Toshiba Announces Intel Montevina Notebooks

Toshiba today announced the expansion of its Satellite Pro and Tecra families with the Satellite Pro S300 laptop and the Tecra M10 and A10 laptops. These new notebooks feature the latest Intel Centrino 2 (Montevina) processor technology along with enough extras to keep both consumers and businesses quite happy.

In addition to the new processors, all three laptops come with a varity of features that are sure to impress:

• EasyGuard Technology: Toshiba's 4th generation of proprietary, value-add series of hardware and software enhancements is designed to better protect and secure the notebook during everyday computing. Components include HDD Protection, a spill-resistant keyboard,fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module.
• Express Port Replicator: This port replicator supports docking, giving users quicker access to a traditional desktop console and better cable management. This enhances the desktop experience plus mobile users can easily get up and go at the touch of a button.
• Webcam with Business Card Reader Software: Toshiba expanded the functionality of the standard 1.3 megapixel Webcam by integrating macro functionality with business card reader software to allow users to scan business cards and store them digitally.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: This port enables the high-speed transfer of files between the laptop and an external eSATA hard drive with transfer rates that are up to five times faster than standard USB 2.0. High-speed data transfer is ideal for data backup.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port: The newest Toshiba notebooks feature Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge select mobile devices such as, cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs whether the computer is on, off, in sleep mode or hibernation mode.
• Green Attributes: These notebooks are ENERGY STAR 4.0 compliant and
  have achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council's Electronic
  Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).

More information about these notebooks is available on the Toshiba website.

 

I don't know if that sleep and charge feature is new to Toshiba or if its been around but it sounds awesome.

I'm glad to see more laptops with esata also. My external has esata and usb and I hated using it on usb with my old laptop compared to using it on the desktop with esata.

 

Yes, those features are definately quite impressive.

 

Toshiba seem to have picked up the ball again after going through a bad patch.

I complained when I got my Zepto 6024W a year ago and discovered that the USB ports had power when the computer was off but plugged into the mains. I've subsequently discovered the benefit of being able to recharge other devices overnight via USB.

John

 

hell of features coming from toshiba. but the design cud be better, though

 

The Tecra line in particular is designed for businesses with IT departments that are placing large orders for notebooks. Most IT managers are aware of a problem often called "Computer Envy" where one employee gets a new desktop or new laptop and then all of the other employees see the new computer and want a new computer too.

It doesn't matter if in reality the new computer performs better, worse, or the same ... if it "looks" new and different everyone in the company wants the new computer. Large companies have actually started contacting laptop manufacturers like Toshiba, Dell, and HP and asking them to produce new notebooks that don't look substantially different from earlier models because of this. Consumers like new laptops with fresh designs but businesses don't like it when employees keep pestering them for a new computer just because it looks cooler.

We actually just spoke to a manufacturer that is getting ready to announce a new series of business laptops ... and they are VERY concerned that large businesses won't like the fact that their designs have changed.

 

Hey Jerry, I can't seem to find the new models on Toshiba's website.

 

im im correct they are prob compal based / built systems that sleep and charge is almost the same thing they have on the compal's and toshiba has used them in the past

 

I'm disappointed in the design of hte S

 

are these charge thing and buisness card scan includded also in new Qosmio laptops ? as this thing is cool