Media Release by Toshiba (Australia ) Pty. Ltd., Sydney , 18 January 2006:

Toshiba ( Australia ) Pty. Limited Information Systems Division (ISD) has today launched two new business notebooks based on Intel's new high performance dual-core processor and chipset, Centrino Duo (formerly codenamed Napa), which was released in Australia today.

The two new models are the:

• Tecra A7: A 15.4-inch widescreen business fleet notebook; and
• Tecra A6 : A 14.1-inch widescreen mobile PC for business users requiring balance of mobility, features and value.

Toshiba will launch several other models, purpose-built for business use, over the next few weeks As with all of Toshiba's business models, security and ruggedisation are focuses within the two new models, incorporating a range of Toshiba EasyGuard security, connectivity and ruggedisation features.

The new models are also fully compliant with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances i (RoHS) directive for environmentally-friendly electronic equipment. All of Toshiba's NEW notebooks and accessories will be fully compliant by April 2006, several months prior to the directive's deadline and the first vendor to fully comply. Mark Whittard: General Manager, Toshiba ISD - Australia and New Zealand said: “Intel bringing duall-core technology into the mainstream is yet another reason for why 2006 will be the year of the notebook computer. The added performance and battery life offered by this technology will facilitate another leap in the productivity and multi-tasking capability of mobile workers.”

Tecra A7: affordable widescreen business fleet system (RRP K6849-K8575 inc GST)
The Toshiba Tecra A7 is an all-round desktop replacement for business users wanting the latest features and mobile computing technology. It has a 15.4 inch widescreen display, which effectively widens the viewing area by 30 per cent compared to a standard 15 inch screen. It also offers advanced security and durability features including a spill-resistant keyboard, three-dimensional hard disk drive protection and biometric fingerprint reader.

Tecra A6: 14.1-inch business notebook (RRP K6265 inc GST)
The Toshiba Tecra A6 is a 14.1-inch notebook designed for users on the go offering a balance of mobility, performance and price. Being a 14.1-inch form-factor means it is a more mobile option for those who frequently travel to business meetings, but by incorporating widescreen it again allows for a greater viewing and better productivity. It also offers high graphics capability, with ATi X1400 graphics and DVD SuperMulti Double/Dual Layer optical drive incorporated. The Tecra A6 offers the same EasyGuard security and ruggedisation features offered in the Tecra A7.

1 Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
The EU RoHS directive stipulates that from 1 July 2006, all new electrical and electronic equipment has to contain substitute materials for potentially hazardous materials including lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium. Toshiba was the first to launch a fully RoHS-compliant PC with the launch of the Tecra S3 in November 2005. By April 2006, Toshibas entire notebook and accessory range will be fully-RoHS compliant.