Toshiba Introduces World's First Notebooks With Integrated Wi-Fi -802.11b- and Bluetooth Wireless Technologies

New Tecra and Portege Notebooks Offer Corporate Customers Superior Wireless Connectivity, Secure Digital Media Slot and Common Components

The Computer Systems Group (CSG) of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS) is leading the wireless movement by offering the world's first integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) and Bluetooth(TM) wireless technologies in its new Tecra(R) 9000 Series and Portege(R) 4000 Series notebook PCs.

Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas are embedded directly into the lid of the notebook for optimal signal strength, leaving no need for a PC Card. Today, users can achieve a 128-bit encrypted, secure wireless connection to their local area networks using integrated Cisco Aironet 350 Series or Agere Wi-Fi technology, to access e-mail and enjoy team computing.

Bluetooth connections allow wireless file sharing, instant messaging and data transfer between other Bluetooth-enabled devices offering business customers the latest in wireless communication. Both notebooks are not only technologically advanced, but their unique style, silver casing and industrial design are sure to turn the heads of any professional.

"The new Tecra and Portege notebooks are the hub of communication for the end user's wireless world," says Steve Andler, vice president of marketing, Toshiba CSG. "Toshiba designed these products to deliver break-through technology, style, functionality and ideal ergonomics for the highly mobile executive."

Secure Digital Media Slot an Industry First

Toshiba's Tecra 9000 Series and Portege 4000 Series are the first corporate notebooks to incorporate a Secure Digital (SD) Media slot which allows the units to accommodate a Toshiba SD Memory Card.

Designed for use in wireless and portable communications devices including personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, handheld PCs, digital still and video cameras, MP3 players, car navigation systems, and electronic books, the 128MB SD Memory Card stores up to four hours of music or 40 minutes of video.

SD Media is a revolutionary, universal flash memory storage that includes key enhancements over existing flash cards such as cryptographic security, protection of copyrighted data, high data transfer rate for fast copy/download, and high storage capacity. Toshiba is a founding member of the Secure Digital Media Association that defined the SD Media Card specification.

New Tecra Series Improves Upon Award-Winning History

Toshiba's lightweight Tecra 9000 Series weighs in at 5.3 pounds, with a 14-inch TFT display, full-size keyboard, and DVD installed in a new Slim SelectBay(R) modular bay draped in a durable, silver magnesium casing.

The Slim SelectBay can accommodate one of six Toshiba-manufactured devices, including a second battery, second hard drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW multi-function drive, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM and CD-R/RW, offering the ultimate in multi-media functionality and back-up storage options. This wide variety of options offers customers flexibility without adding the extra weight of a third spindle.

The unit also provides integrated 10/100 Ethernet for a quick network and Internet connection, an integrated i.Link(R) (IEEE 1394) port for ultra-fast data transfer from more than 125 multimedia products and fast IR.

Since 1998, the award-winning Tecra series of notebooks, has attracted IT managers with its stable platform, consistent image and long product life cycles lasting up to 18 months, lowering overall total cost of ownership (TCO).

Portege 4000 Series Offers Second Spindle for Additional Functionality

Weighing a slight 4.4 pounds, the thin and light Portege 4000 Series offers a second spindle for convenience and added functionality. Highly mobile professionals will appreciate the flexibility of its new Slim SelectBay (devices are compatible with the Tecra 9000 Series), full-sized keycaps and vivid 12-inch poly-silicon TFT display.

The Portege 4000 Series offers highly mobile users the comfort of a lightweight notebook, without carrying the extra weight of additional components for capabilities such as DVD-playback, software loading, larger HDD capacity and longer battery life.

Common Components Reduce Qualification Time and Further Lower TCO

Toshiba is building on its reputation for reducing TCO by incorporating common components, accessories and docking solutions for both the Tecra 9000 and Portege 4000 Series. With common components such as memory, battery, Slim SelectBay options, wireless components, hard drive and SD Memory slot, IT managers reduce the qualification time that would be required for differing components.

And, since all of these accessories are compatible, IT managers will be able to standardize hardware throughout their corporate enterprise, simplify product procurement and reduce support and inventory costs.

New Docking Station Completes the Package

With an estimated street price of $199, the all new Advanced Port Replicator is compatible with both the Tecra 9000 Series and Portege 4000 Series. This one-touch docking solution comes with all standard legacy ports, providing customers with complete desktop-replacement capabilities.

It features a DVI (Digital Video Interface) port, a digital connector for new digital monitors and projectors that allows for improved monitor and display performance. Additionally, the docking solution includes an i.Link (IEEE 1394) port, giving users the experience of ultra-fast data transfer from multimedia products such as digital cameras (both still and video) and scanners.

Toshiba Asset Services Management and Data Migration Services Reduce IT Workload and Lower Costs

Tecra and Portege users can also take advantage of Asset Services Management(TM) and Data Migration Services. Toshiba Data Migration Services give businesses an easy, secure and efficient way to manage their processor-based technology assets while minimizing IT spending. This subscription-based offering enables organizations to track, identify, monitor and manage information technology assets.

Through the use of the Internet, Toshiba Asset Services Management can monitor an organization's IT assets by identifying its physical location, hardware and software configuration, suites, platform, language, license compliance status and device "health."

Toshiba Data Migration Services is aimed to more effectively utilize IT staff workload, enhance end-user satisfaction and reduce costs related to data migration to new operating systems, new PCs and other existing PCs. Utilizing Desktop DNA(TM), Toshiba Data Migration Services provides a fast and cost-effective way to migrate system settings, application settings and data.

Customized Service and Support Offerings

The Tecra 9000 Series notebook comes with a three-year parts and labor standard warranty and the Portege 4000 Series comes with a one-year parts and labor standard warranty. Both notebook warranties include Toshiba's Notebook Depot repair program.

Through this program, a notebook is shipped to Toshiba's depot, repaired and returned anywhere in the United States within 48 hours after receipt at the depot (service Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Warranty service also includes the option of carry-in service to one of Toshiba's Authorized Service Partners, located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

In addition, all portable computer customers receive telephone technical support through Toshiba's InTouch Center(R), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Online support, available at www.toshiba.com, offers immediate solutions to technical questions via Ask IRIS(TM), numerous downloads and support bulletins. Toshiba's SelectServ(SM) Service Programs also offer customers an array of warranty extensions and service upgrades, including on-site service and the popular SystemGuard(R), Toshiba's accidental damage protection coverage.


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