Red carpet rolled out for GITEX media

The Toshiba Tecra S1 Centrino notebooks are specifically designed for corporate users and travelling professionals who insist on the latest technology to give them optimal flexibility and productivity and will provide journalists with the technology tools that they need to accomplish their work during the show.

The Tecra S1 notebooks are being supplied by Toshiba's UAE distributor Al Futtaim which is also providing a Toshiba 'eClass2Go' cabinet to store and charge the machines.

Ahmed Khalil, Middle East regional manager of Toshiba's computer systems division, says the set-up will give IT media specialists a top-of-the-rang working environment.

"The Tecra S1 Centrino features integrated wireless LAN capability and extended battery life that combined with new mobile processor micro-architecture, wireless capability, and thinner and lighter form factors, deliver outstanding mobile performance."

The "eClass2Go" is designed for educational applications and comprises a custom-designed cabinet, fully-wired, and housing 16 wireless notebook computers, one server with wireless access, one printer, one projector, one Internet access, extra batteries and chargers.

Weighing only a few kg and mounted on castors, the cabinet can easily be wheeled from one location to another. Once plugged into a power-point, this "classroom in a box" enables students to learn anywhere, anytime.

R. Muralidharan, general manager of Al-Futtaim Electronics Toshiba, says that although the system is primarily designed for classrooms, it is also ideal for other applications, including media, audit firms and consultants.

"It is the result of Toshiba's commitment to the education sector by making the information society as accessible as possible for students and teachers, parents and educational administrators. The same principle applies to media needs at GITEX."

The theme of the Intel media lounge is 'Unwire & Unwind', offering relaxing surroundings and all-day catering. Dubai-based artists will exhibit their work in the lounge, with a prevailing 'technology in the arts' concept.

Mobility is very much the overriding theme this year at GITEX, so it is very important for us that journalists experience the capabilities that Centrino notebooks offer them in terms of freedom and productivity. The media are extremely busy during the show, with news stories breaking almost by the minute from various exhibitors and we are delighted to supply them with the professional tools to do the job," said Gilbert Lacroix, Intel's president for the Middle East and North Africa.