Computer maker Toshiba has taken the wraps off two new Tecra and one new Portégé notebook computer, and while these relatively staid models are usually aimed at business customers, Toshiba is making versions for consumers too—and in both cases the emphasis is on portability and performance. Toshiba says the new systems are the thinnest they’ve ever made, but they don’t skimp on features or horsepower.
“Our new business laptops build on the success of our award-winning Portégé R700 ultraportable laptop, providing professionals what they need and want—the performance needed to handle demanding business tasks in lightweight and durable designs,” said Toshiba America VP of product development Carl Pinto, in a statement.
The new systems are all available in a variety of configurations, featuring second-generation Intel Core processors (aka Sandy Bridge), optional AMD Radeon discrete graphics with 1 GB of video memory if Intel’s integrated graphics won’t be enough. Toshiba will offer a choice of 128 GB SSD or high-speed 7,200 rpm hard drives for storage, and all the systems will feature USB 3.0 connectivity, a combined eSATA/USB port, DisplayPort or HDMI output, an ExpressCard slot, plus 802.11a/g/n and Bluetooth wireless networking, gigabit Ethernet, and support for Intel Wireless Display technology.
First up, Toshiba claims the new Portégé R830 is the world’s lightest 13.3-inch ultraportable notebook with an integrated DVD drive: it weighs just 3.1 pounds, and measures roughly one inch thick. The R830 will be available with Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. Standard pricing ranges from $888.99 to $1,649.00 depending on configuration.
The new Tecra R840 and Tecra R850 step up to 14- and 15.6-inch screen sizes respectively, and feature Toshiba’s fiberglass-reinforced casing with a honeycomb rib structure: the R840 is roughly 25 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter than its predecessor, but still packs a choice of Core i3, i5, and i7 processors along with a battery life of up to 11 hours. Pricing ranges from 899 to $1,429. The R850 gets that bigger screen and uses a bit more tabletop space, but users get a ten-key numeric keypad, a choice of Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, and battery life of up to seven hours when used with an SSD. Prices start at $879 and range through $1,399.
All three models should be available today; Toshiba is also offering a consumer variant on the Portégé R830 ultraportable, dubbed the R835, with a magnesium blue cover, a Core i3 or i5 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a 640 GB hard drive—but lacking the ExpressCard slot or docking capability. Pricing on the Portégé R835 will start at $888.99.
