See, Hear and Now Touch – Notebooks for the Senses

Toshiba Unleashes Its Most Powerful and Diverse Consumer
Notebook Range

Sydney 22 October 2009: Reducing your impact on the environment whilst quickly accessing your music, pictures, videos and information are just some of the new features that Toshiba has introduced in its most diverse range of consumer notebooks yet. Features you can not only see and hear, but can now feel with the introduction of Toshiba’s first consumer touch notebook – the Satellite U500.

The new Energy Star 5.0 Satellite U500 Touch offers users a new way to interact with their notebook, whether flicking through photos, browsing online or simply playing games Windows Touch-enabled functionality brings your notebook to life. In addition, the new ultrathin Satellite T100 range takes Windows® 7 performance a step further. The Fast Sleep-and-Resume functionality means your notebook is ready to use within seconds of re-opening from stand-by or hibernation mode.

The new line-up consists of 21 notebooks across 12 ranges and includes the five brand new models: Satellite U500 Touch, T100, T130, M500 and Qosmio X500, along with Blu-Ray technology, available on models X500 and P500.

“The new range offers customers new and easy ways to interact with their media on the go,” said Mark Whittard, General Manager, Toshiba ISD ANZ. “The performance and functionality in Windows 7 has enabled us to deliver the features that consumers want, such as touch and Fast Sleep-and-Resume, in affordable mainstream notebooks. Our new range is diverse, powerful and intuitive and will change not only the way we use our notebooks.”

The entire new consumer range is fitted with Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 7, is ROHS Compliant, Energy Star 5.0 qualified and incorporates all of Toshiba’s Smart Features including: Reliability, Connectivity, Personality, Style, Entertainment and Environment and is designed to ensure technology moulds into your every-day lifestyle.

Everything You Need Is One Touch Away: Satellite U500 Touch
Whether you’re a student, a traveller, or one who wants to stay connected and entertained on the move, the new lightweight 13.3” Satellite U500 Touch is your perfect companion. Offering distinctive styling, solid performance and connectivity, the U500 Touch will bring to life your mobile computing experience.

To bring the new Windows Touch feature to life, Toshiba is also introducing new, innovative touch-ready software pre-installed exclusively on the new touch-enabled laptops, called Toshiba LifeSpace™. LifeSpace consists of two applications designed to increase personal productivity in a unique and fun way. They are:

* Bulletin Board – gives you fast access to day-to-day activities, tasks and projects in a simple, visual and fun way.
* ReelTime™ – helps you easily find files based on when they were opened with a simple, fun visual history.

Chic, Petite and Powerful: Satellite T100 Series
Made for mobility, the ultra-thin Satellite T100 series is Toshiba’s thinnest and lightest Satellite laptop yet! Weighing in at a mere 1.58kgs, the petite and powerful T100 series is packed with features to handle everyday connectivity, web and digital entertainment needs. Equipped with a long-life six-cell battery, the T100 can give you up to nine hours of battery life from a single charge.

The T100 has all the features you’d expect in a laptop, plus Toshiba’s value-added features such as USB Sleep and Charge for charging your devices on the go (even when your notebook is switched off), a Webcam with Face Recognition for keyless access and Hard Drive Impact Sensor to keep your documents and memories safe, among others.

Additionally the T100 series is available in two screen sizes: an 11.6 inch HD or 13” HD TruBrite widescreen LED Backlit display – both with a full-sized keyboard and touchpad. Starting from $999 (RRP Inc. GST), the T100 series delivers more style and flexibility to your mobile computing experience.

Power Your Gaming to a Whole New Level: Qosmio X500
The Qosmio X500 combines an exceptional gaming experience with the latest HD multimedia features to deliver the ultimate in mobile gaming.

Elite performance features and top-class gaming specifications including latest Quad Core processor technology and powerful graphics – are set to give your game a real performance boost.

Offering premium home-theater features, the Qosmio X500 is designed to deliver an advanced home entertainment and multimedia experience.

Topped with a striking Fusion Finish design and accented with a red chrome trim and backlit keyboard, the X500 gives you the right gaming identity and includes:

Blu-ray rewriteable drive (BD-RE)* – great picture quality, impeccable sound that Blu-ray Disc technology brings the ultimate HD experience with breathtaking picture quality wherever you are.

With their high storage capacity, Blu-ray discs can hold and play back large quantities of high-definition video and audio, as well as photos, data and other digital content.

Full High Definition screen – 1920×1080 resolution – a great way to watch Blu-ray movies.

