Toshiba Breaks Price Barrier For New Notebook PCs With $1,699 Satellite
Portable Computer
01/20/98
Business Wire
(Copyright (c) 1998, Business Wire)
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 1998--
New Satellite Family Offers Powerful Features Including
High-Performance Intel Processors, Fast CD-ROM Drives,
High-Speed Modems and Large Hard Drives At Industry-Leading Low
Prices
Editor's Summary:
-- Priced from $1,699 to $2,599, Toshiba gives retail customers
a range of protable systems to meet their computing needs.
The new Satellite notebooks feature fast Intel 200MHz or
166MHz Pentium processors with MMX technology, brilliant
active-matrix or color-bright dual-scan displays, and 16MB
or 32MB of high-speed EDO memory.
-- The Satellite family features industry-leading technologies
not available in other notebooks priced at $1,699 including
a K56flex modem for fast Internet access, USB port for
limitless connectivity to peripherals, and software MPEG
support for video and multimedia applications.
-- New Satellites feature a convenient all-in-one lightweight
design that combines CD-ROM, diskette and hard disk drive
into a single package that's easy to carry.
-- The Satellite family is ready to use right out of the box
with a value-added consumer software package including
intuitive entertainment and productivity applications from
Disney, Microsoft, CNET's Snap! Online, Prodigy, Internet
and Symantec.
The Computer Systems Division (CSD) of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS) Tuesday announced its new Satellite family of notebook computers, delivering the latest technologies for the first time in the mid-$1,000 price range.
With prices starting at $1,699 for the Satellite 305CDS and $2,199 for the Satellite 315 Series, Toshiba puts the convenience of mobile computing within reach of every user, making portability an option for a greater number of computer buyers.
Developed for small- to medium-size businesses, students, education professionals and first-time portable computer buyers, the new Satellite notebooks are ideal solutions for customers interested in purchasing a system that combines the performance and quality of a fast Intel processor with value-pricing.
"Our retail customers wqant to purchase a low-cost notebook featuring a fast Intel processor with the assurance of buying from the premier manufacturer of portable computers," said Jeffrey Friederichs, vice president of worldwide marketing, Computer Systems Group.
"Customers can maximize their computing investment by purchasing a feature-rich $1,699 Satellite backed by exceptional service and support from Toshiba."
Powerful Features at Industry-Leading Prices
Offering the perfect balance of affordability and exceptional computing power, Toshiba equipped the Satellite Series with fast Intel Pentium processors with MMX technology.
Starting at just $2,199, the Satellite 315 Series comes with a fast 200MHz Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology. Satellite 305CDS is equipped with a powerful 166MHz Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology for a low $1,699.
Expansive 12.1-inch displays provide easy viewing and effective multimedia presentations. The Satellite 315CDT features a brilliant active-matrix display while the Satellite 305CDS and 315CDS feature color-bright dual-scan displays that provide exceptional quality for budget-conscious customers.
Color-bright dual-scan displays offer higher contrast that traditional dual-scan products while providing the color richness and brightness associated with active-matrix displays.
To complete the multimedia experience, the Satellite family is also equipped with a sound system from Yamaha, the leading manufacturer of audio equipment.
The Satellie family boasts premium technologies including a fully integrated all-in-one drive that combines a 16X (maximum) CD-ROM drive, diskette drive and large 2.1 billion byte (=2.02GB) hard disk drive into a single package that's easy to carry.
This new design gives customers outstanding functionality with the ability to access all three media simultaneously.
Providing more than 2.5 hours of battery life with a long lasting Lithium Ion battery, the Satellite Series makes an ideal traveling companion for long airplane flights or trips to the library. While other value-priced notebook computers with MiMh batteries are plagued by a "memory effect" that decreases the battery's capacity to be recharged completely, the Satellite's Lithium Ion battery can be thoroughly recharged every time.
The Satellite 305CDS and Satellite 315 Series come with Xircom K56flex data/fax PC Card modems that keep users connected with work, school and friends. Rounding out this impressive feature set, the Satellite family also provides strong expansion capabilities including two Type II or one Type III Card Bus-compliant PC Card slots and USB, parallel and high-speed serial ports.
"Toshiba's latest offering demonstrates the company's commitment to delivering a mobile computing solution to a part of the market that has very different concerns than the traditional road warrior or corporate user," said Robin Raskin, editor-in-chief, FamilyPC.
"The new Satellite product family will satisfy the needs of students, families and small businesses."
Consumer Software Package Provides Increased Usability
The Satellite 305CDS and 315 Series provide customers with a comprehensive software package that offers a host of options for work and play. The Satellite family comes equipped with several of Microsoft's most popular titles including Windows 95, Works, Money 98, Encarta 98, Outlook 97 and Golf. Also included is Symantec Norton AntiVirus Scanner that checks the user's machine for viruses, then repairs the infected files if viruses are found.
Toshiba also offers two online services providing rich sources of news and family entertainment. Disney's Daily Blast gives kids a daily dose of fun with exciting games, interactive storybooks, up-to-the-minute sports, news, and more. Its quizzes, puzzles, creativity tools and educational activities, combined with kid-friendly chats and D-Mail, Disney's unique multimedia email, will engage children. Customers can try out Daily Blast free of charge for 30 days.
The Satellite family also offers customized Web access through its partnerships with Prodigy Internet and Snap! Online, CNET's new online service. This powerful information source combines advanced Web searching with topical information from around the Web and dozens of customizable features from stock quotes to sports scores. Toshiba and Prodigy Internet provide this service with free unlimited usage for two months without the requirement of a credit card.
The Perfect Educational Tool
The Satellite family's low prices make notebooks affordable for families who want to purchase a computer for their kids going off to college or younger children in school. Its mix of durability, performance and mobility make it ideal for young students and collegiates who require a computer for research and homework.
Making notebook computers even more accessible for elementary and high school students, the Satellite 305CDS and 315 Series will be offered through Toshiba's Notebooks for Schools program with specail leasing and pricing options, computer-based training modules, educational reference software and customized carrying cases.
Superior Service & Support Options
These notebooks come standard with a one-year warranty and are backed by Toshiba's service and support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, Toshiba customers can choose from a number of service and support programs, allowing them to customize service options to best meet their needs.
Pricing and Availability
Available in January and February respectively, the Satellite 305CDS and Satellite 315 series will be sold through Toshiba's retail channels, including computer superstores, consumer electronic stores and mass merchandisers. Estimated single unit prices are $1,699 for the Satellite 305CDS, $2,199 for the Satellite 315CDS and $2,599 for the Satellite 315CDT.
About Toshiba America Information Systems Inc.
Toshiba continues to be the leading vendor in the U.S. market for portable computers with 21.2 percent Q3 market share according to 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 literature, call 800/334-3445, or visit the company's World Wide Web site at computers.toshiba.com .
With headquarters in Irvine, and annual sales of approximately $4 billion, Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS) is comprised of nine divisions which manufacture and market a wide range of business and information-oriented products in the United States.
Products include portable and desktop 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 $48 billion Toshiba Corp., the sixth largest electronics and electrical equipment manufacturer, and the world's 37th largest corporation in terms of sales. Toshiba Corp. is a world leader in high technology products with 303 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Satellite is a registered trademark of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. Pentium and MMX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corp. Microsoft, Windows, Money and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks belong to their respective companies.
CONTACT: The Benjamin Group Inc. Lisa O'Connell or Ruth Rosene 714/245-7500 oconnell@oc.tbgi.com/rrosene@oc.tbgi.com
08:05 EST JANUARY 20, 1998 |
