Event

Launching a HD capable laptop

Toshiba launched a notebook that supports HD DVD and Advanced HDMI connectivity in Singapore. Mohd Shariff PA reports

Toshiba’s Computer Systems Division (CSD), a division of Toshiba Singapore Pte Ltd, announced its new range of high definition Satellite A200 notebooks with HD DVD drives and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connectivity for mainstream notebook users. The Satellite A200 is a HD DVD entertainment machine, with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor and an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600, external 256 MB video memory and up to 512 MB Hyper Memory. The notebook has a 15.4-inch Clear Super View technology widescreen display with 1280 x 800 resolution.

The Satellite A200 also incorporates a HDMI connector for lossless connectivity to a HDTV and AV receiver. HDMI delivers uncompressed, all-digital audio/video signals between devices and simplifies cabling.

Wong Wai Meng, Senior Deputy Manager of Product Marketing, Toshiba’s Computer Systems Division, said, “The Satellite A200 promises to bring the HD DVD experience to mainstream users. At an affordable price, customers can enjoy movies in the comfort of their own room, or share the experience in the living room with a HDTV through its HDMI connection. In fact, models with HD DVD-ROM drive cost just about 8 to 10% more than those with a DVD SuperMulti, drive with the same specifications.”

The Toshiba Satellite A200 with DVD SuperMulti drive and LabelFlash technology lets a user label DVDs with sophisticated, high-contrast pictures on DVD-R LabelFlash technology from Fujufilm.

HD DVD offer resolutions that are up to six times sharper than standard resolution DVD. Other than improved resolution, HD DVD also features surround sound technologies such as Dolby Digital Plus. With HDI (High Definition Interface) technology, HD DVD has advanced interactive features that allow a user to access menus quickly such as searching while the movie is playing and access bonus content such as alternate angles, behind-the-scenes footage and actor interviews.

The HD DVD format is also supported by major film and consumer electronics industry such as Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Dreamworks Animation, Warner Bros Studios, Microsoft, and Intel.

Go Green

Toshiba has enhanced its recycling initiatives with a free Computer Collection Program, called Notebook-2-Recycle. Under the Computer Collection Program, Toshiba offers to recycle its notebooks free of cost with no obligation upon the consumer to purchase a new Toshiba notebook. Under the initiative, end users are required to call the Toshiba Global Support Center and a Toshiba agent will come to collect the notebooks at their doorstep. Toshiba claims that it is the first and only vendor to provide this service free to all Singapore customers, 365 days a year. In phase II, the program will be extended to other countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in Q2 CY 2008. The rest of South East Asia will be included in the final phase.

Toshiba has partnered with CH E-Recycling (a Singapore-based e-waste management company) to help consumers dispose off used notebooks in an environmentally conscious manner, and avoid computers filling up dumpsters and landfills. Jerry Ng, Sales and Marketing Manager, CH E-Recycling Pte Ltd said, “We have assisted Toshiba in providing Total E-Waste Management Services in the area of e-waste recycling.”

mohammed.shariff@expressindia.com