Over the next couple of weeks we'll see a slew of new laptops, thanks to Intel's new Centrino platform (codenamed Sonoma). IBM and Fujitsu-Siemens have already announced new models, and Toshiba is now jumping on the bandwagon. The Satellite M45 is a relatively well-specified multimedia system, based on an Intel Pentium M processor 730 (1.60GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 533MHz FSB) Intel 915GM Express Chipset, Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g), 512MB of PC2700 DDR333 memory (2048MB maximum), an 80GB (4200rpm) hard disk, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 and a 15.4in. widescreen TFT display (1280x800 pixels). Other features include a 6-in-1 media reader, DVD-SuperMulti drive (DVD recorder), V.92 modem, 10/100Base-TX Ethernet (no Gigabit Ethernet supported), analogue video-out, three USB 2.0 ports, TV-out (S-Video), and a single FireWire port. Toshiba claims the 6-cell (4300mAh) rechargeable Lithium-ion battery should power the system for around 2 hours and 45 minutes. More disappointing is Toshiba's choice of a relatively slow graphics chipset, no option for a 17in. screen, and the lack of built-in Bluetooth.

Pros: Widescreen display; 6-in-1 media reader; packed with software
Cons: Slow GPU; no Gigabit Ethernet or built-in Bluetooth


Edited Release: Offering advanced technology at an affordable price, Toshiba is launching the new Satellite M45 laptop computer series that offer consumers, students, home users and professionals a powerful computing and entertainment experience. The Satellite M45 laptop series is a high-performance wireless device that integrates leading-edge computing technology with digital entertainment in providing consumers the ability to fully enjoy today's digital lifestyle at a competitive price.

The stylishly designed Toshiba Satellite M45 laptop series features a new sleek chassis design with a professional look and feel. Starting at 6.2 pounds, the laptop runs 14.2in. wide, 10.5in. deep, and features a wedge design 1.1 to 1.7in. high. The Satellite M45 15.4in. diagonal wide-aspect panel, with a 1280x800 TruBrite native resolution, provides vivid images for viewing DVD movies in their original wide-screen format and accomplishing productivity tasks. Toshiba's DVD-SuperMulti drive reads and writes to most CD and DVD formats, while the Toshiba Express Media Player enables one button access to CD and DVD playback without booting the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The Toshiba Satellite M45 is equipped with next-generation Intel Centrino Mobile Technology (formerly codenamed Sonoma), featuring the Intel Pentium M processor 730 running at 1.60GHz, 512MB of SDRAM, a 80GB hard drive for the Satellite M45-S331 or 100GB for the M45-S351, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 chipset for powerful multimedia speed and performance, and Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g), giving consumers wireless access to the Internet.

'Toshiba, the worldwide leader in laptop technology, offers consumers an affordable laptop that is powerful enough to meet virtually any computing or digital entertainment need. The Satellite M45 laptop series offers high-quality PC technology and solid performance - enough to handle today's most popular business applications - all at a price point for any budget,' said Taro Hiyama, vice president of marketing for Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems. 'The new Satellite M45 laptop series will strengthen Toshiba's strong line of leading digital entertainment products that allow users to handle the most popular business applications as well as watch DVD movies, play exciting games and arrange and edit photos - all with the benefit of being mobile.'

The Toshiba Satellite M45 also offers IEEE 1394 technology for rapid data transfers, invaluable when working with digital video, photos and music. The built-in Harman/Kardon stereo speakers and SRS virtual surround sound technology offer a premium audio experience while on the go.

An additional convenient feature of the Toshiba Satellite M45 is the bridge media adapter which can be used to quickly and easily move files such as digital photos or music files from a digital camera or MP3 player. The bridge media adapter accepts SecureDigital, Multimedia, MemoryStick, MemoryStick Pro and SmartMedia memory cards for quick transfer of digital files.

Estimated single unit price for the Toshiba M45 Satellite Series is $1499 for the S331 model and $1699 for the S351. The new M45 Series notebook PC is available with one-year or three-year limited warranty options offering free parts and labor and at-home service with Toshiba's premier, global service for the mobile computing user.

Customers can choose from other service options, including carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country for same-day or next-day service, or utilizing any of more than 3,000 UPS Stores for packaging and delivery of the product to a centralised Depot for 24-hour service turnaround.

Toshiba also offers Ask Iris Online, an instant response information service that can alert users to security software patches or provide other information regarding their product from Toshiba engineers and technical support staff.

BIOS, Jan 21, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Laptop