Toshiba Launches Satellites to Core 2 Duo

Toshiba's new Satellite U205 and M115 laptops offer Core 2 Duo processors, oodles of storage, and attractive price tags.

Toshiba has rolled out two new additions to its Satellite line of notebook computers, the M115 with a 14.1-inch widescreen display, and the ultraportable U205 with a 12.1-inch display and a total weight of just 4.1 pounds.

The M115 Satellite notebook weighs just over 5 pounds, and features a 14.1-inch widescreen (1,280 by 800 pixel) LCD display, a 1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and 2 GB of RAM—all in an Onyx Blue metallic case. Also on board: a dual-layer DVD writer, 12 GB 5,400 rpm hard disk, fingerprint reader, integrated Harman/Kardan stereo speakers, four USB 2.0 ports, four-pin FireWire, 100Base-T Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, 5-in-1 media card reader, PCMCIA Slot, and an Express Media Player which lets users play CDs and DVDs without starting up into Windows. The downside: Intel’s 945GM integrated graphics, so this may not be your dream gaming system. But still: the M115’s start with an suggested price of $1,299.99, and Toshiba is selling configs at $100 less after rebates. Units are available now with either Windows XP Home or Media Center.

The U205 Satellite ultraportable offers either the T5200 or T7200 Core 2 Duo processors running at 1.6 or 2 GHz, respectively, running either Windows XP Pro or Media Center Edition. The U205’s sport a WXGA (1,280 by 800) 12.1-inch LCD display, a dual-layer DVD writer, a 100 GB 5,400 hard drive, a standard 1 GB of RAM (2 GB max), 5-in-1 media card reader, 3 USB 2.0 ports, one four-pint FireWire port, 802.11/a/b/g Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RGB video out, and the Toshiba Express Media Player for firing up CDs or DVDs without starting Windows. The u205 is just 1.34 inches thick and weighs just 4.1 pounds, but includes shock-absorbing technologies, a spill-resistant keyboard, and a biometric fingerprint reader. Again, just Intel’s Graphics Media Accelerator 950, but with an MSRP of $1,299.99, it may appeal to business road warriors. The U205 is available now.