A second notebook...of note from Toshiba today is the "libretto U100." With outrageously small dimensions, the U100 follows the tradition set forth by previous Libretto machines, though it is certainly updated for modern specifications. This is the first update to the Libretto line in about 3 years.

Toshiba Corporation will release the "libretto U100" single-spindle notebook PC with a Pentium M CPU in late April. It contains the Windows XP Home Edition (SP2) OS.

All models of the new machine are Open Price. Estimates indicate that the model including the "Libretto DVD Dock" and Office Personal Edition 2003 will cost around 240,000 yen, and the model without around 190,000 yen. Both are available in "Eternal Blue" and "Purity Snow White" casings, making a total of four models.

This is a mobile notebook with a weight of under 1kg and A5 size. The body size is 210 x 165 x 29.8 ~ 33.4mm (W x D x H), and it weighs about 999g; with the DVD dock, it weighs about 1499g.

The Libretto U100 uses the same "Low Loss Substrate" and "Stackbia Construction" as employed o­n the dynabook SS SX.

In addition to providing a DVD Super Multi Drive, the Libretto DVD Dock provides a function called "Quick Play" that allows CDs and DVDs to be played without starting Windows. Quick Play uses high quality image features such as "Deblocking Processing" for reduing noise blocks and "I/P Conversion" for converting interlaced images to progressive.

Also provided is "Auto Gain Control" to help with gain o­n outgoing audio signals, "Headphone Support SRS Function" for 3D virtual surround, fingerprint security, and HDD protection.

Besides including a DVD Dock or not, the specifications o­n the models are the same -- the low power consumption Pentium M 733 (1.10GHz), 256MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM, Intel 855GME chipset (onboard video), and 60GB hard drive. A 7.2" "Clear SuperView" LCD is also provided, with a resolution of 1280 x 768.

Available interfaces are USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, Bluetooth (Ver 2.0), IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN, mini RGB x 1 (mini D-Sub 15 pin conversion cable included), IEEE 1394 (4-pin) x 1, Type2 PC Card slot, and SD card slot. The lithium ion battery will power the unit for roughly 5.3 hours.

The white top model without a DVD Dock will o­nly be available o­nline.



Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2005/0420/toshiba1.htm

News Release:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2005_04/pr_j2001.htm

Product Information:
http://dynabook.com/pc/catalog/libretto/050420u1/