Toshiba launches new pocket PCs with hands-free voice applications

Both new models feature the ability for audio playback of text documents and user voice command functionality to access important data, while keeping business users and consumers organized at all the times.

Toshiba's Pocket PCs continue to build upon the company's core focus of mobility and wireless connectivity, providing users increased flexibility and convenience to help manage their busy lives. With the integrated Toshiba VoIP phone software (Pocket PC e800 series only), users can place phone calls over a high-speed wireless network anywhere in the world, reducing the cost of making long distance and international calls via traditional phone systems. The Pocket PC e800 series also features integrated Bluetooth, allowing users to connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices or Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity for convenient Internet access to a public wireless hotspot or to a user's corporate wireless network.

New Voice Command and Text-to-Speech Applications
The Pocket PC e400 and e800 series includes voice command software designed to quickly and efficiently access a user's appointments, contact information or time and date. Voice commands such as "Contacts" and "Calendar" can be used to instantly launch applications, without the user having to use the stylus. Other important software includes the text-to-speech application1, where users can listen to audio feedback of e-mail messages, e-book files and other text documents, while the world clock utility, allows users access to local time zone information.

"Toshiba understands that customers desire a personal lightweight data access device that not only keeps them connected to the corporate network, but also delivers on new technology that increases productivity and ease of use away from the office," said Ahmed Khalil, regional manager of Toshiba's Computer Systems Division. "The Pocket PC e400 and e800 series represent the true definition of a handheld data device - convenient, interactive and mobile."

The Pocket PC e400 and e800 series features a trans-reflective TFT colour display with increased screen brightness and exceptional readability, both in- and outdoors. The Pocket PC e800 series continues to re-define Pocket PC computing, with its revolutionary 4.0" diagonal trans-reflective display and greater viewing area, including VGA support for future VGA-enabled applications.

User can create a lightweight mobile presentation device, by combining the Pocket PC e800 series with an optional Toshiba Presentation Pack that allows users to connect to a monitor or projector, as well as a USB port for connection to a full-size keyboard or numeric keypad.