While and
UMPCs seem to be stealing the tablet headlines lately, at least one company has launched a tablet on the other end of the size spectrum: the new Toshiba Tecra M7 has a starting weight of 5.9 pounds. While a tablet of such heft is clearly not intended for taking notes clipboard style, it should make a decent companion on your trip to the conference room or classroom. Like the
Gateway CX200X, the Tecra M7 features a 14.1-inch wide-screen display; the Tecra M7's has a fine 1,440x900 (WXGA+) native resolution. The rest of the spec options include:
1.66GHz or 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor
Up to 4GB of 533MHz or 667MHz RAM
Intel Graphics Accelerator 950 shared graphics
80GB or 100GB hard drives spinning at 5,400rpm
Double-layer DVD burner
Four USB 2.0 ports and a 5-in-1 media card reader
802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi and optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Trusted Platform Module and fingerprint reader for security
Three-year warranty
With a starting price of $1,599, the Tecra M7 is available today through Toshiba's Web site and resellers.
With the Tecra A8, meanwhile, Toshiba seems to have focused its enhancements on sturdiness, including a protective display cover, hard drive vibration protection, and a reinforced keyboard; plus, Toshiba is bundling a free year of accidental damage coverage with the system. Built around a 15.4-inch wide-screen display with a 1,280x800 (WXGA) resolution, the Tecra A8 has a few more configuration options than the M7, including:
Intel Celeron and Core Duo processors from 1.6GHz to 1.83GHz
Up to 4GB of 533MHz RAM or up to 2GB of 667MHz RAM
Shared Intel or ATI Radeon Xpress graphics
60GB, 80GB, or 100GB hard drives spinning at 5,400rpm
Double-layer DVD burner option
Three USB 2.0 ports
802.11b/g Wi-Fi
Trusted Platform Module and fingerprint reader for security
One-year warranty
Pricing for the 6.4-pound Tecra A8, also available today, starts at a mind-bogglingly low $699.
We're eager to find out how both these systems perform, so stay tuned for a full review.