IP: libretto 50 announced -- I WON!!!!

[David Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

(TOSHIBA-AMERICA-4) Toshiba creates new portable computing category
  with 1.85-pound Windows 95 mini-notebook, the Libretto 50CT 


    Business Editors & High-Tech Writers
  
      ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 1997--The Computer Systems
  Division of Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS), always at
  the forefront of portable computing innovation, has redefined the
  size and weight of the full function mobile computing platform at
  Comdex/Spring '97 in Atlanta with the unveiling of its new Libretto
  50CT.  At an astounding 1.85 pounds and the size of a travel
  wallet, the Libretto 50CT defines a new computing category -- the
  mini-notebook.  The Libretto 50CT is America's first notebook
  weighing less than two pounds yet delivering the features and
  functionality of a personal computer:  Microsoft Windows 95
  compatibility, generous storage capacity and enough horsepower to
  run off-the-shelf computer applications.  
  
      "Our customers asked for an extremely light-weight companion
  product, but with full Windows 95 support, faster processors,
  higher- quality displays and more storage," said Jeffrey
  Friederichs, vice president of worldwide marketing for Toshiba's
  Computer Systems Group and the Computer Systems Division of TAIS.
  "The Libretto 50CT, with its 75MHz Pentium processor, 810MB hard
  drive, TFT color screen, Windows 95 operating system compatibility
  and less-than-two-pound weight, meets those needs and underscores
  Toshiba's ability to deliver first-of-a-kind, tailored mobile
  computing solutions to our customers."  
  
  The Ideal Companion
  
      The Libretto 50CT is ideal for executives who need PC
  technology to stay connected to the office and other information
  resources.  Unlike a PDA or other Windows CE devices capable of
  running "defeatured"  application software, the Libretto 50CT
  offers full Windows 95 capabilities and runs standard business and
  communications applications without the restriction of limited or
  proprietary operating systems, application software or peripherals.
  It allows the corporate executive to send and receive e-mail and
  faxes, access the Internet, reference and edit data while away from
  the office, and utilize the same software used throughout their
  organization reducing support costs.  
  
      "The scalable product family of Microsoft Windows is getting a
  big boost from Toshiba with introduction of the Libretto," said
  Rich Tong, vice president at Microsoft.  "The Libretto gives
  Toshiba's customers the power, flexibility and mobility of the
  world's leading operating system in a package that is attractive to
  today's busy professionals."  
  
      "The Libretto 50CT is intended to be a secondary machine.  We
  envision most Libretto 50CT customers will already have a desktop
  or notebook system which acts as a primary computing device; the
  Libretto 50CT will serve as a communications and information
  management tool for them when off-site," stated Friederichs of the
  Computer Systems Group of Toshiba.  "The Libretto is so lightweight
  and with its streamlined form factor it practically requires
  checking your briefcase to see if it's there.  Professionals who
  typically wouldn't carry a notebook computer when traveling will
  carry a Libretto 50CT."  
  
      Steve Nachtsheim, vice president and general manager of the
  Mobile and Handheld Products Group, Intel Corp., commented, "We
  applaud Toshiba's efforts to produce the most compact, yet full-
  featured mini-notebook that provides executives with Pentium
  processor performance and complete PC functionality in the palm of
  their hand."
  
      The Libretto 50CT also appeals to vertical markets, especially
  those where size and weight are extremely important, such as
  healthcare, insurance and sales force automation.  
  
  Unprecedented Portability
  
      The new Libretto 50CT perfectly complements Toshiba's new line
  of portable computers (see related announcements on new Portege,
  Satellite, Satellite Pro and Tecra products) with unprecedented
  functionality and portability.  It has all the features and
  components found in most full-size notebooks, including a powerful
  75MHz Intel Pentium processor, an 810 million byte hard drive
  (772MB), 16MB EDO DRAM expandable to 32MB, a brilliant 6.1-inch TFT
  color screen with 640 x 480 resolution, 32-bit VL bus video
  graphics accelerator, 1MB EDO DRAM, the Libretto AccuPoint pointing
  device, one type II PC Card slot and one serial infrared port.  The
  80-key keyboard features a 15mm key size for touch-typing.  
  
