Value-packed Tecra A2 notebook for small business

MEDIA RELEASE

Toshiba launches value-packed Tecra A2 notebook for small business

Incorporates new DVD SuperMulti Drive to simplify disc recording and viewing

Auckland 21 June 2004 – Leading mobile computing manufacturer, Toshiba (Australia) Pty. Limited, ISD has introduced the Tecra A2, a new value notebook, perfect for small to medium sized businesses (SMB). With extended battery life, high performance processing power and new integrated multimedia drives, the Tecra A2 offers the latest technology at exceptional value.

“The increasing appreciation of mobility across all business sizes is driving the adoption of desktop replacement PCs. Users are demanding increasingly higher levels of performance and features from their notebooks to enhance business productivity,” said Steve Ford, New Zealand Country Manager for Toshiba ISD.

"With the launch of Tecra A2 we have focussed on the growing needs of our small business customers and making life easier for them. The Tecra A2 replaces our popular Satellite A10 model, offering the price-performance options of the Tecra series to the Satellite’s traditional SMB and SOHO market.”

The Tecra A2, follows closely on the heals of the new Tecra M2 range, and is also one of the first Toshiba notebooks with a DVD SuperMulti CD-RW/DVD combination drive or DVD burner. It allows DVDs and CDs to be copied and viewed anywhere, making it the most versatile optical disk drive technology available. It reads CD-ROM, CD-R/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-RAM, and writes CD-R/-RW, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-RAM. The inclusion of the DVD SuperMulti unit offers users a hassle-free solution and more flexibility in their recording and viewing choices. With the Tecra A2, peopler can create their own DVD recordings that are compatible with virtually every standard DVD player currently in the market.

The inclusion of an ultra-sharp XGA screen at 14.1 or 15 inches, Intel® GM graphics and Toshiba Bass Enhanced Sound further optimises the multimedia experience.
Featuring the latest Mobile Intel® Pentium® M or Intel® Celeron® M processor and with a standard battery life of up to 4.2 hours, all four models in the series deliver high levels of performance and reliability. Also helping to maximise productivity is the full range of expansion and connectivity features including a PC Card slot, four USB 2.0 ports, an international V.90 modem and a 10/100 Mbit Ethernet LAN port. The docking capability of the Tecra A2 adds to the notebook’s SMB credentials.

With Intel 802.11g offered on selected Tecra A2 models, the new line signals the mainstream introduction of wireless to this space. Toshiba’s unique ConfigFree™ software comes pre-installed with the Tecra A2 to simplify automatic connection to multiple wired and wireless network profiles for users who move between various work locations.

Tecra A2’s combination of features and price makes it a compelling product for value-conscious buyers. The stylish metallic silver notebook also comes with Toshiba’s high-level service and warranty cover as standard, providing peace-of-mind for SMB buyers. It is bundled with software including Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Microsoft Office OneNote® providing purchasers with a business-ready machine from the shop floor.

Pricing and availability
The Tecra A2 series is available from Toshiba’s network of resellers. There are four models to choose from with prices starting at NZ$1,700 ex GST. For more information, visit www.isd.toshiba.com.au or call the Toshiba Sales Centre on 0800 441 615.

Specifications:
CPU Mobile Intel® Celeron® M Processor at 1.3 or 1.4GHz; or
Mobile Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.5 or 1.6GHz
Hard Disk 40GB or 60GB capacity (4200rpm)
Memory 256MB or 512MB
Display 14.1" TFT Active Matrix XGA 1024x768 resolution; or
15" TFT Active Matrix XGA 1024x768 resolution
Video Intel® 855GME UMA
Video Memory 16-64 MB (Dynamic Video Memory Allocation)
Optical Drive DVD/CD-RW, DVD-R-RW or DVD SuperMulti (DVD±R±RW, DVD-RAM)
Audio Stereo Speakers, AC'97 Software Sound
Expansion 1 x Type II PC card slots, parallel, RGB, 2 x USB 2.0, V.90 modem, 10/100 LAN, headphone port, microphone port, Expansion Bus for Port Replicator
Communications V.90/V.92 Data + Fax Modem; Intel® ICH4-M integrated LAN 10/100 TX Ethernet; Integrated Intel 802.11a/b/g (selected models)
Battery Up to 8 hrs depending on configuration & using the 12 cell 440Ah Litihium-Ion battery
Chassis 338.11mm(W) x 274.22mm(D) x 26.80/37.92mm(H) . Silver metallic finish
Software Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional SP1; Toshiba management console; Microsoft Office OneNote® 2003; Intervideo WIN DVD Creator 2 Platinum; RecordNow!CD+DVD authoring software; Intervideo WIN DVD; Toshiba ConfigFree™; Adobe Acrobat Reader
Warranty 1 year international parts and labour with Domestic on-site courier pick-up and return service

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About Toshiba

The New Zealand office of Toshiba’s Information Systems Division (ISD) is a division of Toshiba (Australia) Pty Limited – a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, the seventh largest integrated manufacturer of electric and electronic equipment, with around 165,000 employees worldwide, and annual sales of over US$47 billion on a consolidated basis.

Unique among vendors, Toshiba ISD specialises exclusively in mobile solutions and services and is also the only leading computer brand that is 100 per cent channel-centric. A global reputation for quality has been achieved through an R&D budget roughly equal to Australia’s total expenditure as a country in this area. Toshiba pioneered the notebook market in 1985 and in recent years, Toshiba ISD extended its solutions offering for New Zealand with the inclusion of a range of Pocket PCs and personal storage products.

Committed to People, Committed to the Future. Toshiba

Toshiba’s Virtual Pressroom: wwww.toshiba.co.nz

Issued by Action Communications Limited on behalf of the New Zealand office of Toshiba Australia (ISD) Pty Ltd.

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