Toshiba Tecra M11 gets Core i3/i5 from $879

It's obviously a week for laptop processor upgrades, and while Toshiba's Tecra M11 notebooks aren't quite as eye-catching – or as fast – as Apple's new MacBook Pro machines, they're a whole lot cheaper.  The 14-inch Tecra M11 packs Intel's latest Core i3 and Core i5 CPUs, together with up to 3GB of DDR3 memory and standard Intel HD graphics; if you're willing to splash out on the top-spec model, you get NVIDIA NVS 2100M graphics instead.

Connectivity, meanwhile, includes WiFi a/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, gigabit ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports and a combo USB/eSATA, along with an ExpressCard slot, memory card reader and both Mini DisplayPort and VGA outputs.  There's also an integrated DVD burner, 6-cell battery and both Windows 7 and XP.

Toshiba reckon the 6-cell battery will last for around 4hrs, which considering the M11 will probably end up on office desks isn't so bad.  Prices for the new Toshiba Tecra M11 models kicks off at $879 for a Core i3 machine, with a preconfigured M11 Core i5 with discrete NVIDIA graphics coming in at $1,299.

Press Release:

Toshiba Announces Tecra M11: a Powerhouse Laptop for Road Warriors

Business Laptop Delivers Performance, Durability and Security with New Stylish Design and Three-Year Limited Warranty

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the availability of the new Tecra® M11 Series, high-performance business laptops designed to meet the demanding needs of mobile professionals. With an all-new look featuring a unique textured finish in Charcoal Black that helps reduce fingerprints, the Tecra M11 perfectly balances performance, durability, security and style.

"Mobile professionals cannot sacrifice productivity on the road, needing all the conveniences of the office no matter where they are"

The Tecra M11 laptop features a vibrant 14-inch diagonal high definition LED backlit anti-glare display, which brings presentations to life with bright and crisp colors. Equipped with Windows® 7 Professional, all-new 2010 Intel® Core™ processors, ultrafast DDR3 memory, high-speed hard drives and optional discrete graphics, Tecra M11 laptops offer the performance necessary to maximize productivity.

"Mobile professionals cannot sacrifice productivity on the road, needing all the conveniences of the office no matter where they are," said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "The Tecra M11 Series represents our ability to provide the latest mobile technologies, smart features and comprehensive security in a highly portable and affordable package. These laptops are built with our renowned quality and enhanced durability and we back the laptop with a generous three-year limited warranty to assure businesses can buy with confidence."

Travel Easy. Smart Features.

At less than one-and-a-half inches thick and just over five pounds, the Tecra M11 is built for travel and includes smart features ideal for business on the road. The laptop includes Toshiba's eSATA/USB combo port with Sleep and Charge, which enables users to charge a smart phone or other USB device even when the laptop is turned off and transfer files up to five times faster than via a standard USB port1. Advanced wireless and a built-in webcam and microphone enable more effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.

Work securely. Move freely.

A multitude of security features on the laptop helps safeguard sensitive business data. Multiple-level passwords, plus a fingerprint and SmartCard reader help thwart unwanted access and a Trusted Platform Module offers high-level data encryption. The Tecra M11 laptops also include Toshiba's advanced EasyGuard® technology to protect the PC from accidental bumps and spills and come standard with a standard three-year international limited warranty.

More information and detailed specifications can be found at:

laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/M11.

Pricing and Availability

Tecra M11 Series laptops start at $899.00 (MSRP2) and are now available through authorized WSCA/NASPO resellers, select Toshiba Preferred Partner Program resellers, e-tailers and directly at toshibadirect.com. More information about WSCA and Toshiba's mobile solutions can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/wsca.