Toshiba is ready to release their newest dynabook, the "dynabook SS S30" in early September. It features a 12.1" widescreen display and single spindle (e.g. no optical drive). It's one of Toshiba's smaller dynabooks, measuring 283 x 196.6 x 26.9 ~ 35.5mm. Some other nice features of the SS S30 include a "Water Block Construction" that prevents water that may have spilled on the keyboard from reaching the unit's internal components, lock feature (like the one on your portable audio player to prevent accidental keypresses), fingerprint security, and a presentation button for changing to external output with a preset resolution.

Two models will be available: the "lightweight and long battery life" model with a 1280 x 800 dot screen, Core Solo U1300 (1.06GHz) processor, Intel 945GM Express chipset, 512MB of memory, and 30GB/4200rpm hard drive, and the "high speed hard drive model" that knocks the hard drive up to 40GB/5400rpm. Each model is equipped with three USB 2.0 ports, a Type2 PC card slot, SD card slot, IEEE 802.11a/b/g LNA, Gigabit Ethernet, a modem, and mini D-Sub15 pin. The battery on the "long battery life" model lasts roughly 9 hours, and on the fast hard drive model about 7.7 hours.



Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/0824/toshiba.htm

Press Release:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2006_08/pr_j2402.htm

Toshiba's new line of SD cards support the latest "SD Speed Class" specification from the SD Card Association, which guarantee minimum speeds by allowing host devices to check and read the cards tht are inserted in their SD slots. At the top is the "Ultra High Speed Series" sustaining 20MB/sec available in 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB capacities, and "High Speed Series" available in the same capacities guarantees transfer rates of 5MB/sec.

There are three classes in the SD Speed Class: Class 2 guaranteeing over 2MB/sec, Class 4 at 4MB/sec, and Class 6 at 6MB/sec. Toshiba's new cards fall into Class 6 and Class 4, and are compatible with existing SD card-supporting devices in addition to SDHC devies.



Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/0824/toshiba2.htm

Press Release:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2006_08/pr_j2401.htm

Two new "gigashot" digital video cameras from Toshiba. The R30 has a 30GB capacity, and the R60 a 60Gb capacity.

Toshiba has introduced flash memory models of their respected gigabeat audio players. 512MB and 1GB versions are available. Yay?

We're not really sure what connection Toshiba has to King Kong, but they did announce a new "King Kong" version of their "gigabeat X20" player (which is itself just a 20GB model of the X30).

If you don't think LCDs are thin enough already, you'll be pleased to know Toshiba Matsushita Display Technologies has introduced an 11.1 inch display that's a mere 2.75mm (0.10 inches) thick. Let's hope it has a titanium backing, since those dimensions just scream brittle.

Here's a nice looking new audio player from Toshiba, called the X30. It features a 30GB hard drive and the same nice looking screen as the company put o­n their F series of players. Yet it's 20% smaller.

Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology has created a neat little (3.5") display that features direct pen input via an optical pen. It's similar to a touchscreen, but isn't actually a touchscreen. If that makes sense.

Toshiba has announced they have successfully developed portable audio players that can be powered by fuel cells, and are beginning further experiments.

The company showed fuel cells last summer (our coverage here), and the concept designs show what looks to be an F60. Of course, they're just concept designs -- I'd personally like to see completely new units from Toshiba, rather than just a modified version of their already pricey F series players. Details inside.

No sign of any actual products yet, but Toshiba and Microsoft had a pretty big announcement today regarding joint development efforts between the two companies. They're apparently working towards incorporating Windows CE in HD DVD players (which in all honesty, will probably just be modified version of Microsoft's XBox 360 software) and that they "plan to strengthen their collaboration on iHD, the DVD Forum’s latest interactivity format." Whatever that means.

Either way, we already know that Microsoft will be supporting HD DVD on Longhorn, which I don't think is due until 2007. Given both Blu-Ray and HD DVD products are supposed to be hitting the market by the end of this year, it seems both organizations will need to work towards getting their technologies supported under Windows XP.

I'm sure Toshiba has made a special effort to try and convince Microsoft to not support Blu-Ray in Longhorn, but frankly, I doubt Microsoft would want to limit the capabilities of "the biggest Windows since 95" (Ballmer said this, IIRC). It will be interesting to see what role Microsoft has to play in the HD DVD vs Blu-Ray war due to their involvement on both the hardware (Xbox 360) and software (Longhorn) ends of things.

Microsoft's official press release on the announcement is right here, in English, so I needn't be bothered translating it.