What’s in Store
Whether you are looking for seamless connectivity to entertainment, productivity, or connecting to the world, you’ll find the perfect choice from the following new range:

Included as standard across the entire range:
− 3 USB Ports (2 x Hi-Speed USB 2.0 + 1 x eSATA/ USB Combo)
− Windows 7 Home Premium operating system
− 3D Hard Sensor
− Eco Utility Software (excluding NB200 and U500 series)
− 16:9 Screen Ratio (excluding NB200 series)
− Webcam/ microphone
− SD Slot
− Integrated wireless

Constant Companions
Pocket-Sized Power: NB200 Series: ($699 RRP Inc GST and $749 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available in four models: Cosmic Black, Bronze, Arctic White, Indigo Blue
− 10.1- inch Widescreen TruBrite Display
− Available with Intel Atom Processor
− 250GB HDD/ 1GB RAM
− 6 Cell Battery
− Integrated Bluetooth (excluding black model)
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter
− 1.15kg weight

Chic, Petite and Powerful: Satellite T-Series: (T110 – $999 RRP Inc. GST and T130 – $1,299 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available in two models (T110 and T130)
− 11.6- inch Widescreen (16:9) High Definition/ 13.3-inch Widescreen (16:9) High Definition, both with HD LED Backlit Display
− Available with Intel Single Core/ Pentium Dual Core processor
− 250GB HDD/ 320GB HDD, both with 2GB RAM
− HDMI out
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (includes recovery partition for Windows 7 Home Premium)
− 1.58kg/ 1.76kg weight

Multimedia Ranges
See Hear and Feel: Satellite U500 Touch: ($1,499 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available with Intel Core2 Duo
− 13.3-inch Widescreen WXGA TrueBrite Display with Touchscreen Control
− 500GB HDD with 4GB RAM
− HDMI-CEC (Regza Link)
− Touchpad with Gesture Control
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium and 64 bit recovery partition
− Professional (includes recovery partition for Windows 7 Home Premium)
− 2.1kg weight

On-The-Go: Satellite M500: ($1,399 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available with Intel Core2 Duo
− 14-inch Widescreen (16:9) HD, TruBrite Display
− 500GB HDD with 4GB RAM
− HDMI-CEC (Regza Link)
− NVIDIA GeForce Graphics
− Touchpad with Gesture Control
− Premium Harman/ Kardon Speakers
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32bit)(includes recovery partition for Windows 7 Home Premium (62bit)

Mobile Workhorse: Satellite U500: ($1,999 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available with Intel Core2 Duo
− 13.3-inch Widescreen WXGA TrueBrite Display 500GB HDD/4GB RAM
− HDMI-CEC (Regza Link)
− Touchpad with Gesture Control
− Finger Print Reader
− LED Backlite kepboard
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (includes recovery media for downgrading to Windows XP professional)
− 2.1kg weight
− Textured Dark Mocha Design

Work, Rest and Play: Satellite A500: ($1,499 RRP Inc. GST and $1,799 Inc. GST)
− Available in two models
− Available with Intel Core2 Duo Processor
− 16.0-inch Widescreen (16:9) HD, TruBrite Display
− 500GB HDD/ 4GB RAM
− HDMI-CEC (Regza Link)
− NVIDIA GeForce Graphics
− Touchpad with Gesture Control
− Premium Harman/ Kardon Speakers
− Integrated Analogue/TV Tuner
− 4 USB Ports (2 x Hi-Speed USB 2.0 + 1 x eSATA/ USB Combo)
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32bit)(includes recovery partition for Windows 7 Home Premium (62bit)
− Resolution +

Multimedia Desktop Replacement: Satellite P500: ($1,999 RRP Inc. GST and $2,299 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available in two models
− Available with Intel Core2 Duo Processor
− 18.4-inch Widescreen (16:9) HD, TruBrite Display
− 500GB HDD/ 4GB RAM or 640GB HDD/ 4GB RAM
− HDMI-CEC (Regza Link)
− NVIDIA GeForce Graphics
− Touchpad with Gesture Control
− Premium Harman/ Kardon Speakers
− Integrated Analogue TV Tuner/Digital
− 4 USB Ports (2 x Hi-Speed USB 2.0 + 1 x eSATA/ USB Combo)
− Finger Print Reader
− LED Backlit keyboard
− DVD SuperMulti Double/Dual Layer Drive or Blu-Ray RW/ DVD SuperMulti Double/ Dual Layer Drive
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32bit)(includes recovery partition for Windows 7 Home Premium (62bit)

