Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for Toshiba's new notebooks

 

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Posted on 3 Oct 2001 at 17:08

Two new updates to Toshiba's Tecra and PortÚgÚ notebook lines.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support built-in - with antennas embedded in the lid - figure in the new Tecra and PortÚgÚ models. The company sees Bluetooth and 802.11b as complementary standards, rather than rivals, and has accommodated both.

The "high-performance" Tecra 9000 (pictured) is intended to lead users on from the from the previous 8200 model, which will be phased out around March. Targeted at corporate users looking for longer upgrade cycles, Toshiba's selling point for the new Tecra is its "unsurpassed wireless connectivity" built on "longevity and stability".

Indeed, these days Toshiba describes itself as "the mobile technology company" and, at the press event for the launch, the Toshiba Product Marketing Manager challenged journalists to identify any missing wireless communication options. As well as Wireless LAN, Bluetooth and V.90 wireless modem support, there are infrared and i.Link (IEEE 1394, aka FireWire) options.

The Tecra 9000 weighs in at 2.1kg with a 14 inch TFT display and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW multi-function drive. Toshiba claims it has 7.5 hours of battery life.

Toshiba will also be releasing a new "light-weight" notebook option, the PortÚgÚ 4000, which is intended to replace the previous 3400 in the affections of corporate IS managers. Weighing in at 1.7kg, it has ergonomic keyboard features - palm rest space and full size keycaps - and a 12 inch TFT display. Again, the model features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support and has a claimed battery life of 9.5 hours. Its Slim SelectBay is compatible with the larger Tecra models.

Check out the PC Pro Reviews section for a full exclusive review of the 4000.

As well as connectivity issues, Toshiba was highlighting the design and build of the models - a look that will spread across the full Toshiba portable range.

Author: Alun Williams