Toshiba introduces Tecra S3 with new anti-theft protection timer

The Tecra® S3 is the first Toshiba notebook to include the new Anti-theft Protection Timer which prevents system access in the event of theft or unauthorised access. The design is also fully compliant with international directives addressing the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Aimed at enterprises driving towards environmentally friendly practices, the feature-rich Tecra® S3 is a highly scalable corporate platform model offering powerful PC functionality and next-generation EasyGuard technology.

"Toshiba has incorporated new Toshiba EasyGuard features into the mainstream Tecra® S3 series, enabling enhanced data security, advanced system protection and easy connectivity," said Ahmed Khalil, Regional General Manager (Middle East and Africa), Toshiba Computer Systems Division. "Our Anti-theft Protection Timer makes it almost pointless stealing the Tecra® S3. What it does is allow users to set up a timer-activated BIOS password that prevents system access during thefts or unauthorised access. This new security feature can also be used together with the Fingerprint reader to ensure restricted access to a user's system and data information. After a user-defined time, the BIOS password will activate itself, locking the system access to non-authorised users," he explained.

The Tecra® S3 includes a Spill-resistant keyboard and a Shock Protection System that reduces risk of data loss in case of accidental shock, vibration or drop. The new Toshiba Backup Utility allows backup and restore of system files and user data at the same time, and combined with Toshiba's RAID 1 support, leads to minimised downtime by protecting against data loss and ensuring quick data recovery. For security and ease of use, the Fingerprint Reader offers an alternative sign-in security and the newly integrated single touch boot utility allows for automatic sign-in even in a multi-user environment. Users can sign-in to the BIOS, Windows and hard disk with a single swipe, replacing multiple passwords.

"In addition to adding new data security and protection features, Toshiba recognises the importance of new international environmental directives, and are keen to conform to them, well in advance of their implementation. Toshiba has been an industry leader in environmental conscious design since the launch of the first halogen-antimony free PCB notebook in 1998.
With the Tecra® S3, we have created the first notebook which is compliant with the RoHS directive," Khalil said, referring to the new EU RoHS directive (2002/95/EC) addressing restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The directive covers the same scope as the directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and commencing July 1, 2006, all electrical and electronic equipment has to contain substitute materials for potentially hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium currently used in notebook PC manufacturing.

Developed to facilitate a seamless workflow experience the Tecra S3® ensures consistent and uncompromised system expansion through backwards compatibility, while ensuring that integration into the office environment is simple with the Advanced Port Replicator III (APR III) docking solution. The optional available high capacity battery extends working time to up to six hours.

The Computer Systems Division of Toshiba Europe GmbH is a leading vendor for mobile computing solutions. Headquartered in Neuss, Germany, the Computer Systems Division of Toshiba Europe GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Toshiba Corporation, the world's eighth-largest computer and electronics company.

Toshiba Corporation is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products and power systems. The company's integration of these wide-ranging capabilities assures its position as an innovator in advanced components, products and systems.