Toshiba announced updates to its Satellite P, C, S, and L series of consumer notebooks with lots of Haswell goodness. The series is now equipped with Intel’s fourth-generation Core processors and range in size from 14 inches to 17.3 inches. Several different configurations are available for each line, but let’s break it down to the most noteworthy features and the specs available in a completely tricked-out configuration.
Satellite P Series
First up, Toshiba’s sent its P series laptops to the gym and they’ve returned 25 percent slimmer. Toshiba’s refined look of the P series, called Skyline, includes an edge-to-edge glass LCD display, and a backlit keyboard. The line’s slimmer profile is available with or without a touchscreen in the 15.6-inch model, but the 17.3-inch configuration is touchscreen-free. Speaking of displays, both sizes feature 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution paired with Harman Kardon speakers and DTS Studio Sound. Toshiba even thought ahead with HDMI ports that are capable of outputting 4K Ultra HD to your 4K (3840 x 1260) TV.
Powering that display is an Intel Haswell processor of your choice plus an optional Nvidia GeForce GT 740M discrete graphics card with 2GB of video memory and Optimus automatic switching technology. If you want to go all out with a Toshiba P series, you’ll get a 1TB hard drive, 32GB of RAM and a generous port selection that includes Toshiba’s Sleep & Music USB port, and Sleep & Charge USB 3.0 port. The Toshiba P series will be available starting June 9 exclusively at Best Buy stores and at BestBuy.com starting at $800.
Satellite S Series
Toshiba’s Satellite S series is getting a powerboost, too, thanks to new configurations featuring Intel’s fourth generation of Core processors and available Nvidia GeForce GT 740M discrete graphics with 2GB of video memory. A fully loaded configuration of the Satellite S series will also include a 1TB hard drive and 16GB of RAM.
The S series is available with a 14-inch, 15.6-inch, or 17.3-inch display with both touchscreen and non-touchscreen configurations and optional backlit keyboard. Though we wish all of the models had a full HD resolution option, a 1920 x 1080 resolution is only available on the 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch models. However, Toshiba still includes sweet sounding Harman Kardon speakers with DTS Studio Sound, so your movies and games will sound great (you’ll especially appreciate that if you add-on the internal Blu-ray drive). Along the edges of the S series, you’ll find an array or ports including USB 3.0, HDMI, and a Sleep & Charge USB port.
If you’re looking for an Ultrabook but can’t exactly afford Ultrabook prices, the S series is approaching Ultrabook status (but doesn’t quite meet all the requirements). The S series will start at $700 and will be available soon at major retailers, online, and at ToshibaDirect.com.
C Series
Though Toshiba put out a top-of-the line notebook a few weeks ago (the $2,000 Kirabook), it’s not one to forget about the little guys, and sometimes we just need a $400 laptop for basic Web and office use. That’s where Toshiba’s updated C series comes in. The company improved the keyboard from its previous iteration (now it uses five different rivets and a flat-style keyboard). Available in 15- or 17-3-inch models, the C series offers touch as an option (about an extra $100).
You won’t be seeing Haswell on these puppies, though. Instead, you’ll start with a Pentium processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 500 HDD. You can always upgrade (a bit) to a Core i3 and AMD A4 or A6 processors, and up to 750GB of storage. Depending on your configuration, this laptop will give you about 3.5 to 5 hours of battery life, so don’t forget your charger. The C Series will be available towards the end of the month.
L Series
With the L series, you get the same options as you do with the C series. However, the L series is a step up and gives you a raised tile keyboard, chambered speakers, and multiple USB 3.0 ports. It also has a larger trackpad than the C series does. Toshiba offers the L in i3 to i7 configurations with 500GB to 1TB of storage. No discrete graphics offered in this entry-level notebook, but for a starting price of $600, what do you expect? Toshiba told us that the L series uses a U processor, which gives it a thinner chassis than its predecessors.
The L series is definitely your “everyday PC,” and we can guarantee you’ll see it offered as a doorbuster during the holidays. The L series will be available at the end of the month.
