Toshiba Introduces HD DVD Notebook And Tablet PC At CES
By Doug Olenick -- TWICE, 1/16/2006
LAS VEGAS — Toshiba introduced a revamped high-end Qosmio notebook and prosumer Tablet PC powered by Intel's new Centrino Duo processor at International CES.
In addition to the new processor, Qosmio will have an HD DVD drive option when it ships in March, said Toshiba's Chris Casper, group manager product marketing. Pricing is not set, but Casper expects the notebook cost to fall into the $3,000 range.
Other additions include better screen resolution, 1,080p, Dolby Home Theater, an HDMI output and higher-wattage Harmon Kardon speakers.
Toshiba's new Portege M400 Tablet PC, shipping in the second quarter, features several upgrades over the current M200 that it is replacing in the market. It incorporates the Centrino Duo processor and an optical drive slot that can handle a DVD drive. The unit has a 14-inch 4:3 aspect ratio display and weighs 4.5 pounds. While Portege-branded products are usually targeted at businesses, the M400 will sell at retail alongside Toshiba's Satellite line of Tablet PCs. A $2,000 suggested retail price is expected at shipment.
As a concept product Toshiba displayed the direct methanol fuel-cell powered Portege M300 notebook. This fuel-cell system uses concentrated methanol that is mixed with water to produce enough energy to power the notebook for a full day without recharging, the company said. The fuel-cell M300 is not slated for production at this time.
