Toshiba has added two new models to its Libretto sub-notebook
line.
Both are based on an 800MHz version of the TM5800 Crusoe processor
from Transmeta, have a 10-inch widescreen TFT screen capable of
1,280 by 600 pixel resolution, 256Mbytes of memory, a 20Gbyte
hard-disk drive, ATI Technologies' Mobility Radeon M graphics
accelerator, an Ethernet port and slot for Toshiba's Secure Digital
(SD) memory card.
The major difference is an internal wireless LAN adapter in the
L5/080 TNKW model and the fact that it runs the Windows XP
Professional operating system. The L5/080 TNKN has no built-in
wireless adapter and runs Windows XP Home Edition.
These are also two of the biggest differences between the new L5
series machines and the previous models, which did not include
wireless support and ran the Windows 2000 or Windows ME operating
systems. The previous model also used a slower 600MHz Crusoe
processor.
The new Libretto models have a battery life of 4.5 hours.
Toshiba's launch comes a week after Sony announced its new Vaio C1
and Vaio U1 sub-notebook computers. The Vaio C1 comes closest to
the Libretto in terms of looks but runs a slightly faster 867MHz
version of the same Crusoe processor and has a smaller 8.9 -inch
widescreen LCD that manages the same resolution.
The Vaio U1 is a class smaller, based on the 867MHz processor but
fitted out with a 6.4-inch LCD. When Sony launched the computer the
company claimed it was the smallest Windows XP machine on the
market - something that the new Libretto does not change. While the
Sony machine may win on size and weight, road warriors will
appreciate the Toshiba's larger keyboard.
The new machines will go on sale in Japan on Friday and the
wireless model will sell for around ¥170,000 (£908) while the
non-wireless model will cost around ¥140,000 (£748). A day later,
Sony will put its Vaio C1 and U1 models on sale at ¥230,000
(£1,229) and ¥150,000 (£801) respectively.
Toshiba has no plans to sell its Libretto range overseas at
present.