards. The notebook is also Windows Vista Premium Ready, which means customers can upgrade to one of the editions of Windows Vista when that becomes available, Toshiba says.

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Acer's high-def notebook hits U.S. shores

Keith Shaw — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:29:11 -0400

Acer America today said its new 20.1-inch widescreen Aspire 9800 high-definition notebook (announced in June at Computex Taipei), is available in North America. Notebooks start at $2,799, and are available through Acer's resellers and retailers. The notebook combines a PC with a television, and incorporates Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology processing, a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 graphics card, up to 4GB of system memory and a 240GB hard drive (Intel Matrix RAID-ready). The screen utilizes Acer's CrystalBrite technology to help provide a "cinematic viewing experience", and the system also has an eight millisecond gray-to-gray response time for gaming and image-sensitive applications, Acer says. The notebook includes a TV-tuner and remote control for watching traditional TV, recording shows or capturing video. On the audio front, the notebook includes integrated 3Dsonic stereo speakers and an Acer BasSonic subwoofer, along with support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect technology, which can provide a home theater experience through a single cable S/PDIF connection, Acer says. The Acer Arcade software lets users brows photos, burn music, play DVDs and edit videos from a single interface. Complementing the system is the Acer OrbiCam, a built-in Webcam (1.3 megapixel CMOS) placed on the LCD panel. The system comes with Windows XP Media Center Edition pre-installed, Acer says, and additional bundled software includes Adobe Reader, Norton AntiVirus, CyberLink Power Producer, NTI CD Maker and Acer's GridVista – a software tool that can divide the screen up into four different windows.

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HP offers "back to school" discounts

Keith Shaw — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 13:28:27 -0400

Got someone who needs a new desktop, printer or notebook for the upcoming school season? HP announced today a new promotion with discounts for students and teachers. Qualified students and teachers can take up to 15% off products by registering at HP's Academic Purchase Program Web site. HP says it is seeing "strong customer interest" for three new products – the Pavilion dv2000 Entertainment Notebook, the Pavilion Slimline s7500 Series PC, and the HP xb3000 Notebook Expansion Base (docking station). HP says it is also offering custom-cut PC skins that let students and teachers personalize their PCs to blend in with dorms or classrooms. Other products available include the HP Deskjet F380 All-in-One Printer ($79); the HP Photosmart D7360 photo printer ($199); the Pavilion dv6000 Entertainment Notebook (15.4-inch widescreen display and AMD Turion 64 X2 processor); the Compaq Presario V6000 Notebook PC (AMD dual-core processor, 15.4-inch widescreen display, built-in Wi-Fi); Pavilion dv9000 Entertainment Notebook (pictured, AMD Turion 64 X2 mobile processor, integrated Webcam); Pavilion Slimline s7500 PC ($449, includes optional TV tuner and Windows XP Media Center Edition); Pavilion a1500 Series Desktop PC; Pavilion Media Center TV m7500n and Compaq Presario SR1900 Series Desktop PC.

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Alienware adds MIMO to new notebooks

Keith Shaw — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 15:07:41 -0400

At least one notebook vendor isn't worried about whether the 802.11n standard ends up changing or not – Alienware has announced Airgo Networks True MIMO wireless technology on its Aurora m9700 (17-inch, starts at $1,999) and mALX (19-inch, starts at $4,499) mobile systems. The company says that the True MIMO technology can deliver "speeds up to 240Mbps," and is backward compatible with existing 802.11b/g networks and routers. In order to achieve these rates, however, one would need a True MIMO-based router, and also be standing in a vacuum – realistically those rates would be in the 100+Mbps range. And without an Airgo-based MIMO router, the system would likely drop to 802.11g speeds (and don't forget distance between the router and notebook!). More details on the new notebooks are located here.

