Toshiba unveils multitouch Satellite U500
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By Tim Danton
Posted on 10 Feb 2010 at 12:33
Toshiba has announced a raft of new laptops at its annual press summit, including an update to its Satellite range - the U500-1EX.
Its 13.3in screen is multitouch enabled, and Toshiba is backing it up with a good-looking spec. Top of the list is Intel's Core i3-330 processor, which is complemented by 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard disk.
Other features are more predictable: a DVD writer, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Windows 7 Home Premium (complete with the Microsoft Touch Pack, which adds features based on Microsoft Surface).
The U500-1EX weighs just over 2kg and will sell for £649 inc VAT.
Business laptops
Toshiba also announced the Satellite Pro S500, a 15.6in Windows 7 Professional laptop aimed at small-to-medium businesses.
As with the Satellite U500-1EX, it will be based on Intel's Core i3 range of mobile processors, and the model selling for £499 inc VAT will include 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard disk.
Business-friendly features include support for 802.11a Wi-Fi along with 802.11g and 802.11n, plus the option to downgrade to Windows XP Professional.
Toshiba's final two laptops announced today are aimed at larger businesses: the Tecra A11 and Tecra M11. The Tecra M11 is the smaller of the two, with a 14in screen, while the A11 ups the ante with a 15.6in display.
Both Tecra models will be powered by Core i3, i5 and i7 processors with Windows 7 Professional 32-bit Toshiba's preferred operating system, though, as with the Satellite Pro S500, Windows XP Professional will also be supported.
The Tecra A11 is available now, the Tecra M11 next month.
PC Pro hopes to have a hands-on look at the most interesting new laptops later today.
From around the web
Wrong format
I can understand how useful a Touchscreen is on a desktop monitor, and how liberating it is on a Tablet. But on a laptop? Crazy idea. The keyboard just gets in your way, pushing the screen further away than it needs to be, and you have to stab the screen because it isn't flat, but upright and that's hardly ergonomic.
If you have the laptop on your lap, pushing the screen may actually cause it to fall off more easily as well.
By SwissMac on 10 Feb 2010 
We currently use the Tecra A10 line, which aren't bad. I'll be interested to see what the A11 line brings.
By big_D on 10 Feb 2010
I like it
I have a multi-touch laptop and love it. I often find myself using other peoples laptops and poking the quick-launch icons to load programs.
It's usefull with things like Google maps, and Microsoft surface globe etc
By JStairmand on 10 Feb 2010
I use google maps probably once/ twice a week with a mouse, works really well.
By a_byrne22 on 10 Feb 2010
I would hate to use multi-touch on a big monitor - it would mean having to sit right up next to it, arch my back and scratch at a screen - easier with a mouse - I'd say.
However with a tablet or laptop its just fine.
By nicomo on 10 Feb 2010
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