Toshiba introduces the world’s lightest and thinnest notebook

 

Toshiba (Australia) Pty Limited Information Systems Division (ISD) this week launched its flagship Portégé R500 notebook computer, delivering a world first in portability and power. The Portégé R500 embodies technological innovation, featuring several world firsts ? it is the lightest and thinnest notebook with a 7 mm optical disk drive, it has the longest lasting battery life and is the first notebook to use transreflective LED backlight technology for enhanced screen visibility.

Portability

The Portégé R500 is the world?s lightest and thinnest 12.1-inch notebook computer, weighing less than 999 grams  and measuring 19.5 mm thin. Even at these dimensions, it includes a 7mm DVD Super Multi drive and standard 6-cell Lithium Ion battery. The Portégé R500 is also the world?s first notebook to leverage a Solid State Drive (SSD) in place of a mechanical hard drive with 64GB of storage. SSD is a storage device that utilises NAND flash memory instead of magnetic media in order to offer a number of benefits over standard mechanical hard drives, including:

  • No mechanical parts – this makes SSD is much more reliable and able to withstand temperatures, vibrations and shocks more effectively.
  • No latency times to seek or access the drive – this provides significant performance enhancements for boot up and accessing of files.
  • Minimal power – with no moving parts SSD is much more power efficient adding to better battery life of the Portégé R500.
  • Less heat – no moving parts means less heat generated and less noise.
    Better Windows Vista? experience – faster boot up and read/write speeds improves the user experience of Windows Vista.

The secret to the Portégé R500?s ultra light and slim design lies in Toshiba?s proprietary High Density Mounting Technology. With this process, Toshiba engineers have been able to shrink the size of the notebook?s motherboard by 35 per cent, innovate a super-thin LCD screen and 7 mm DVD SuperMulti drive, and reduce the weight of the notebook hinges. This process allows key technologies to be included in the Portégé R500 without adding additional weight.

Battery life

The Portégé R500 has the world?s longest battery life, providing more than 12.5 hours  of power for enhanced productivity through an entire work day or international flight. Engineered with the latest Intel® Core?2 Duo ULV processor, power saving thermal design and a highly energy efficient LED Backlit display, the Portégé R500 delivers the best battery life available in a notebook computer. Designed for road warriors and globe trotting executives, this long lasting battery will provide more computing flexibility and confidence whilst on the go.

Display

The Portégé R500 is the world?s first notebook to integrate a transreflective LED backlit display for enhanced screen visibility indoors and outdoors. This new screen technology enables users to clearly see their notebook screen, even under direct sunlight. Whilst outdoors, users simply turn off the Portégé R500?s LED backlight and use the natural light of their environment to light the notebook screen. This off feature also preserves battery life whilst on the go. With adaptable screen technology, the Portégé R500?s screen is visible without glare in any environment.

Ruggedness

The Portégé R500 features enhanced ruggedisation to withstand everyday drops, knocks and spills. Toshiba was the first manufacturer to adopt magnesium alloy casing, and has continued to innovate robust casing technology that is durable, yet lightweight and stylish in design. The Portégé R500?s display is mounted on a ?floating? mechanism to provide better shock absorption and flexibility. In addition, the Portégé R500 went through a series of tests, including a 75 cm drop test and liquid submergence test to confirm its strength and durability. As always, Toshiba?s business notebook range incorporates Toshiba?s EasyGuard technology, which features advanced security, system protection and connectivity.

With leading innovation, comes leading style. Toshiba?s Portégé R500 features a silver high gloss casing and an enlarged Toshiba logo for fashionable portability.

The Portégé R500 comes with a three year international parts and labour warranty, including complimentary courier pick-up and return service (Australia and New Zealand).

Pricing and availability

The Portégé R500 is available in two models with a recommended retail price of $3,300 or $4,125 including GST.

Source: Toshiba (Australia) Pty Limited