Toshiba announces powerful new fusion of notebook and tablet PC

The Portégé 3500 combines Toshiba and Microsoft technologies to enhance the capabilities of mobile computing by allowing users to communicate with their notebook in a more natural way.

In tablet mode, the Portégé 3500 works just like a regular writing pad, giving users the same experience as if holding a traditional 295 x 234 mm notepad.

They can write directly on the screen with the tablet pen to create drawings, write notes, annotate documents or send e-mail - all in their own handwriting. Handwritten messages can be saved as they are, or converted to digital text.

"The product is a direct result of listening to our customers and delivering a product that will add functionality to their traditional notebook while adding productivity to their business," says Ahmed Khalil, regional manager of Toshiba Middle East Operations, Computer Systems Division.

"Because Toshiba has focused on mobile computing and solutions for more than fifteen years, we have a unique understanding of what our customers need and want for a new era of mobile working,

"Toshiba is known for its expertise in delivering inventive computing platforms, and by adding the pen-based simplicity of the Tablet PC, has taken mobile computing to a whole new level."

The Portégé series incorporates the intuitive fusion of pen and paper into the notebook experience and is backed by Toshiba's standard three-year warranty.

Weighing 1.85 kg, 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.

Mazen Shehadeh, product marketing manager, Microsoft South Gulf, says: "The goal of the Tablet PC is to provide a seamless, natural experience for users. We have learned through our work with customers and by watching what others in the industry have accomplished, that users do not want to learn a new operating system, a new user interface, or new applications designed exclusively for pen-based input.

"They want to integrate pen-specific tasks in a way that is consistent with their PC experience. The operating system for the Tablet PC thus builds on top of Windows XP Professional, which has been extended to support pen-based technologies, and runs all existing Windows XP-compatible applications with no sacrifices."

The Portégé 3500 comes with integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b), Bluetooth wireless connectivity, V.90 56Kbps modem 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, 1.333GHz, Secure Digital (SD) Media, CompactFlash, and Type II PC card slot to maximize workforce productivity.

The large 12.1" TFT display creates clarity of viewing and easily supports regular use as a notebook as well as the comfort of Tablet mode for handwritten notes.