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Dell touts new 3-lb. business notebook

Keith Shaw — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 14:02:59 -0400

Dell this week announced its Latitude D420 model, an ultraportable notebook that starts at 3 pounds with an up to 7-hour battery life. Other new features include embedded broadband wireless, biometric security and magnesium alloy construction. The notebook starts at $1,379, and are available now (solo core processors only; dual-core systems will be available later this summer), Dell says.

The D420 includes a 12.1-inch display, full-sized keyboard, and choice of 802.11g or 802.11a/g wireless connectivity. Wireless broadband options include the choice to connect to Cingular's EDGE/UMTS or Verizon Wireless' EV-DO networks in the U.S., or Vodafone in France, Germany and the U.K. The notebook also includes the company's Wi-Fi Catcher, a switch that looks for wireless connections without needing to turn on or boot up the system (the switch can also run all wireless devices off).

The notebook comes without an optical drive, but Dell says an optional MediaBase will include the choice of different optical drives. The notebook will come standard with Smart Card readers and support for the Trusted Platform Module, with the option for adding biometric fingerprint readers. Other features include three USB ports, an IEEE 1394 port, Secure Digital media card slot, and up to a nine-cell battery for the extended (7 hours) battery life.

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Fujitsu "thins the bar" with new notebook

Keith Shaw — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 09:24:53 -0400

Whenever I think that there's no new innovation in the notebook PC space, along comes a new device that makes me stop and go, "droooooooool."

Such is the case with the Fujitsu LifeBook Q2000 series (model Q2010), announced this morning. To call it a "thin and light" notebook doesn't give it justice (it's like calling an iPod a "music player."). The 2.2-pound notebook is lighter than a Quiznos sub (and probably better for you). The notebook starts at $1,999 and is available now at the Fujitsu Web site.

Features of the 12.1-inch notebook include an Intel Core Solo ultra-low voltage processor, 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN connectivity, integrated Bluetooth (on higher-end models), and a standard 3-cell battery (with about 1.75 hours of life, but upgrade options include a 6-cell battery with up to 7 hours of life).

The notebook is so light you would worry about breaking it easily, so Fujitsu says it has protection features such as shock sensors and accelerometers that protect the hard drive, and magnesium upper and lower casings with titanium hinges for more durability.

In order to reach its thin and light status, features like an optical drive, Ethernet port and video port were removed. However, Fujitsu says the optical drive is part of a docking station accessory ($299 if you buy the dock with a notebook, otherwise it's $499), and Ethernet and video ports come standard with a dongle that connects to the notebook. The docking station adds some weight to the unit, but it's still pretty light with the extra heft (think a Quiznos sub with extra cheese and bacon).

* Click here (pop up window) for a closer look at the Q2010 in its docking station.

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Look, up in the sky! It's my PC!

Keith Shaw — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 17:44:28 -0400

The latest painted customized computer system built around an upcoming movie comes from Alienware, which today launched a desktop and a notebook with graphics from Superman Returns, which arrives in theaters on June 28.

The limited-edition systems include the Area-51 Superman Edition (left) desktop and Area-51 Superman Returns Edition notebook (below), which both come with a certificate of authenticity and include a Superman desktop theme by The Skins Factory and Stardock's Theme Manager software.

DC Comics artists actually created the case design of the individually numbered desktops, which includes images of Superman as a child to adulthood, and also includes images of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. The notebook, meanwhile, includes a blue design with the Superman shield logo on the notebook's front panel. Both systems include Intel Viiv technology and Intel Core Duo processors. The notebook includes a 17-inch widescreen display and dual hard drives. More details on the systems can be found here (turn sound off unless you like the Superman theme song).

While I'm a Superman fan, I still think the Dell X-men desktop and the Alienware Star Wars systems still come out on top. But if you want to laugh at someone else's expense, buy the notebook for your VP of Sales and tell him he has to travel with it on all of his sales calls.

