Toshiba Expands Its Tecra 8100 Series, Giving Customers More Choices With 700MHz Processors - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, May 1, 2000

The Computer Systems Group (CSG) of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS) enhances the Tecra 8100 series' Build-to-Order (BTO) options with the new 700MHz Intel Mobile PENTIUM III with SpeedStep technology.

With the Tecra 8100 series, corporate customers continue to enjoy the platform's award-winning investment protection, manageability and long product life cycles, while experiencing the unprecedented performance of Pentium III processors with SpeedStep technology.

Target Customers The Tecra 8100 series is ideal for medium- to large-sized corporate customers who require a stable, scaleable solution that allows them to support multiple configurations throughout the enterprise with a consistent software image, accessories and spare parts.

Scaleable Design and Configuration Flexibility Address Wide Range of Customer Needs The sleek Tecra 8100 series leverages its predecessor's award-winning design to deliver platform stability and a long product life cycle. By incorporating a single motherboard, single chassis design, it enables lower TCO through reduced qualification time, minimal personnel and help desk training, and standardized, interchangeable parts.

With the addition of Mobile Pentium III 700MHz processors with Intel SpeedStep technology, Toshiba customers now have the freedom to choose from 17,280 possible configurations and build the system that best meets their specific needs.

Optimized for top performance and enhanced power efficiency, the processor architecture automatically reduces power consumption when the battery is in use, resulting in increased computing time. Further accelerating application speed, the Tecra 8100 series features high-speed PC100 memory, expandable to 512MB.

Delivering an amazing multimedia experience, the Tecra 8100 series combines desktop equivalent graphics and brilliant 13.3-inch or 14.1-inch TFT displays with 6X DVD-ROM (max speed). Graphics and 3-D performance for enhanced imaging, financial modeling and CAD/CAM design are powered by the mobile S3 Savage/MX 3-D graphics accelerator.

Measuring a mere 1.4 inches thin, it is configurable from 5.4 pounds for lightweight traveling, giving users the freedom to work at the office, on the road, or at home.

Flexible, Configurable Expansion and Docking Solutions Providing maximum flexibility and investment protection, the Tecra 8100 series offers expansion capabilities to leverage the notebook's full potential. The NetDock port replicator ($299) provides one-touch port replication, cable management, and built-in Ethernet. For customers needing complete desktop capabilities, the Expansion Station docking base can be added for $399.

Because the two pieces work together, customers have the freedom to purchase the NetDock port replicator and later add the Expansion Station if needed without losing their initial investment. To save valuable desktop real estate for users in space-constrained environments, the Expansion Station's modular design allows it to be deployed under the desk.

Also available is an optional slimline Monitor Stand ($79) designed to support external CRT monitors up to 21 inches (77lbs.).

For customers looking for a port replication solution with PC Card network capabilities, Toshiba offers the CardDock Port Replicator ($329). The CardDock Port Replicator includes one Type III PC Card slot, USB and a full array of expansion ports for easy connection to monitors, keyboards and printers.

Pricing and Availability The Tecra 8100 series will be available with 700MHz processors in May through Toshiba's traditional distribution channels, VARs and mail order partners. The estimated single unit street price (ESUP) of this recommended configuration will be $3,999

Customized Service and Support Offerings Toshiba offers comprehensive service and support programs to enhance customers' computing experiences. All Tecra Series notebooks come with a three-year parts and labor standard warranty including Toshiba's Notebook Depot repair program in which a notebook is shipped to Toshiba's depot, repaired and returned anywhere in the United States within 48 hours (service Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m.).

Warranty service also includes the option of carry-in service to one of Toshiba's highly-qualified Authorized Service Partners, located in every major metropolitan area in the United States. In addition, all portable computer customers receive telephone technical support through Toshiba's InTouch Center, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Online support, available at www.toshiba.com, offers immediate solutions to technical questions via "Ask IRIS", numerous downloads and support bulletins, as well as CompuServe's Online Forum. Toshiba's SelectServ Service Programs also offer customers an array of warranty extensions and service upgrades, including the popular SystemGuard, Toshiba's accidental damage protection coverage.

Toshiba continues to be the world's leading vendor for portable computers with 16.5 percent market share worldwide in 1999, according to International Data Corp. The company offers portable, desktop and server computing solutions for business customers under the Toshiba brand name. For more information, call 800/TOSHIBA or visit the company's Web site at www.computers.toshiba.com. Dealer referrals and brochures are located at www.buy.toshiba.com.