Gaming Beast: Qosmio X500: ($2,699 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available with Intel Quad Core Processor
− 18.4-inch Widescreen (16:9) FHD, TruBrite Display 1080P
− 1TB HDD/ 4GB RAM
− HDMI-CEC (Regza Link)
− NVIDIA GeForce Graphics
− Touchpad with Gesture Control
− Premium Harman/ Kardon Speakers
− 4 USB Ports (2 x Hi-Speed USB 2.0 + 1 x eSATA/ USB Combo)
− Finger Print Reader
− Blu-Ray RW/ DVD SuperMulti Double/ Dual Layer Drive
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32bit)(includes recovery partition for Windows 7 Home Premium (64bit)

First Time User Options
Everything You Need: Satellite L500: ($799 RRP Inc. GST and $999 Inc. GST and including a $100 cashback and also $1,099 RRP Inc. GST/no cashback).
− Available in three models
− Available with Intel Celeron Dual-Core/ Intel Pentium Dual-Core/ Intel Core2 Duo Processors
− 15.6-inch Widescreen (16:9) HD TruBrite Display
− 4GB/400GB
− HDMI (high end models only)
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium or Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional

Explore New Places: Satellite L500D: ($899 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available in three models
− Available with AMD Athlon Dual Core/ AMD Turionll Dual Core
− 15.6-inch Widescreen (16:9) HD TruBrite Display
− 400GB HDD/4GB RAM, 500GB/4GB RAM
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Desktop Replacement: Satellite L550: ($1,699 RRP Inc. GST)
− Available with Intel Core2 Duo Processor
− 17.3-inch Widescreen (16:9) HD+ TruBrite Display
− 500GB/4GB RAM
− HDMI
− Available with Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (includes recovery media for downgrading to Windows XP Professional)

Set to launch in mid November this year, MyStar HD will offer about 15 HD channels to subscribers, with content mirroring Foxtel’s own expanded HD offering. With the launch, more SD channels will also be available – again, much like Foxtel.

The box itself will go by the model number T600 (Judgement Day must be getting closer), and is likely to include a 320GB HDD like the iQ2. Inside the box, the number of tuners will remain the same, but be upgraded to HD.

There’s no word on pricing at this stage, but all things considered, it seems like a pretty top-notch piece of kit. Obviously we’ll keep you updated when any of this gets confirmed…

Other uses for Interorbital Systems’ TubeSat Personal Satellite Kit include:

• Earth-from-space video imaging
• Earth magnetic field measurement
• Satellite orientation detection (horizon sensor, gyros, accelerometers, etc.)
• Orbital environment measurements (temperature, pressure, radiation, etc.)
• On-orbit hardware and software component testing (microprocessors, etc.)
• Tracking migratory animals from orbit
• Testing satellite stabilisation methods
• Biological experiments
• On-orbit advertising
• Private e-mail

All of these functions are actually pretty handy for the space geek in all of us and Interorbital Systems does the hard work, including launching your TubeSat using a NEPTUNE 30 vehicle. As part of the kit they also send you all the components you need:

The TubeSat kit includes the satellite’s structural components, safety hardware, solar panels, batteries, power management hardware and software, transceiver, antennas, microcomputer, and the required programming tools. With these components alone, the builder can construct a satellite that puts out enough power to be picked up on the ground by a hand-held HAM radio receiver.

How often do you get a new toy with the batteries already included?

BUT WAIT! There’s more! Purchase the TubeSat for only $US8,000 today and you get the launch for FREE! That’s right, folks! I’m channeling Mr. Mays today because this it is just that good of a deal. A mere 8,000 Washingtons and you can have your own bit of space junk in the air (but don’t worry, it goes into a self-decaying orbit, so it won’t be up there forever). [Interorbital via Space Fellowship via PopSci]

Unfortunately, the crash itself happens just over the line into the dark side of the moon, but you can see its final decent and just how damned close it was to the surface. It’s incredible. It seems like its mere feet above the surface, showing a level of detail never before seen. Amazing. [JAXA via Pink Tentacle]

Police weren’t specifically looking for the farm at the time of the bust, but were using the mapping software for a larger investigation when they serendipitously stumbled upon the farm in question. As a result of Google’s Big Brother technology, the police confiscated 1.2 tons of marijuana, arrested 16 people, and collected $US900,000 in cash and valuables.

