Toshiba of Canada Ltd. enters the subnotebook market with T3400 Series
Markham, Ontario (November 8, 1993)... Toshiba of Canada Ltd., Information Systems Group (ISG), the leading manufacturer of notebook and portable computer systems, today entered the subnotebook market with its T3400 Series subnotebooks. Toshiba's much awaited entry to the dynamic subnotebook arena will debut at the Canadian Computer Show, November 22 - 25, 1993 at the Toronto International Centre.
A subnotebook can be defined as a slimmed-down notebook computer replacement, with a weight of two to five pounds, or about 30 percent less than a notebook, a reduced footnote that is approximately 1 inch smaller in width and depth than the average notebook, and slimmed down height of just over one inch. The market for sub- notebooks has grown rapidly since the introduction of competitor's models earlier this year.
Robert Grossman, Toshiba of Canada Ltd., ISG vice president and general manager, explained that the introduction of the T3400 Series of subnotebooks reflects Toshiba's commitment to anticipating and meeting the needs of mobile computer users.
"While earlier, competitive entries to the subnotebook market created interest and demand for
'superportability', many user needs, such as processing power and speed, keyboard ergonomics and bright, clear display were compromised. Toshiba's dedication to engineering excellence and industry leadership have created a sub-notebook that meets all the needs of the highly mobile professional or power computer user."
"The T3400 Series is a first in subnotebooks in a number of ways," explains Steven Feldman, product marketing specialist for Toshiba ISG.
"The higher-end T3400CT, for example, is the first subnotebook to use a 7.8" TFT active matrix colour display. The T3400 Series are the first notebooks to incorporate a Lithium Ion battery, for longer life and less weight. And, as the first subnotebooks to use Intel's SL Enhanced 486* SX microprocessor running at 33MHz (3.3 volts), the T3400 Series are the fastest subnotebooks on the market.
"For the mobile computer user who spends a considerable amount of time out of the office, especially in airline travel, the lightweight and compact size of the T3400 Series are welcome features.
"What's especially important is that, unlike many competitors' subnotebooks, the T3400 Series does not ask the user to compromise other needs to achieve superportability. Toshiba's subnotebooks provide the same processing speed, storage space and bright display and full function keyboard found in the larger notebooks," Feldman adds.
Ensuring adequate memory and storage for the mobile user, the T3400 Series models have a 120MB hard disk drive (this can be doubled to 240MB using DOS 6.0's Double Space Program), with a standard of 4MB RAM, that can be expanded to 20MB RAM. For connectivity via fax/modems or network cards and solid state mass storage, the T3400's are equipped with a Type II PCMCIA slot.
A key "functionality" feature of the T3400 Series is the new AccuPoint pointing stick with two buttons. Located between the G, H, and B keys, the AccuPoint is an integrated isometric pointing device. The user's hands never have to leave the keyboard and it is good for both left and right-handed users.
The slightly smaller than full-sized keyboard is a full-function, 82-key sculptured keyboard enhanced with 4 degree tilt via drop-down legs and has 12 dedicated function keys. Expansion is made easy with an optional Port Replicator which can connect a serial port, parallel port, RGB (video port), floppy disk drive, and the PS/2 keyboard and mouse. The T3400 can be charged through the Port Replicator while in use.
Prices of the T3400 Series models vary according to display system. The T3400, which has a fluorescent sidelit monochrome VGA STN-LCD display system with Local Bus architecture, has a suggested retail price of $3,999. The more sophisticated T3400CT with a TFT-LCD active matrix colour display with Local Bus architecture and advanced graphics accelerator, will list at $5,999.
Dimensions and weight for both T3400 Series subnotebooks conform to subnotebook standards. The T3400 is 10" wide by 7.9" deep and 1.7" high and weighs 4.1 lbs.. The T3400CT has the same footprint, but is just slightly higher and weighs 4.4 lbs.
The T3400 Series comes with pre-installed Toshiba MS-DOS 6.0 and utilities, Microsoft Windows * 3.1, and Toshiba Card Manager.
Toshiba will begin shipment of the T3400 and the T3400CT subnotebooks in January 1994. Both models are backed by Toshiba's three year international limited warranty.
For more information, product photography, or to interview Toshiba spokespeople, please contact:
Jo-Ann Austin,
President,
AustinTayshus! Public Relations,
Toronto, Ontario
(416) 596-1390
For demos, or evaluation equipment, please contact:
