Toshiba Announces Unique Fusion of Notebook and Tablet PC

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Nov. 2002 — Leveraging an unparalleled history of developing innovative mobile computing designs, Toshiba's Computer Systems Group (CSG) just announced the Portégé 3500 Series Tablet PC that extends the boundaries of performance and productivity for today's mobile workforce. Running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system, Toshiba's wireless convertible Tablet PC combines the power and functionality of a notebook computer, while adding the simplicity and convenience of pen and paper. Together, Toshiba, Microsoft and Intel technologies bring enhanced functionality and capabilities to the Portégé 3500 Series allowing mobile customers to experience their PC in new and exciting ways.

"Because Toshiba has focused on mobile computing for more than fifteen years, we have a unique understanding of what our customers' wants and needs are for new mobile platforms," says Oscar Koenders, vice president product marketing and worldwide product planning, Toshiba CSG. "The product is a direct result of listening to our customers and delivering a product that will add functionality to their traditional notebook, and add productivity to their business."

New Levels of Creativity & Productivity
The Portégé 3500 Series incorporates the intuitive fusion of pen and paper into the notebook experience allowing users to communicate with their notebook in a more natural way. Weighing 4.1 pounds, the comfortable and lightweight design holds like a book, and the robust dual-action swivel hinge easily guides the transformation from notebook to Tablet PC mode.

"Toshiba is known for its expertise in delivering inventive computing platforms," said Alexandra Loeb, vice president of the Tablet PC division at Microsoft Corp. "By adding the pen-based simplicity Windows XP Tablet PC Edition provides, Toshiba has taken the notebook PC to a whole new level."

A Powerful Wireless Computing Tool
Toshiba's Portégé 3500 Series features an 802.11b Wireless LAN Module and an integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/a) antenna, Bluetooth wireless connectivity options and 10/100 networking, so users can share information and access Internet connections in more locations, such as hotels, airports, at home or in the field. The product also includes an Intel Pentium III-M processor, 1.33GHz , Secure Digital (SD) Media slot as well as integrated CompactFlash to maximize workforce productivity.

"Intel is pleased Toshiba chose the highest performing Mobile Intel Pentium III Processor - M to power the Portégé 3500 Series, which highlights the versatility of Tablet PC form factors by delivering the pen and paper experience without compromising mobile notebook functionality," said Anand Chandrasekher, vice president and general manager, Intel's Mobile Platforms Group. "Intel and Toshiba share a strong vision for mobile computing and the Intel Architecture-based mobile PC meets today's business user expectations for stability, reliability and scalability."

The Portégé 3500 Series features a large 12.1" diagonal display for easy viewing. The generous screen size easily supports the daily use of a notebook, as well as the comfort of the tablet for handwritten notes. When in Tablet mode, just like a regular writing pad, Toshiba's Portégé 3500 gives users the same experience as if they were holding an 8.5 - by 11-inch sized traditional notepad. Users write directly on the screen with a digital pen to create drawings, write handwritten notes, annotate documents and send e-mail - all in their own handwriting. Users can then save their handwritten messages as is, or convert them to typed text.

New Interactive Features
In addition to being able to control the device with a digital pen, Toshiba's Tablet PC includes several unique features allowing users to engage in interactive elements such as Zinio Reader and Sensiva's Symbol Commander. With Zinio Reader, the Portégé 3500 Series brings magazine readers a fully realized digital magazine on screen, providing users with an interactive experience that is versatile and easy to use anytime, anywhere. Sensiva's Symbol Commander software offers end-users a natural way to use their device quicker and more easily by drawing symbols with the pen. With a single pen stroke anywhere on the screen and at any size, users can instantly launch applications, go to a website, browse through web pages, send an email, type predefined text, rotate the screen, and more.

For more information call 1-800-TOSHIBA or visit the company's Web site at www.csd.toshiba.com.