That sound you hear? It’s rastas around the world softly crying themselves to sleep (every time a pound of high grade is confiscated, they die). [AP via Breit Bart]

A company spokesperson noted that the decision was made after “assessing the impact of missing the August 2008 release of Windows Media Centre update and considering timing of the next release.” How disappointing. If it is any consolation, DirecTV knows that we want Windows integration and they have expressed a commitment to making it happen. Nah, that doesn’t make me feel better. [Gearlog]

TOSHIBA SATELLITE PRO LAPTOP ENHANCES INTEL CENTRINO 2 PROCESSOR WITH BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
First Satellite Pro With EasyGuard Technology, Docking Capabilities and Business Card Reader

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the expansion of its Satellite Pro family with the Satellite Pro® S300 laptop. This affordable laptop PC with Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology1 is packed with the key essential business features to increase productivity plus Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, built-in docking capabilities and Webcam with business card reader software.

“The Toshiba Satellite Pro S300 laptop delivers the essential feature sets our customers need and more for an improved mobile computing experience at an incredible price point,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “The design of the Satellite Pro S300 laptop is a direct reflection of customer feedback, providing mobile professionals with innovative and reliable computing performance that gives them the freedom to work or explore when they need and want.”

• Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology: Based on the latest 45nm mobile architecture, this new technology provides mobile professionals with higher performance, advanced connectivity3 and long battery life4 while on the go. The Satellite Pro S300 also uses Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD to provide up to three times better graphics performance5.

Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials
• EasyGuard Technology: Available for the first time in the Satellite Pro lineup, Toshiba integrated its fourth-generation EasyGuard Technology. Toshiba’s 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 keyboard6, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Express Port Replicator: Toshiba’s Satellite Pro S300 is the first Satellite Pro laptop with built-in support for 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 Port7: The Satellite Pro S300 features four 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: The Satellite Pro S300 is ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and has achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). The Satellite Pro S300 series is available with a one-year standard limited warranty8, which includes carry-in support at Authorised Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations.

As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible9, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in and recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

TOSHIBA ADDS NEW INTEL CENTRINO 2 WITH vPro TECHNOLOGY TO FLAGSHIP BUSINESS LAPTOPS
Tecra M10, Tecra A10 Provide a Superior Balance of Performance, Mobility and Security for Business and Education Users

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the Tecra® M10 and Tecra® A10 laptops with Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM technology1. These new laptop PCs feature Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, Webcam with business card reader software and common motherboard designs.

“The Toshiba Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 provide the real-world mobile computing features that our business customers need most — in the office or while traveling,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “These new laptops give Toshiba’s customers the clear competitive edge and deliver Toshiba’s mission of creating innovative laptop PCs that improve the productivity and lives of our business customers.”

Toshiba’s Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 include the following leading-edge technologies:
• Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM Technology: This new micro-architecture helps keep mobile workforces, managed and secure. With hardware-assisted remote isolation, diagnostics and repair, IT professionals can manage their mobile workforce wirelessly, even if the system’s operating system is unresponsive.
• EasyGuard Technology: The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 are Toshiba’s first laptops to incorporate Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard technology, including HDD protection, spill-resistant keyboard5, SmartCard reader, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• 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.
• Common Motherboards: To better reduce the cost for customers and simplify the deployment of new laptops, the Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 feature a common motherboard and image, allowing companies to qualify both systems by qualifying one. This value-added feature also helps to lower the cost of service and support.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: With an increased emphasis on data backup and protection, Toshiba incorporated an eSATA port to enable 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.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port6: All Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 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.
• Solid State Drive Option: Toshiba offers a full Build-to-Order configurability on these Tecra series, allowing customers to add a 64 or 128 GB solid-state drive8 for enhanced reliability.
• Green Attributes: The Tecra M10 and A10 are ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and have achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).

The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 series are available with a one- or three-year standard limited warranty9, which includes carry-in support at Authorised Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations. As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible10, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in an
d recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

[Toshiba]

The phone will run on HSDPA, quad-band GSM/EGPRS and satellite networks. Talk time is 1.3 hours on satellite, 3 hours on WCDMA and between 3.5 to 5 hours on GSM. The entire package is expected to be cost competitive with regular mobile phones, Elektrobit promised.

So what’s the catch? The phone is designed to be compatible with the Terrestar satellite network, which hasn’t launched yet and seems to be having some trouble keeping its executive officers. If the network goes up in time, the phone will be brought to market in 2009. Otherwise, it’s just another pretty piece of vapourware. [UberReview]