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Toshiba launches Tecra M6 notebook

Keith Shaw — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 12:22:29 -0400

The latest Toshiba notebook, the Tecra M6, adds the lastest performance features and is aimed at "on-the-go" mobile workers and students, the company says. Starting at $1,059, the Tecra M6 is now available through Toshiba's Web site, mail order and resellers.

The business-class notebook weighs 4.1 pounds, includes the latest Intel mobile processors (including dual core processors) and includes up to five hours of battery life. The notebook's 12.1-inch wide-screen includes Toshiba's TruBrite technology, and the notebook includes an integrated DVD SuperMulti drive as part of the standard configuration, Toshiba says.

The system also supports Toshiba's EasyGuard system, a bunch of hardware and software features aimed "to boost mobile security, system and data integrity, network connectivity and overall ease-of-use," the company adds. Features of the EasyGuard system include shock and impact components to protect the hard drive and display; a hard drive protection system to protect from accidental dropping, turbulence or vibration; a spill-resistant keyboard; the Trusted Platform Module embedded security chipset that stores encryption keys, passwords and user credentials; integrated fingerrint reader; ConfigFree connectivity management utility that manages the notebooks' Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet or 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN connections; the Toshiba Power Saver, which aims to maximize battery life; and a Presentation button, which instantly displays the screen image onto an LCD projector or external monitor.

Features of the "recommended configuration," which costs $1,299, includes an Intel Core Duo Processor T2300E (1.66 GHz), Windows XP Professional, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 8MB to 128MB of dynamically allocated shared graphics memory, 512MB of DDR2 SDRAM (upgradeable to 4GB), an 80GB hard drive, DVD SuperMulti drive, 6-in-1 media card adapter, i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port, three USB 2.0 ports, and 6-cell lithium ion battery.

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Dell launches new XPS systems

Keith Shaw — Wed, 31 May 2006 15:10:29 -0400

Dell today launched three new PC systems in its XPS high-performance line, including a 20-inch widescreen "entertainment PC," a redesigned gaming desktop system and a new ultramobile notebook computer. The company also announced a new widescreen flat-panel monitor.

The XPS M2010 (pictured) was launched at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, and includes a 20.1-inch high-definition widescreen monitor, eight speakers (plus subwoofer), a Bluetooth keyboard, bundled Skype software, integrated Webcam and slot-loaded keyboard. The system actually becomes portable – the hinges that support the display double as a handle when the M2010 is closed. The system starts at $3,500 and is available now.

The XPS M120 weighs 4.37 pounds and includes a 12.1-inch widescreen display. Starting at $1,300, the system includes an optional audio-video communication package with Skype software, integrated Webcam, noise-isolation earbuds and optional mobile broadband access.

The XPS 700 gaming system supports NVIDIA Quad-SLI graphics, AGEIA PhysX physics accelerators and the latest Intel dual-core processors, Dell says. The system starts at $2,310, with a special-edition formula red model starting at $2,410.

The $949 2407WFP widescreen flat panel model includes a 24-inch screen, a 6-millisecond response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and two integrated media card slots (nine formats supported). The display also includes four USB 2.0 ports, S-video connections, composite, component and DVI with HDCP interfaces as well.

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Toshiba notebook includes high-def DVD drive

Keith Shaw — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:14:04 -0400

For those who argue that there's nothing exciting or innovative in notebooks anymore, we present the Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650, the first notebook in the U.S. to include a high-definition DVD-ROM drive and other wicked cool features. If anyone can get their boss to buy this notebook for them at work, I want to work at your company.

The HD DVD-ROM drive lets consumers watch high-definition movies, and is also compatible with regular DVD formats, Toshiba says. The notebook also includes an Ultimate TruBrite widescreen display (1,900 by 1,200 resolution and 1080p high-definition support), the QosmioEngine digital video processing system and an HDMI port (for 1080i) to allow connection to HDTV.

Other entertainment features include Dolby Home Theater support, a 1-bit digital amplifier and Bass Reflex Speaker technology from harman/kardon.

