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Subject: IP: libretto 50 announced -- I WON!!!!
(TOSHIBA-AMERICA-4) Toshiba creates new portable computing category
with 1.85-pound Windows 95 mini-notebook, the Libretto 50CT
Business Editors & High-Tech Writers
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 1997--The Computer Systems
Division of Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS), always at
the forefront of portable computing innovation, has redefined the
size and weight of the full function mobile computing platform at
Comdex/Spring '97 in Atlanta with the unveiling of its new Libretto
50CT. At an astounding 1.85 pounds and the size of a travel
wallet, the Libretto 50CT defines a new computing category -- the
mini-notebook. The Libretto 50CT is America's first notebook
weighing less than two pounds yet delivering the features and
functionality of a personal computer: Microsoft Windows 95
compatibility, generous storage capacity and enough horsepower to
run off-the-shelf computer applications.
"Our customers asked for an extremely light-weight companion
product, but with full Windows 95 support, faster processors,
higher- quality displays and more storage," said Jeffrey
Friederichs, vice president of worldwide marketing for Toshiba's
Computer Systems Group and the Computer Systems Division of TAIS.
"The Libretto 50CT, with its 75MHz Pentium processor, 810MB hard
drive, TFT color screen, Windows 95 operating system compatibility
and less-than-two-pound weight, meets those needs and underscores
Toshiba's ability to deliver first-of-a-kind, tailored mobile
computing solutions to our customers."
The Ideal Companion
The Libretto 50CT is ideal for executives who need PC
technology to stay connected to the office and other information
resources. Unlike a PDA or other Windows CE devices capable of
running "defeatured" application software, the Libretto 50CT
offers full Windows 95 capabilities and runs standard business and
communications applications without the restriction of limited or
proprietary operating systems, application software or peripherals.
It allows the corporate executive to send and receive e-mail and
faxes, access the Internet, reference and edit data while away from
the office, and utilize the same software used throughout their
organization reducing support costs.
"The scalable product family of Microsoft Windows is getting a
big boost from Toshiba with introduction of the Libretto," said
Rich Tong, vice president at Microsoft. "The Libretto gives
Toshiba's customers the power, flexibility and mobility of the
world's leading operating system in a package that is attractive to
today's busy professionals."
"The Libretto 50CT is intended to be a secondary machine. We
envision most Libretto 50CT customers will already have a desktop
or notebook system which acts as a primary computing device; the
Libretto 50CT will serve as a communications and information
management tool for them when off-site," stated Friederichs of the
Computer Systems Group of Toshiba. "The Libretto is so lightweight
and with its streamlined form factor it practically requires
checking your briefcase to see if it's there. Professionals who
typically wouldn't carry a notebook computer when traveling will
carry a Libretto 50CT."
Steve Nachtsheim, vice president and general manager of the
Mobile and Handheld Products Group, Intel Corp., commented, "We
applaud Toshiba's efforts to produce the most compact, yet full-
featured mini-notebook that provides executives with Pentium
processor performance and complete PC functionality in the palm of
their hand."
The Libretto 50CT also appeals to vertical markets, especially
those where size and weight are extremely important, such as
healthcare, insurance and sales force automation.
Unprecedented Portability
The new Libretto 50CT perfectly complements Toshiba's new line
of portable computers (see related announcements on new Portege,
Satellite, Satellite Pro and Tecra products) with unprecedented
functionality and portability. It has all the features and
components found in most full-size notebooks, including a powerful
75MHz Intel Pentium processor, an 810 million byte hard drive
(772MB), 16MB EDO DRAM expandable to 32MB, a brilliant 6.1-inch TFT
color screen with 640 x 480 resolution, 32-bit VL bus video
graphics accelerator, 1MB EDO DRAM, the Libretto AccuPoint pointing
device, one type II PC Card slot and one serial infrared port. The
80-key keyboard features a 15mm key size for touch-typing.
The IrDA infrared port and Libretto 50CT small Port Expander
allow for quick, convenient file transfers and access to the office
or home-office information. The Port Expander includes the RGB
connector making it possible for the traveling executive to conduct
multimedia presentations from the Libretto. The system also
includes built-in audio. Optional PC Card modems and high-speed
network adapters keep travelers well connected, while the standard
external floppy disk drive with PC Card adapter provides
expandability for easy data manipulation. The optional Port
Replicator provides connections for a PS/2 external mouse, external
keyboard, printer, RS-232C device, external display and a standard
PC Card Type II or III.
The Libretto measures 8.27 (w) x 4.53 (h) x 1.34 (d) inches and
weighs 1.85 pounds. The external power supply adds an additional 7
ounces.
The system ships with a standard Lithium Ion battery. Users
can extend battery life with an optional high-capacity Lithium Ion
battery.
Commented Friederichs of Toshiba's Computer Systems Group,
"Toshiba has continually set standards in portable computing since
we introduced the world's first commercially-accepted DOS-
compatible notebook in 1985. The Libretto continues this Toshiba
tradition by creating a new category of portable computing. Ounce
for ounce, there are simply no other products on the market with
this kind of computing capability."
Availability and Pricing
Libretto will be available at the end of June through Toshiba's
commercial distribution channels, VARs, mail order partners and
select retail outlets. The suggested list price is $1,999.
About Toshiba
Toshiba continues to be the leading vendor in the U.S. market
for portable computers, with 24.4 percent market-share based on
1997 preliminary first quarter estimates from International Data
Corp. The company offers portable and desktop computing solutions
for consumer and business customers under the Toshiba brand name.
For dealer referral and product information call 800/457-7777, and
visit Toshiba's Word Wide Web home page at
http://computers.toshiba.com .
With headquarters in Irvine, Calif. and annual sales of about
$4 billion, Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS) operates
nine divisions, which manufacture and market a wide range of
business and information products in the United States. Products
include portable and desktop personal computers, disk drives, plain
paper copiers, facsimile systems, voice mail systems, digital key
telephones, toner products, optical fiber modems and digital
cameras.
TAIS is an independent operating company, owned by Toshiba
America Inc., a subsidiary of the $53 billion Toshiba Corp., the
world's fifth largest electronics and electrical equipment
manufacturer, and the world's 32nd largest corporation in terms of
sales. Toshiba Corp. is a world leader in high-technology products
with 207 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. -0-
NOTE: Satellite, Satellite Pro, Portege, Libretto and Tecra are
trademarks of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. Pentium is
a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corp. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks
belong to their respective companies.
--30--DEM/np* CB/np RMS/np
CONTACT: Toshiba America Information Systems
Computer Systems Division
Lynda Orban, 714/461-4780
lynda_orban@smtpgate.tais.com
or
The Benjamin Group
Ruth Rosene
714/245-7500
rrosene@oc.tbgi.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED PRODUCT REPEATS:
New York 212-752-9600 or 800-221-2462; Boston 617-236-4266 or
800-225-2030; SF 415-986-4422 or 800-227-0845; LA 310-820-
9473
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