When it comes to devices and gadgets that can change the course of the computer industry, nothing says top of the line like Toshiba. If that sentence sounds weird, that is because the Toshiba Libretto w100 is really the first big new entry for a company that has been around a long time. In short, the Libretto w100 is built to compete with a little device called the iPad and just about every other tablet PC and netbook on the market. With a release date sometime in August of 2010 according to Toshiba.com, and a reported price tag between $1000 and $1400, the Libretto may be either one of the coolest gadgets to come around this year or the most foolish.
Libretto w100 Hardware & Software
PC World helps clear up the anticipate hardware specifications on the Libretto by stating the unit will have 1.2 Ghz processor, 2 GB of DDR3 Ram, 62 GB Hard Drive, a 1 mega pixel forward facing camera, a USB 2.0 port, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and an 8 cell battery that lasts about four or five hours. Toshiba has decided to go with Windows 7 Home Premium as an operating system. While the hardware specs are more than adequate for a device like this, going with Windows 7 rather than Android is what may really make the Libretto a popular unit. Since most offices and homes run Windows already, this tablet PC will fit in rather nicely as far as syncing multimedia and interfacing with the existing network. Of course, as many iPad fans and owners already know linking the iPad up with an existing network can spell trouble, in addition that unit does not have a USB port or a web cam. In addition, the Libretto is Flash Media Player compatible, which means users can access more sites on this device than on the iPad, which does not support Flash technology.
Libretto w100 Dual Screens
The dual 7″ touch screens make the Libretto look like a big Nintendo DS. This fact may help the unit as far user approach. The wide success of the DS has brought familiarity to dual screens for a variety of users, and since the Libretto has a few different keyboard layout options just about everyone will be able to use the device as they wish. While other interactions and key details remain to be released, the Libretto will likely use a stylus and keyboard as a user interface.
Libretto w100 Portability & Price
With a weight under two pounds and the folding ability of the Libretto w100, the unit is extremely portable. The presence of the Wi-Fi will allow users to take advantage of whatever hotspot they desire. Of course, mobile broadband is also an option, which only enhances the position of this unit in the market. While the price tag has not been officially announced, PC World has put this unit between $1000 and $1400, which is almost twice that of the iPad. Still with the amount of extra features and two screen technology, the Toshiba Libretto w100 will be a unit to follow upon its’ release and the fast approaching holiday season. With the glut of tablet PC’s due to be released this year, there will likely be a clear cut winner by the end of the year and the Libretto may prove to be that winner.
sources:
http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/libretto/W100
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/199411/toshiba_libretto_w100_looks_promising_for_mobile_workers.html?tk=hp_blg