Since it's a Qosmio notebook, it also includes an integrated TV tuner, digital video recorder and QosmioPlayer, which lets users watch TV, a DVD or listen to an audio CD without booting up Windows. Other features include Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology, two 100GB hard drives and 1GB of memory. The two hard drives include Toshiba's RAID software to let consumers decide whether to have redundancy or optimum capacity, Toshiba says.

The notebook might be a little heavy for your carry-on luggage, though, as the entire package comes in at 10.1 pounds. The G35-AV650 is available for $2,999.99 and is available for ordering through Toshiba's Web site.

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Averatec shows off 17-inch lightweight notebook

Keith Shaw — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:35:12 -0400

I always root for smaller companies taking on larger ones in the tech space, so here's a huzzah to Averatec, which today announced a 17-inch widescreen notebook powered by AMD Turion 64 technology. The company actually calls the 7100 Series an "infotainment notebook," which also earns a huzzah. The notebook is available now for a street price ranging from $849 to $1,119 (depending on configuration).

The 7100 Series offers a 1-inch profile, weighs 7.2 pounds and comes with a 17-inch WXGA display. Also impressive is an integrated Gigabit Ethernet port, a full-sized keyboard with separate full-sized numeric keypad, and a built-in dual-layer DVD/CD burner. The system offers either an 80GB or 100GB hard drive, and 512MB of DDR memory, upgradeable to 2GB.

Other features include 802.11b/g wireless, an integrated 5-in-1 media card reader (xD, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card and Secure Digital), three USB 2.0 ports and an IEEE 1394 FireWire interface. The notebook comes with either Windows XP Home, Pro or Media Center Edition (and also Vista capable whenever that comes out).

Bundled software includes a trial version of ZoneAlarm's Internet Security Suite 6.0 (firewall, anti-spam and anti-virus protection), as well as Phoenix FirstWare Recover software (and trial version of Recover Pro), which stores user data, applications and the OS in a host-protected area of the hard drive.

Averatec says the notebook is available at retailers, including Staples, Circuit City, OfficeMax, Sam's Club, and MicroCetner, among others. You can also buy the notebook at the Averatec Web site.

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Toshiba launches thin & light tablet

Keith Shaw — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:16:47 -0400

If you've been complaining about the weight of your Tablet PC, Toshiba's Digital Products Division has a new version of its Portege Tablet series that can lighten your load. The new M405-S8003 weighs about 4.5 pounds and will be sold at major consumer electronics stores starting at $2,000.

The M405-S8003 includes Intel's new Core Duo processor T2400, which aims to reduce power consumption and boost performance from graphics and wireless, Toshiba says. The tablet also includes Toshiba's EasyGuard technology, a bunch of hardware and software improvements for mobile security, system integrity and network connectivity. For example, the system includes shock absorbing materials to protect the hard drive and display as well as a hard drive protection system that protects against damage from accidental dropping, turbulence or vibration. The system also includes a spill-resistant keyboard, integrated biometric fingerprint reader and the Trusted Platform Module, an embedded chipset that stores encryption keys, password and user credentials, Toshiba says.

Features include a 12.1-inch XGA display that can rotate into a slate tablet mode, or users can rotate back and use the device like a laptop. Connectivity options include Gigabit Ethernet, a V.92 modem and 802.11a/b/g wireless. The system supports Toshiba's ConfigFree connectivity utility, and its Diversity Antenna, which aims to improve signal reception through Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi antennas placed in the notebook's display.

The M405-S8003 also includes a six-cell battery (up to five hours of life), and a swappable Ultra SlimBay that supports a CD-RW/DVD, DVD SuperMulti optical drive or a second hard drive. The system includes 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, a 100GB hard drive, 3 USB 2.0 ports, an IEEE 1394 port and RGB output port. It also has a 5-in-1 media card adapter that supports SD, SDIO, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and xD Picture Cards. It runs on Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005. More details are available at the Toshiba Direct Web site.

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