      The IrDA infrared port and Libretto 50CT small Port Expander
  allow for quick, convenient file transfers and access to the office
  or home-office information.  The Port Expander includes the RGB
  connector making it possible for the traveling executive to conduct
  multimedia presentations from the Libretto.  The system also
  includes built-in audio.  Optional PC Card modems and high-speed
  network adapters keep travelers well connected, while the standard
  external floppy disk drive with PC Card adapter provides
  expandability for easy data manipulation.  The optional Port
  Replicator provides connections for a PS/2 external mouse, external
  keyboard, printer, RS-232C device, external display and a standard
  PC Card Type II or III.  
  
      The Libretto measures 8.27 (w) x 4.53 (h) x 1.34 (d) inches and
  weighs 1.85 pounds.  The external power supply adds an additional 7
  ounces.  
  
      The system ships with a standard Lithium Ion battery.  Users
  can extend battery life with an optional high-capacity Lithium Ion
  battery.  
  
      Commented Friederichs of Toshiba's Computer Systems Group,
  "Toshiba has continually set standards in portable computing since
  we introduced the world's first commercially-accepted DOS-
  compatible notebook in 1985.  The Libretto continues this Toshiba
  tradition by creating a new category of portable computing.  Ounce
  for ounce, there are simply no other products on the market with
  this kind of computing capability."  
  
  Availability and Pricing
  
      Libretto will be available at the end of June through Toshiba's
  commercial distribution channels, VARs, mail order partners and
  select retail outlets.  The suggested list price is $1,999.  
  
  About Toshiba
  
      Toshiba continues to be the leading vendor in the U.S. market
  for portable computers, with 24.4 percent market-share based on
  1997 preliminary first quarter estimates from International Data
  Corp.  The company offers portable and desktop computing solutions
  for consumer and business customers under the Toshiba brand name.
  For dealer referral and product information call 800/457-7777, and
  visit Toshiba's Word Wide Web home page at
  http://computers.toshiba.com .  
  
      With headquarters in Irvine, Calif. and annual sales of about
  $4 billion, Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS) operates
  nine divisions, which manufacture and market a wide range of
  business and information products in the United States.  Products
  include portable and desktop personal computers, disk drives, plain
  paper copiers, facsimile systems, voice mail systems, digital key
  telephones, toner products, optical fiber modems and digital
  cameras.  
  
      TAIS is an independent operating company, owned by Toshiba
  America Inc., a subsidiary of the $53 billion Toshiba Corp., the
  world's fifth largest electronics and electrical equipment
  manufacturer, and the world's 32nd largest corporation in terms of
  sales.  Toshiba Corp. is a world leader in high-technology products
  with 207 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.  -0-
  
      NOTE: Satellite, Satellite Pro, Portege, Libretto and Tecra are
  trademarks of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc.  Pentium is
  a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corp.  Windows is a
  registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.  All other trademarks
  belong to their respective companies.  
  
        --30--DEM/np* CB/np  RMS/np
  
        CONTACT:  Toshiba America Information Systems
                  Computer Systems Division
                  Lynda Orban, 714/461-4780
                  lynda_orban () smtpgate tais com
                     or
                  The Benjamin Group
                  Ruth Rosene
                  714/245-7500
                  rrosene () oc tbgi com
  
        KEYWORD:  CALIFORNIA
      INDUSTRY KEYWORD:  COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED PRODUCT REPEATS:
  New York 212-752-9600 or 800-221-2462; Boston 617-236-4266 or
  
           800-225-2030; SF 415-986-4422 or 800-227-0845; LA 310-820-
  9473